Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Dealer Supplied Re-Man VP44

[PRout]

In the light of being the next 2nd Gen owner to need a new VP44 , was just wondering what we are actually getting when we go with a dealer supplied pump.



Are we getting any of the upgraded (Fed-Ex) electronics? Are we still getting an old worn out housing that is prone to failing again soon?



If so, it doesnt make much sense to pay the big bucks to have the same weaknesses as before. .



Have been reading through the VP threads and there is alot of conflicting onfo out there. .



So the question is, dealer supplied, Blue-Chip Diesel Hardened, Industrial Injection Hot Rod pump (which seems to have some mixed comments on rough idle). . All cheaper than from the dealer ($1850). How about a p-pump and get the VP out of there? Sounds like there are some issues to be worked out there too.



Sure do like this truck, and not ready to give up on it yet. . Just looking for a little more info before deciding which way to go - Thanks.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

About a month ago, I bought a Industrial Injection rebuilt VP-44 as a spare for "just in case".



I only have a bit over 40K miles on my truck, but we RV a lot, sometimes in isolated areas where a decent dealership or diesel garage is likely hard to find. I also don't like the notion of being at the mercy, $$$-wise, of some shop as to the quality or price of a replacement pump, if that becomes necessary.



I paid just under $1000 for my spare - it has all the usual upgrades, including the Fedex module - there's now an even better module being used - and that beats what a lot of shops want to charge, plus, we're not stranded for days while waiting for a replacement to be shipped to wherever we happen to be.



It's mostly a matter of whether you want to make the investment in $$$, or take a chance - lots like making sure you have a good spare tire out on the road - you hope you never need it, but it's a comfort knowing it's there.



Besides, in the case of the spare VP-44, it's a very marketable item if there's no longer a need for it.

 

[PRout]

Gary,



Thats the way I've been leaning also.



It sounds pretty hard to beat that price for a unit with the upgrades. Even if they cost a little more than that now, like you say, its an "investment". One way or another, you will get your moneys' worth. If you never need to use it you can think of the "peace of mind" as your interest dividends.



Also, the HotRod pump is interesting, but the rougher idle and not knowing how it will work with my VanAaken makes it a bit of a gamble.



Will probably go with a standard ETC pump w/ latest upgrades. Possibly from II. Would be nice if the dealer would install their pump.



Thanks for the reply.

 

[ARoss]

Other than the HRVP, the pumps are all the same. All of the Bosch authorized rebuilders, which is probably the majority, if not all, use the same parts to rebuild their pumps. The "FedEx" term is only that, a marketing term given by a specific rebuilder to identify the upgrade. This term is not used by everyone, even though they're using the same parts ... some rebuilders won't know what you're talking about. The "FedEx" PSG's address starting cycles. FedEX was having problems with the frequent starting and stopping of their vehicles, so Bosch came up with an improved PSG, which, in turn, benefited us all!



All VP's have to be bench tested. The only way the pump passes the test is if "ALL" worn parts, mechanical and electrical, are replaced, no exceptions ... there's only one way to pass! Believe me when I say, I did extensive research on this item (I'm on pump #3). I'm quite sure the standard pump that II is selling has the same parts/upgrades as the pumps Midwest Injection are selling ... and the dealer. It wouldn't make sense for Bosch to come up with an upgrade and only sell it to II ... that's just not good business!



Hope this helps!

 

[rweis]

ARoss,



Your on VP44 pump #3, your thoughts as to why?



What is your running environment?

Do you do anything to your fuel?

How ofen do you change your ff?

Have you modified your fuel lines?

Do you tap the pump wire?

Do you have stock injectors?



Generally, from someone that has had multiple failures, how do you see it?



Bob Weis

 

[ARoss]

The truck had a VP failure before I got it @ 96k. I got it at 121K with a bad lift pump... and probably a bad VP. At 134K I had to replace the VP. From the time I have owned the truck, I've used additive.



Before I purchased a VP, I did several months of research ... really don't want to see a fourth pump. I have spoken with rebuilders locally and several long distance. I've had rebuilders laugh at me because of some of the questions I have asked, which were things I've picked up through uneducated discussion. Hopefully, this will be the last pump I put in this truck ... wishful thinking!



I don't have the wire tapped (nothing to tap), replace my filter at every oil change (overkill, I know) and use RBP additive (local company with excellent reputation).

 

[PRout]

So, are we saying the upgraded pumps still have a high failure rate??

 

[nps]

Other than the HRVP, the pumps are all the same. All of the Bosch authorized rebuilders, which is probably the majority, if not all, use the same parts to rebuild their pumps. The "FedEx" term is only that, a marketing term given by a specific rebuilder to identify the upgrade. This term is not used by everyone, even though they're using the same parts ... some rebuilders won't know what you're talking about. The "FedEx" PSG's address starting cycles. FedEX was having problems with the frequent starting and stopping of their vehicles, so Bosch came up with an improved PSG, which, in turn, benefited us all!



All VP's have to be bench tested. The only way the pump passes the test is if "ALL" worn parts, mechanical and electrical, are replaced, no exceptions ... there's only one way to pass! Believe me when I say, I did extensive research on this item (I'm on pump #3). I'm quite sure the standard pump that II is selling has the same parts/upgrades as the pumps Midwest Injection are selling ... and the dealer. It wouldn't make sense for Bosch to come up with an upgrade and only sell it to II ... that's just not good business!



Hope this helps!

While it is reasonable to assume all replacement parts are the same, and it is true to say all worn parts must be changed to pass the bench test, the thing that separates rebuilder A from B is the decision to replace USED parts with NEW parts even if they that are not WORN versus the rebuilder that replaces only enough parts to get the pump to pass the bench test.



IMO this would mean that all rebuild pumps are not the same.

 

[NoSeeUm]

ARoss,



What year is your truck?



Jim

 

[ARoss]

ARoss,



What year is your truck?



Jim

It's a 99.



NPS,



I had the same question about new/used parts. Each of the rebuilders assured me that there isn't any wearable parts that are not replaced. I was under the impression that only certain rebuilders swapped cases ... wrong ... all of the rebuilders I spoke to replace the case. Sorry, but I've talked to too many, and got the same answers, for this not to be a fact.



If you want a HR pump, then compare those and make an educated purchase. Those pumps are designed differently by each of their respective rebuilders. I'm only speaking for the standard VP44.

 

[nps]

If you want a HR pump, then compare those and make an educated purchase. Those pumps are designed differently by each of their respective rebuilders. I'm only speaking for the standard VP44.

When my time comes I'll get a standard VP44. Mines still going after 50K miles (and the Vegas summers that have air temps hotter than the temps some run their fuel through the VP), but since my 5 year warranty on the Cummins ends this week, I'm sure that the VP will be going soon after.



Good to hear they are the same. Then I'll be safe buying on price alone. I'm actually kind of glad my warranty is up. Now I won't have to decide whether to let the dealer change a VP (to save $) or do it myself to keep the dealer's hands off my truck.

 

[ARoss]

NPS, the pump is a pretty straight forward item to change, just a little time consuming for the shade tree mechanic. Save this link: http://www.boschservice.com/ and when your ready, find yourself a local rebuilder through Bosch's search function. All their prices are comparable.

 

[rweis]

GOOD information to have.



Bob Weis