Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) hard starts - VP44?

[MBowman]

Trying to figure this out. A couple weeks ago the 3500 started to require just a little more cranking to get her going (warm & cold). Not bad, only about 1/2 rev. more than the normal bump of the starter. It got worse, until it got to the point of not starting at all. Fuel pressure is right where it should be, 14 - 16@idle & around 10 at WOT. Runs great when running, except rough at 2k w/ no load - but this is not new. Checked codes - none. Fresh filter.



Next - change fuel lines from tank to lift pump incase of air leak. I get a nice syphon at the lift pump, so I know that all well in that department. After the fuel line change, she is back to where the troubles began, requiring just a little more cranking than necessary. I'm not sure where to go from here.



In the back of my head I have been thinking that my VP is taking a dump, (this is still the origional VP w/ 135k) and I have been expecting it to go. I have no problem replacing the VP if it is bad, but I don't want to if it's not the problem. Is there any way to figure out if it is indeed going south? I don't realy want to just wait until it gets worse. Once winter gets here, this truck needs to start everytime, no excuses. If it needs a VP, I would like to get it on before Nov.



Thanks

 

[Bob Wagner]

use the smarty and check for codes

 

[MBowman]

I did that, nothing. I also switched the return line check valve with the other truck. No change to either one. Thanks.



Matt

 

[RRothenberger]

My buddies 01 2500 is doing that as well except his you half to crank for about 6-12 seconds 2-3 times before it starts. He replaced the return valve as well. We are going to pull the injector pump and have it bench tested. His didn't show any codes on the odometer display or when he had a Vantage scanner on it. His fuel pressure gauge shows 13-14 psi when you turn the key on, 7-9 while cranking and 9 at WOT. We where also told that the it could be something mechanical in the pump that makes the fuel foamy and doesn't deliver a good fuel supply. Does your truck start better after sitting for a long period of time (7-8 hrs)? Does it start worse if have been driveing for a bit and then shut it off for about 15-30 min? That is how his truck is acting. Let us know what you come up with, we'll post somthing after we get the pump back.

 

[MBowman]

It makes no difference at all if it sits for 1 min. or 2 days. Mine got to the point of your buddies for a few days, then worse to the point of not starting at all. The fresh fuel lines cured that, but it's still not back to normal. I'll let you know what the outcome is, when I find it. I wish the VP would just die already and get it over with, cause I got a feeling thats whats going on.

 

[MBowman]

I think it's finally back to normal. Replaced the return lines yesterday, and so far, all is good again. I didn't think that an air leak on the return side would matter, but after reading lots of posts, it appears that it does. Well, looks like I dodged the vp44 bullet again - at least for a little while.



Matt