Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
I recently installed a FASS system, and have been having hard start problems since.
It acted like it was losing prime, and would have to crank it several times to get it to fire over. Once running, it ran fine.
I suspected the VP44 all the time, but like most of us, wanted to try the less drastic fixes first.
After re-doing all fittings, using #2 permatex, and using hose clamps even where supposedly not necessary on the barbed fittings, it made no difference,
Posted a thread to get input on which fuel pressure would be optimum for the VP44, and got answers that ranged from 10-40 lbs, and even higher.
Started at 15psi, went up to 18, then 22. It might have helped a little, but you just never would knew if it was going to fire quick, or be a bear to start. Then went down to 12, 10, then 7. I found that the lower the pressure, the longer it took to start. (One thing I did notice was the truck ran smoother at 10-12psi, and didnt surge as much as it did at 20 - Without dyno testing, I dont know if it lost any power at lower pressure, but couldnt notice if it did).
It was still hard to start at any fuel pressure setting. Was starting to believe it might indeed be the dreaded VP blues.
As one last ditch effort, was wondering what would happen if I put the OEM filter/watersep back inline. Would it act as a reservoir, and keep the VP fed on a startup. Was thinking it might act sort of like a check valve, and only really want to drain in the direction of the VP, since the VP comes off of the bottom, and the run back to the lift pump feeds from the top.
Set pressure to 14, removed the fitting from the VP, shortened the hose, hooked it to the back of the OEM filter. Reconnected the OEM fitting from filter to VP. Replaced the filter element. Cycled the pump 3 times, cranked for about 5 seconds... And, Ill Be Danged, Thats the last hard start in the last 2 days!!
Have taken it for long drives, parked it , come back out in 10, 30, 60 minutes later, and bang, fires right up. . Every time. .
Just like the good 'ol days!!
So, now its time to get an upgraded line kit, and keep the OEM fuel filter inline, and as a bonus, keep the fuel heater to boot!!
Im jazzed (knock on wood, its really fixed)
Maybe this will help someone to not take the VP plunge.
Hopefully, it really is fixed. Will report back in a week. -out.
Edited: Was wondering if since the FASS has a built-in bypass for in case its motor quits it will still pass fuel, I wonder if it also allows the VP44 to lose its prime through the fass to the tank. The VP is higher than the tank, so why wouldnt it?
It acted like it was losing prime, and would have to crank it several times to get it to fire over. Once running, it ran fine.
I suspected the VP44 all the time, but like most of us, wanted to try the less drastic fixes first.
After re-doing all fittings, using #2 permatex, and using hose clamps even where supposedly not necessary on the barbed fittings, it made no difference,
Posted a thread to get input on which fuel pressure would be optimum for the VP44, and got answers that ranged from 10-40 lbs, and even higher.
Started at 15psi, went up to 18, then 22. It might have helped a little, but you just never would knew if it was going to fire quick, or be a bear to start. Then went down to 12, 10, then 7. I found that the lower the pressure, the longer it took to start. (One thing I did notice was the truck ran smoother at 10-12psi, and didnt surge as much as it did at 20 - Without dyno testing, I dont know if it lost any power at lower pressure, but couldnt notice if it did).
It was still hard to start at any fuel pressure setting. Was starting to believe it might indeed be the dreaded VP blues.
As one last ditch effort, was wondering what would happen if I put the OEM filter/watersep back inline. Would it act as a reservoir, and keep the VP fed on a startup. Was thinking it might act sort of like a check valve, and only really want to drain in the direction of the VP, since the VP comes off of the bottom, and the run back to the lift pump feeds from the top.
Set pressure to 14, removed the fitting from the VP, shortened the hose, hooked it to the back of the OEM filter. Reconnected the OEM fitting from filter to VP. Replaced the filter element. Cycled the pump 3 times, cranked for about 5 seconds... And, Ill Be Danged, Thats the last hard start in the last 2 days!!
Have taken it for long drives, parked it , come back out in 10, 30, 60 minutes later, and bang, fires right up. . Every time. .
Just like the good 'ol days!!
So, now its time to get an upgraded line kit, and keep the OEM fuel filter inline, and as a bonus, keep the fuel heater to boot!!
Im jazzed (knock on wood, its really fixed)
Maybe this will help someone to not take the VP plunge.
Hopefully, it really is fixed. Will report back in a week. -out.
Edited: Was wondering if since the FASS has a built-in bypass for in case its motor quits it will still pass fuel, I wonder if it also allows the VP44 to lose its prime through the fass to the tank. The VP is higher than the tank, so why wouldnt it?
Last edited:
