Does after-market fuel pump void VP44 warrantee?

[Boondocker]

Does anyone have first-hand account of a dealer / DC denying warrantee of a failed/failing VP44 due to the installation of an after-market fuel pump system such as AirDog, FASS, RASP, various pushers, etc? I haven't heard of any yet, but the consideration could have a bearing on if/when I tap my Comp into the wire of doom.



Thanks,

Neil

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

WELL, I can sure tell ya that if *I* was a vehicle manufacturer, I would void the warranty on a fuel system that incorporates pump(s) that are not of my own make or certified for use BY me...



And I think if you are totally honest, YOU wouldn't EITHER! Because if you warranted ONE such setup, you'd have to warrant ALL of them, including the trashy ones installed by owners who didn't know one end of a sledge hammer from another!



And yeah - that goes for my OWN installed Carter pusher as well!

 

[ILIANBG]

I know a guy with 01 HO 2500 with one of the big aftermarket pumps, who has a written statement from a dealer, saying that if he mantains the specific pressure (and he has gauges inside) that they tested and were satisfied with, they will waranty the VP-44. So, as you can see, there always are exeptions.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I know a guy with 01 HO 2500 with one of the big aftermarket pumps, who has a written statement from a dealer, saying that if he mantains the specific pressure (and he has gauges inside) that they tested and were satisfied with, they will waranty the VP-44. So, as you can see, there always are exeptions.

It's NOT the *dealer* who gives final approval on VP-44 replacements - it's STAR - so unless the dealer is willing to pay for a replacement outta his OWN pocket, his "guarantee" may well be worthless!

 

[ILIANBG]

Worthless or not the guy is going to be covered, and the VP-44 replaced for FREE, which ultimately is what matters.

By the way,Gary, I'm really interested in your set-up for fuel delivery, do you run 2 LPs in tandem?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Worthless or not the guy is going to be covered, and the VP-44 replaced for FREE, which ultimately is what matters.

By the way,Gary, I'm really interested in your set-up for fuel delivery, do you run 2 LPs in tandem?

Yes, the stock LP in it's OEM position, and a Carter 4600 8-10 PSI pump down on the frame rail next to the fuel tank - perfect operation for nearly 40,000 miles and over 3 years so far.

 

[ILIANBG]

I'm Ilian , by the way and live in L. A. CA. , and I want to do the same thing, from what I read on this site, I like to be able to find replacements easy, and not spent a lot of money. Do you think you can post any pics , and also how do you get the wiring done so they work perfect? I'm sorry, but I do not have that much mechanic's experience. I will appreciate any help. Thanks.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

No detailed info on the pusher install - but here's a couple of pics of the pump setup - first is the pusher off the truck. showing the bypass valve arrangement I made up to assure fuel flow around the pump to guarantee the VP-44 would not be starved for fuel if the pusher failed, causing a fuel blockage:



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And here's the pump installed - I have since removed the filter attached to the pump because other fine filters made it unneccessary:



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Basically, the added pusher gets it's operating voltage direct from the battery, and that voltage goes thru an added Radio Shack relay that get's it's control voltage from the stock LP - that way, the pusher operates exactly like the LP does, but without adding current load to the vehicle computer.

 

[WCPoe]

Where's the check valve?

Gary, Is there a check valve in that set-up I see? What keeps the fuel from just going around and back through the pump over and over again?

 

[BradyWilliams]

RE: Fass Fuel System

Technically your right about the after market lp's. However given the unreliable nature of the stock lp most Dodge dealers would not tell Star about such an item if it has not failed. Warranty denial on such an item could open legal litigation and that would be an indefensible position by Star or the dealer. Fueling or power increases how ever are a liability for Dodge and that is very defensible. Dodge would never assume liability for any after market product but would not not void a warranty unless the Fass fuel system had failed. To my knowledge the Fass fuel system is the only supply system that is backed with a 4 year warranty. Dodge dealers know of all these products usually and they also know they have a lp problem and so far no solution. There has been talks about a lp in the tank fix but to date no release. I do not speak for Dodge I'm just giving an observation. You may want to buy your next VP44 from a Bosch Dealer that services VP44 (not all are authorized to service VP44) Thanks PS, Nice job on the lp install.

 

[R-N-R]

It's NOT the *dealer* who gives final approval on VP-44 replacements - it's STAR - so unless the dealer is willing to pay for a replacement outta his OWN pocket, his "guarantee" may well be worthless!

True, but then Star is typically on the phone, the dealer is on the truck. Unless it is a case of modified parts such as a VP pierced wire.



EDIT: I need to hit refresh more often... . Good post Brett!

 

[nps]

There has been talks about a lp in the tank fix but to date no release.

The intank pump is released. If you have a failed LP replaced by a dealer you don't have a choice - dealers can't get the old LP anymore.



Does it work? Jury is out. A post today from a member is claiming they can pull the in tank pump down to 0psi at WOT.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"Gary, Is there a check valve in that set-up I see? What keeps the fuel from just going around and back through the pump over and over again?"



Yes - check out this thread for details...





https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59880



It will be interesting to see the efficiency and lifespan of the DC LP "fix" - but the above report as to PSI under full throttle is NOT encouraging in terms of fuel supply, regardless of how long the pump itself lives, and it looks like added pushers to increase available fuel will remain the primary alternative.

 

[WCPoe]

Thanks Gary for the link showing the check valve. I was thinking along your lines with another inline pump. Your design provides a double system with automatic backup - very clever. Thanks for the info.