Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Factory Manual misinformation on the lower pump bracket on the VP44 injection pump.
In the installation and removal section for the VP44 pump Pg. 14-33 fig. 69 (diesel supplement); this figure depicts the lower pump bracket with 3 bolts and the engine bracket with 2 bolts.
I looked at this picture from all different angles and came to the conclusion that the brackets must act as a rest for pump R&R because there is no way these 2 brackets bolt together, so I get under my truck and look at these two brackets.
The engine bracket is bolted to the block by what the picture shows as 2 open holes. Next, I look at the lower pump bracket and notice that the spot where the 3rd bolt is located is an arched slot 2"+ long. It had marks from a bolt being tightened on the rear of this bracket, and on the side was a tab with a hole threaded for #8 x 1. 25 metric threads. I NOW SURMISE THAT I HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM... #@$%!
As I look at the engine bracket more closely, there is a 1" notch on the top towards the front that the pump bracket fits loosely into, and a spot of weld about the size of the nail on my little finger. Now I know part (or parts) of my bracket is missing. Instantly, I have visions of what illiterate half-wit assembled the 1998 factory service manual and supplement. :-{}
I have used them many times and wondered why I have to have at least 6 different spots marked in 6 different parts of the manual to complete ONE task. It is the worst Factory Manual I have ever used.
Enough of this, now that my blood pressure has returned to less than stroke level, I can get on with the VP44 problem (not good for an old retired guy :-laf).
I found that to get the engine bracket off, the power steering pump must be removed. The original brackets were not designed to withstand vibrations of the CTD. I found a piece of 1/4" x 2" strap iron in my scrap remnants pile. Using my zip wheel on the die grinder, drill press and a #8 x 1. 25 metric tap, I fabbed up the pieces and bolted them in place. Then, tack welded everthing with the mig welder; removed and completed the welds on the bench. The bracket is now anchored to the original engine bracket with a 2" weld instead of one small spot. I had to grind some clearance for bolt clearance and pump removal with the zip wheel and carbide burr chucked in the die grinder.
I bolted everything back together, started the engine and WOW Oo. what a difference in sound. It is much, much quieter than before fabricating the new mount. It sounds similar to a late model CTD. The lower pump bracket problem, along with 110+ degree heat in AZ probably contributed to the death of my VP44 (170,000 miles).
I had an AirDog fuel "PREPORATOR" system for about 15,000 miles prior to the VP44 going bad, but too little, too late. At this time I am very satisfied with my homemade bracketry (didn't have time to take pictures).
In the installation and removal section for the VP44 pump Pg. 14-33 fig. 69 (diesel supplement); this figure depicts the lower pump bracket with 3 bolts and the engine bracket with 2 bolts.
I looked at this picture from all different angles and came to the conclusion that the brackets must act as a rest for pump R&R because there is no way these 2 brackets bolt together, so I get under my truck and look at these two brackets.
The engine bracket is bolted to the block by what the picture shows as 2 open holes. Next, I look at the lower pump bracket and notice that the spot where the 3rd bolt is located is an arched slot 2"+ long. It had marks from a bolt being tightened on the rear of this bracket, and on the side was a tab with a hole threaded for #8 x 1. 25 metric threads. I NOW SURMISE THAT I HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM... #@$%!
As I look at the engine bracket more closely, there is a 1" notch on the top towards the front that the pump bracket fits loosely into, and a spot of weld about the size of the nail on my little finger. Now I know part (or parts) of my bracket is missing. Instantly, I have visions of what illiterate half-wit assembled the 1998 factory service manual and supplement. :-{}
I have used them many times and wondered why I have to have at least 6 different spots marked in 6 different parts of the manual to complete ONE task. It is the worst Factory Manual I have ever used.
Enough of this, now that my blood pressure has returned to less than stroke level, I can get on with the VP44 problem (not good for an old retired guy :-laf).
I found that to get the engine bracket off, the power steering pump must be removed. The original brackets were not designed to withstand vibrations of the CTD. I found a piece of 1/4" x 2" strap iron in my scrap remnants pile. Using my zip wheel on the die grinder, drill press and a #8 x 1. 25 metric tap, I fabbed up the pieces and bolted them in place. Then, tack welded everthing with the mig welder; removed and completed the welds on the bench. The bracket is now anchored to the original engine bracket with a 2" weld instead of one small spot. I had to grind some clearance for bolt clearance and pump removal with the zip wheel and carbide burr chucked in the die grinder.
I bolted everything back together, started the engine and WOW Oo. what a difference in sound. It is much, much quieter than before fabricating the new mount. It sounds similar to a late model CTD. The lower pump bracket problem, along with 110+ degree heat in AZ probably contributed to the death of my VP44 (170,000 miles).
I had an AirDog fuel "PREPORATOR" system for about 15,000 miles prior to the VP44 going bad, but too little, too late. At this time I am very satisfied with my homemade bracketry (didn't have time to take pictures).
