Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Hard start AFTER new VP44

[AlaskanCummins]

Hello all !!



Just installed my new (well, rebuilt) VP44 from Midwest Diesel and am pretty happy, with the exception of this: Still, after the truck gets warm, it'll take about 3-5 seconds of cranking and then she'll fire up. Idles just fine, runs just fine.



This is my Ford w/99 engine. Totally stock w/the exception of FASS 150. I bought the 150 with the intention of someday adding power if I wanted. I've checked all my hoses and connections. Tight. I have a new fuel filter/strainer right after the tank before the selector valve (2 tanks), so no junk at FASS that I know of. NO codes, whereas before I'd be getting the P0216 with the old pump.



From what I've gathered, It might be that the FASS pressure is 16-17psi idle, which may be a couple over what it should be due to no fuel modifications (injectors, etc... ). New check valve too (included with new VP44). I have the new style FASS, because it only runs for a second while the grid heater is on, then comes back on after start-up.



So, question is this: is it that the pressure is too much on the VP44 after I shut her down, then re-start a half hour later and it takes the extra cranks to lower the pressure for her to fire off? Would it then make sense as to the fact that it fires right up first thing in the morning, as the pressure would have had a chance to bleed down a bit?



Sorry for the long post... . I just want to cover as much as possible for some good insight.



Thanks

 

[Leroy D]

Hard start after new VP44 Also

I just had a new VP44 installed last week also and I've been trying to figure this one out also. I noticed that the one second bump of my FASS95 did not create enough fuel pressure to move the pressure gauge. However, when I bumped the starter causing the lift pump to runfor about one minute and then shut down, I hit the starter as the pressure gauge drifted down to about 2 pounds, the beast came alive imediately. I seems to me that a 2 or 3 second bump of the FASS is needed to give the pressure needed for a good start. Am I imagineing this or can anyone out there help us out??????

 

[AlaskanCummins]

Back to the top. No one out there with any ideas?????

 

[burndog]

When my 01 did this same longer than normal warm cranking without starting,it ended up being the fuel injection relay. Try swapping a alike relay in the same fuse box.

 

[AlaskanCummins]

Thanks! I'll definately give that a try, as that's one thing I didn't find while searching the archives or thougt of.

 

[slomodiesel]

I just put new vp44, lines direct from FASS without banjo-and a new transmission- and was running bad at first until I pulled the gas tank siphon apparatus and cut the restrictive screen out at the bottom of the pick-up and put on a very large and strong screen. After reassembly, I took off the line from the FASS to the injector pump at the pump- put it in a gallon jug (the line), and it burped for 5 seconds and then about blew the jug skyward with so much fuel. Reassembly and now it starts in less than a second.

 

[AlaskanCummins]

Slomo - I basically have a "drawstraw" in my rear tank, as it's a totally custom job (I built the tank) with the draw being a 3/8" hose w/no screen or whatnot on the end. I'm using the in-line fuel-strainer type of filters between the tank and selector valve, before the FASS.



My tank behind the seat still had the screen filter on the end of a 3/8" hard line, but the truck's doing it on either tank.



I did however try the relay swop trick, and it seemed to work a couple of days ago. I drove the truck about 30 miles, went to a grocery store where it sat for 30 or so minutes. It started right up. Drove 5 miles home and let it set another 30 or so minutes - started again w/no problems. I think the jury is still out though, as I haven't driven it enough yet.