Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Does piercing the pump wire reduce life of vp44

[SethA]

I am just wondering everybody's opinion on this topic seems like everybody has a different answer if you talk to the performance shops about buyin a chip they tell you it doesn't hurt it but they also say that it voids the warranty on the vp44. So it seems that is does something to it.

What are your thoughts and opinions and if anybody has any facts it would be nice.

I searched this topic and didn't find anything so sorry if its a repeat.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

SethA,

Good question, but the poll needs another choice; "It Depends. "

Read what Blue Chip says and you will understand. Scroll halfway down the page.

http://www.bluechipdiesel.com/index.html

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I'd second that it depends and Chip's article there does a great job of explaining it. I have 210,000 miles on my original early 98 build VP44 (when they were supposed to have the real problems). I've had my pump wire pierced since 28,000 miles and since 65,000 miles I've had a custom PM3 on it that is set to run the solenoid at a max duty cycle of 70% (the PM3 comp box is set to run at a max of 65%) and I leave it on level 7 all the time (except when I'm towing when I turn it down to 5). I've monitored the fuel pressure since roughly 45,000 miles and had run it with no fuel pressure for a while before that (found that out when I added the fuel pressure gauge) - since that time it's had good fuel pressure. On the other hand I know of quite a few guys that pierced the pump wire and the pump died almost immediately.

 

[SethA]

thanks for the responses i have read the blue chip page and near as i can figure if you make it the first 20 min you will most likely be alright but if not well you just bought yet another vp44

 

[SAndreasen]

and who has a thousand dollars to throw out for another vp when o sorry i guess your pump only made it fifteen minutes sorry #@$%! when i emailed blue chip about this there answer was the same dumb *** one liner well in my opinion it wont hurt but if you do it and your pump goes tits up we got a new one we can send right out to you for ony 1600. 00 ****in bucks

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

SAndreasen,

Hey, c'mon now! Blue Chip did not design or manufacture the pump, Bosch did. Blue Chip simply investigated why the VP44 was breaking and then shared that info with anyone who wanted to visit thier website or call them. I applaud them for not keeping secrets and for telling the truth no matter how hard it might be to swallow. There is NO way to tell whether a particular VP had the ill-fitting parts from the factory. As Steve pointed out, he has absolutely racked out his very susceptible VP as much as possible for a long time and it is still good. Simply luck of the draw, or, pick of the truck. Blue Chip was not trying to be a smart aleck, simply stating the known truth; they do not (nor does anyone) have a VP44 crystal ball. Roll of the dice when you modify.

I understand your frustration. But let's put the blame solely where it belongs: on those of us who choose to make our truck "un-stock!"

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[BTowler]

Trent, you forgot one thing. The VP44 has a nasty habit of failing whether you bomb the truck or not! When mine went all I had was RV275 injectors!

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

I'm with Steve on this one, 171,000 miles, wire tapped since 40 something thousand miles and injectors since 120 something. Box was on 3x5 or 5x5 the whole time before I got the injectors. I've put waste oil in my tank, used turkey fryer oil, jet A kerosene, etc. Basically I've abused my VP and it still keeps ticking. On the other hand the VE in my 93 went out at just over 100k so as far as I'm concerned the VP is more reliable.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

BTowler,

True, the VP can and does fail at any time, even for no apparent connection with mods. My understanding was SAndreasen was refering to tapping the pump wire (which is the title of this thread) and my comments were focused on that.

I too had RV275's (150,000 miles) on my truck and a Catcher (75,000 miles) before my VP gave out at 400,000 miles. Does this mean the RV's and/or Catcher caused the failure? No, the electronics gave out. Completely different topic from tapping the pump wire where there is a direct link between mod and failure of a previously marginal VP part.

No offense taken or intended.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[BTowler]

No problem, just pointing out the painfull truth about the VP44. My new one has held up well after piercing, but runs a little noisier on ULSD.

 

[SAndreasen]

ya i know it just seems like somebody should have a little more info than what we have been able to come up with :{

 

[Moose Truck]

No problem, just pointing out the painfull truth about the VP44. My new one has held up well after piercing, but runs a little noisier on ULSD.

Well, I'm unpierced, however I did notice that my truck sounds louder on ULSD, than on LSD. My Friend, Paul Rat was able to tell what fuel I'd had in my truck, till they went all USLD here in CT.

 

[DCreed]

I personnally applaud blue for at least saying there is potentionally problem with them(vp44). rather than leave you wonder what happened on the side of the road. nothing man made is perfect at least blue told u about it first