Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Final Vp-44 update

[azcummins]

Just got the truck back tonight after a weeklong battle of getting a new injection pump. (See threads about "pusher pump too strong" and "pusher pump voids warranty". These are my observations and thoughts with the new pump:



1. Bouncing tach is gone. Sits @9100 rpms now and holds steady. Doesn't ramp up 100 rpms when I'm coasting to a stop either.



2. Dodge paper work says max. recommended fuel psi is 15psi. This is probably why the dealer was upset that my pusher pump ran 22psi. I think the 22 psi also explains why a code was set off that thought I was tampering with the truck. I figure the computer thinks I put a chip in there like the Edge COMP that boosts your pump up. Whatever it thinks, I got a new VP44 and my warranty is still good as long as I take my pusher off.



3. Do I think the pusher is causing issues? No, lots of guys here have had pushers for a while now and no VP44 issues. I think I'm a victim of a generation #1 motor and pump. I still value my 24k miles left of warranty so I think I'll take it off and store it. I'll watch my lift pump pressures closely though as it is still under warranty!



In the end, my dealer took care of me and I have my truck back. I'd recommend knowing a good dealer that is close to you that you know will take care of you.



I'll be interested to see if my fuel mileage goes up with the new pump, but I doubt it. Next step from here... put the EZ and the DDIIs back in!!!

 

[wyosteve]

Glad to hear you're back on the road and that the dealer took decent care of you. Send me a pm sometime to give me your thoughts on the dealer install, etc.

 

[Animal]

azcummins,



What you could do is install a 3 psi pressure bypass after the pusher pump, this will elevate the 22 psi reading back to stock 15 psi while helping on those WOT runs.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Strange that the new injector pump is SUPPOSEDLY rated at 15 lbs max - when we've ALSO been told the newest version of lift pumps being used are rated at 16 lb PSI...

 

[DEZLPWR]

Gary, I couldn't agree with you more!

 

[Snow man]

My dad's new lift pump puts out 16 psi at idle,the old one only had 12 when the truck was new. The new one pegs the Westach guage when its idling. My truck has 22-26 at idle with the pusher,no probs so far,and no hard starting.

 

[azcummins]

Where would I find such a restriction device? Would it just install in line from the pusher pump to the lift pump? Also-if it is a restriction, would hit hurt the pusher pump b/c it would be having to do so much work trying to push 22 psi through a restrictor?

 

[Animal]

It's not a restrictor; it's a pressure bypass (regulator). It bypasses fuel back to the tank, so if your pusher pump produces 15 psi at 100 gals an hour you will have a regulated 100 gals per hour at 3 psi. going to the main pump with the excess going back to the tank from the regulator. This helps the pusher pump because it only has to overcome 3psi of pressure. As the main pump needs more fuel the bypass will send less fuel back to the tank to keep the 3-psi. level.