2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Good bye 3rd gen, back to 2nd

[CrimeFighter]

Ok guys Im selling my 03 and got my eye on a 01 24valve. Ive been looking at some of these posts here and I am a little confused about the lift pump and vp44 issues. Yes I have done searches but theres so much info Im not sure what was the final result. The truck Im looking at has 95k and is really good shape. Nothing in the fuel system has gone out. My questions are :



Do these items mentioned above always go out, and what was the average mileage of them failing ?



What is this FASS system and will this solve any problems ?



My concern is this, I dont wannna be stuck on the side of the road w/ my family when they go out .



any clarity will help... Thanks, Tom

 

[IC Smoke]

Fuel Pump Gauge along with the rest, Boost/Trans/Pyro



fass is a second pump to bypass your lift pump and keep constant pressure to your VP44 even with a fass/rasp/pusher pump your VP44 isnt 100% safe from suicide. I installed a Holly Blue pump as a "pusher" that pushes fuel thru the lift pump.



IMO if your going to go with a fass/rasp/airdog go with the rasp its mechanical not electronic. dont kill me fass guys but mechanical vs electronic is like a p7100 vs vp44





gauges gauges gauges!!! I installed mine then 3 weeks later I saw a drop in my fuel pressure and that day I installed a new LP and it was back to 18lbs!!!



Ian

 

[GFrance]

So why are you getting rid of the 3rd gen? My 2001. 5 has been problem free since day one. I do have a fuel presure gauge & carry a spare lift pump. There have been alot of members who have gone thru several lift pumps, then there are some high mileage trucks running around with their original lift pump. The Fass system is one alternative that has good reviews although a little noisy. If I was running high HP I would opt for the Rasp mechanical pump. Keep the vp44 fed with fuel & you shouldn't have any problems. I have replced my fuel lines with bigger lines & replaced the fittings with AN fittings & run good fuel presure to the vp44 even at wot.

 

[CrimeFighter]

So, let me get this straight the vp44 wont go out as long as it has pressure ?. The lift pump is the weak link?



GFrance, I love my 03, but need to sell for the $$.

 

[RustyJC]

I took delivery of my truck on August 15, 2001. It's never been back to the dealer - no warranty problems whatsoever.



I'm still on the original lift pump and VP-44. Fuel supply pressure is 16+ PSIG at idle, 14 PSIG at 70 MPH cruise while towing 5th wheel, 11 PSIG at WOT.



Rusty

 

[amnewsom]

2002, 9-01 build, LP readings of idle 13, cruise 11, WOT about 9. 5, it still pulls strong and the numbers are solid no variation. I might look into a big fuel line kit to help out and maybe order a spare LP just in case with the Edge EZ going on.



Before you buy that truck have the pressure checked at the VP and go from there with the decision.



T

 

[Forrest Nearing]

if the VP is fed a steady diet of good fuel, it'll last a long time... problem is there can already be damage done without any indications... I'd want to put a pressure gauge on the lift pump and do a fuel filter change before I even bought it.



can't tell you how many times I've heard, "I changed the fuel filter, now it won't start" (because the lift pump is toast... how long has it been toast and what kind of damage has been done to the injection pump!?!)



Forrest

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"can't tell you how many times I've heard, "I changed the fuel filter, now it won't start" (because the lift pump is toast... how long has it been toast and what kind of damage has been done to the injection pump!?!)"



MAN, ain't THAT the truth!



Sometimes I thing we oughta change the name of this board from "TDR", to "GET GUAGES!"

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

CrimeFighter, I did the same as you and went back to a 2nd Gen (except I got a 12-valver). Went from a 34k mile '03 to a 351k mile '96.



Another way to keep the VP44 healthy is fuel conditioner at every fillup. I think it was Piers who posted once that he can tell on torn-down injection pumps which ones were run with conditioner (they were in better shape).



Vaughn

 

[WestTN]

My 2002 has almost 87,000 miles and has had NO repairs. Even the tires are still originals! I have never put an additive in the tank.

 

[JCyrbok]

Well there is no way to tell how long the LP and the VP will work for. I am on my 4th lift pump ( two total failures while driving) and my truck is currently in the shop getting a new VP put on. This was all in 45K with very minimal towing, fuel from high volume station and Stadyne performace in EVERY tank since truck left the showroom floor. The mileage btween my last two LP failures was about 3k!



FASS is going in the day my truck comes back from the dealer!.



Very first thing to do is gauages. Takes about one full day, if you have never done them to install boost, egt and fuel pressure gauages and these are the bare minimun needed. They are worth the money!



A failed LP does not always mean a failed VP, but the failures can be cumilative, as in my case. The LP can go with out warning and many people, myself included carry a spare under the seat. The LP is a weak link which can take out the VP as well.



Keys to prolonging life is steady flow of clean, water free quality fuel, fuel conditioner in every tank, fuel pressure guage.



Hope this helps.

J-

 

[Forrest Nearing]

My 2002 has almost 87,000 miles and has had NO repairs. Even the tires are still originals! I have never put an additive in the tank.

I hope whatever your computer is sitting on is made of wood and that you're knocking on it!! LOL!

 

[jcosola]

There are a lot of opinions on wether or not fuel conditioners should be used. What are some suggestions on recommended conditioners?

 

[CrimeFighter]

JCyrbok your post makes me nervous !! I had a 98. 5 before my 2003 and never had any issues with it , but it only had 50k on it.





As far as testing the fuel pressure I didnt know you could measure it at different locations in the fuel system. . (?) are you just using a handheld gauge at a schrader valve ??



How hard to change out lift pumps and how much do they cost. Thats the second time I have read that you guys carry spares Im assuming that they arent that hard to change out .

 

[GFrance]

About 30 min. to change out a lift pump. I picked up my spare from Cummins N. W. for $150. 00 plus shipping.