Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) How can I help my VP44 last longer?

[Hohn]

I have just been boning up on the VP44 threads, and it appears to me that there are some things I could do to help my pump last longer.

1) Would a pusher pump help?

2) How about regular, polymer-based additives?

3) Maybe I should never take my foot off the pedal? (hehe)



Seriously, I need this truck to last. I am contemplating a pusher pump and maybe some marvel mystery oil.



FWIW, I was a fuel system mechanic in the USAF, and almost all the jets have fuel-lubed pumps. They pretty reliable, as long as they were never run dry (not to mention the liklihood of explosion)

Then again, those were centrifugal style pumps, and didn't have to handle the fuel pumping AND timing like a VP44 does. .



Anyone have a lot of miles on a VP44 with no probs? Did you do anything special??

 

[Dane]

imo...



Don't run it dry



Don't make it pump harder than it's design specs



Use a fuel additive that provides lubrication



Don't worry too much and enjoy the Cummins torque

 

[HVAC]

Fuel Pressure Gauge

Put a fuel pressure gauge in the cab and monitor it.

 

[HeberRam]

Hohn... . One thing you can do to extend the life of the VP-44 is park your truck and don"t drive it. .



#2. Would be to get a fuel pressure gauge installed ASAP, so you can monitor your fuel pressures to insure the VP-44 is getting the proper amount of fuel during idelling and WOT conditions. Almost all failures are due to inadequate amount of fuel, resulting from lift ( transfer pump) failures.



#3. I would not recommend a pusher pump, until your needs for increased fueling is required due to, larger injectors, fueling boxes etc. , although not proven, excessive fuel pressures may cause some damage to your pump.



The VP-44 pump is a very reliable pump, and with proper maintance, of fuel filter change-outs, monitoring fuel pressures with a gauge, it should go the distance...



Steve

 

[BV]

#1 - HR beat me to it - pull it out and pack it in bear grease.



#2 - Pul it off and put a "P" pump on



#3 - What the others said

 

[Bigsaint]

Ditto on the above and make the bulk of your hp with the injectors, rely on the fueling box for timing and as a boost fooler. Others opinions may vary, this is jusy mine.



Scott W.

 

[RBSOB]

Ditto others.....

... mount a F. P. gauge and monitor it for a normal range of pressure. Don't get too stuck on absolute #s. I love BigSaints bombing recommendation... box for timing, injectors for fuel... thats the route I plan to take . Should be easier on the VP-44. Jim G.

 

[McDowra]

Banjo bolts are easy to install and inexpensive insurance.

 

[RACE427]

Longer life for the VP-44

At all costs never, ever run your tank below 1/4 empty. The fuel is needed to cool and lubricate the pump. When the excessive fuel not used by the engine is returned to the fuel tank it is carrying absorbed engine heat with it. This returned fuel will now heat up the fuel stored in the tank, the lower the fuel level the higher the fuel temperature which is being used to cool the VP-44. I would much rather cool with fuel that has not been heated up by the engine. Just a thought!!

 

[bigbrassmonkey]

I have 125K on mine, 100K at 400 well used horse power, a watched pot never boils, just run it, if it pukes it pukes, just don't run it dry!!