Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Hard starting when hot?

[BIG BOB]

I can't seem to figure this out. Lift pump shows 14-15#'s, but at times when my truck get hot, it is really hard to start. It doesn't happen all the time, there is no pattern to it. Injection pump has 36,000 miles since last replaced. When cold it starts right up.



Anyone have any ideas?

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

Mine had a few spells of this last summer and hasn't happened since. When I did a search, I came up with either a bad VP 44 or possible bad batteries. Something about engine heat causing the batteries to be weak with their age.



Dan

 

[khaneberg]

I had a problem sort of like yuors, at first it only acted up when hot, then it continued through the winter. I found out in Feb. it was my ECM. Got it replaced under warranty, but they said $500. 00 + if it wasn't under warranty.

 

[rashwor]

I had the problem you describe...

and a new VP44 fixed the problem. $1550 out of my pocket. I would check for codes before replacing anything.

 

[BIG BOB]

Well after a few minor problems on our 17 day vacation in British Columbia, Piers said to change the pump. I had put off changing it because I wasn't sure that it was the problem.



Piers told me last Wednesday that he thought he knew what the problem was. Bosch has had some problems with the diaphragms in the VP44. He said that Bosch has updated them 4 or 5 times! Well I hope I got the latest upgrade and that Bosch finally has it right!



This VP44 was remanufactured in Czecho-Slovakia to the 027 spec's.



It took about 3 1/2 hours by myself. Now that I've done it, if I have to do it again, it will be a lot faster.



Truck seem to run good.



Does anyone know if there is a break-in period on the remanufactured VP44?



I thought I would leave the Comp off for a few hundred miles.



Wish me luck! Third VP-44 in 155,000 miles.

 

[RobbyRam]

I have the EXACT same symptoms as you had. I was told by 'HVAC,' and also my Dodge Diesel friend visiting from Texas, to not start my truck when the 'wait to start' light goes out, but wait another '6 or 7' seconds and then try to start it.



It's worked every time so far, even when it's warm. 'HVAC' says that the 'VP44' doesn't like high(15psi+) pressures when hot, so, if you wait a few more seconds, it might start right up. (If not. it's probably the VP44)



So far, even though I have a brand new pump ready to install, I'll just hold off a few more days or even weeks to see if 'HVAC's ' advice hold's true!

Bob in Sacramento