Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Hard Starting = VP44?

[dalexander]

The Dealer replaced my Lift pump about 3 weeks ago said it was only pumping 23ozs. The tech said that the VP44 was testing okay but may fail down the road because of the lift pump failure. My initial issues were hard starting due to the pump failure, but now the issue is back. The pump is working fine now 15PSI. I cycle the heaters several times and it does pull down the battery voltage so I know they are working, But I have to crank the engine about 5 -10 seconds for it to fire. The temps are in the low 30's in the morning. Is this a possible sign that the VP44 is starting to fail? It used to take a quick blip of the starter to start her up before all this happened. Also no codes showing up yet. Any ideas? Not sure I want to take it back to the dealer unless it showing codes.



Thanks, Dennis

 

[Oil Burner]

any other symptoms? Does it do this when it starts "hot" or just after sitting for several hours. it may be as simple as air getting into your fuel system. might be the vp but maybe not.



Jason

 

[rashwor]

Check for codes.

 

[aarlucas]

The Dealer replaced my Lift pump about 3 weeks ago said it was only pumping 23ozs. The tech said that the VP44 was testing okay but may fail down the road because of the lift pump failure. My initial issues were hard starting due to the pump failure, but now the issue is back. The pump is working fine now 15PSI. I cycle the heaters several times and it does pull down the battery voltage so I know they are working, But I have to crank the engine about 5 -10 seconds for it to fire. The temps are in the low 30's in the morning. Is this a possible sign that the VP44 is starting to fail? It used to take a quick blip of the starter to start her up before all this happened. Also no codes showing up yet. Any ideas? Not sure I want to take it back to the dealer unless it showing codes.



Thanks, Dennis

These are the EXACT same symtoms I had when my pump went bad. It will only get worse and then not start at all one day. Bite the bullet now and get the pump before you get stranded somewhere.

 

[dalexander]

Update

The dealer called yesterday on a courtesy follow up on the lift pump repairs. I told them what was going on. They talked to the tech and he thinks it is a sign the Injection pump is starting to fail. He said there are tests he can run even if there are no codes that will confirm the pump is faulty. He said STAR will not allow them to replace both pumps at once and warned me that the injection pump may fail when I picked it up after the initial repairs. The dealer has been great to deal with I have no complaints. They are going to set up an appointment for me when they have an opening to test and replace the VP44 if necessary.



Dennis

 

[SKneeland]

same symptoms im having at the moment (check post "hard to start when cold"



mine will start like normal if i try to start again within half an hour or so of shut down though



let me know how it works out





btw, took it to the local 5 star dealer when i first had this problem... ... charged me $96. 00 to check the codes and tell me nothing is wrong

 

[EGaskamp]

A way to check if the vp44 is bad is when the truck is idling put it in nuetral and floor the accelerator and hold it for 10 sec. The engine will rev to about 3500 rpm, the governor will stop it from going any further. Will holding the gas if you hear the truck running really bad and start smoking then it is your injector pump that is gone.

 

[dalexander]

Update

Dropped my truck off Monday night. Dealer called me this morning (tuesday) with an update. The Injection pump is indeed defective and they are ordering a new one. They said they are hoping to get it back to me by Thursday or Friday. At 42K miles I think it's time for gauges to keep an eye on the lift pump.



Thanks, Dennis