Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) How much longer on my injection pump and injectors.

[BGoodale]

Hi guys ; My 01 Dodge has almost 200k miles on it. Do I need to worry about the fuel injection pump and injectors how long they will last. They are the original units. The only power enhancement is an Edge EZ box that I run at 2nd or 3rd level. I have gauges and baby my baby but still work her. The truck runs great. Thanks Brett.

 

[FourBarR]

I dont thnk you can tell how long. I presently have 550,000kms (342,000k)on the original vp-44 and injectors.

 

[rotohead]

With injectors I think you have to factor in the newer design injectors that may offer better mileage, more power, etc. I just changed my injectors to Mach2's at 130k miles rather than wait. As far as the pump is concerned, for me it's a question of what I'm willing to risk. Change out a perfectly good running pump and maybe lose some value in that vs. having a pump failure away from home and having no choice but to pay someone else to do something I know I'm capable of doing and even more important, doing it myself and knowing it was done right... and save some money. I'm counting on my pump lasting me thru the summer of 2011, probably have 150k miles on it by then and do the pump during the winter. Now if you haven't installed a fuel pressure gauge (monitor lift pump) of some sort then you haven't given yourself the best protection in making the pump last. Squeezing the last dollar out of a part at both my age and the truck's age isn't high on my list of priorities.
Chuck

 

[JLandry]

Brett,

I pulled the original injectors out of my truck at 111,000 miles and tested them even though the truck seemed to run great. I have a pop tester and found every one of them started squirting fuel from the tips well before they popped off. A properly functioning and adjusted injector won't leak a drop before it pops off cleanly and releases a jet of fuel. Also, I found they all popped off at a pressure well below the minimum acceptable limit. I disassembled, ultrasonically cleaned, and reassembled them, and while I could raise the pop pressure back to normal, I couldn't get them to stop leaking fuel before they popped off. In short, the original injectors were simply worn out and the tips could no longer seal properly.

The truck seemed to start and run fine, so I'm not sure what functional difference it made. When I installed a set of low mileage original injectors which I'd overhauled, the engine did seemed to idle and run smoother, but I honestly didn't notice too much difference otherwise.

With as many miles as you have on your engine, I have to believe your injectors are leaking before popping off like mine were.

My original VP44 failed at 113,000 miles. It was intermittently throwing a P0216 DTC for almost a year prior to failing completely so I had plenty of warning. I'd already purchased a replacement and was simply waiting for some sign that it was really time to do the swap. That day came when I got the dreaded "dead pedal" while on vacation near Death Valley, CA. I was prepared with all the tools and supplies needed on hand and I swapped it out in the RV park where we were staying. My vacation wasn't ruined but it cost me the better part of a day and some stress. Next time I see a P0216 DTC, I won't wait so long!

Again, with that many miles on your VP44, IMHO you're now a gambling man. I'd either swap it out when convenient or at least carry a spare!

Good luck,

John L.

 

[FourBarR]

I have a spare vp-44,for the last 2 years,so I am ready when the time comes. I also have a set of new Bosch 275 to install at the same time. On the injectors ,they are probably low on pop pressure and may be dribbling some, however untill I see some signs of black smoke ,rough running or drop in mileage I will leave them in. I was a diesel mechanic for 15 years before becoming an aircraft maintenance engineer with usa A&P . for the last 30 years.
I know everyone has there own way of maintaining these engines and I totally respect that this is just my way. The engine has only had ,1-alternator-1 apps and 1 starter. otherwise just routine maintenance. Still runs like new. All the best to fellow members.

 

[BGoodale]

Thanks Guys for your replys. So if I need to buy a replacement pump what is my best choice, and what do you recommend for injectors? I want to keep the truck as reliable as possible and with my traveling at high altitudes my joices need to take those factors into consideration. Any more help would be appreciated. Thanks, Brett

 

[JMetzger]

Blue Chip Diesel. Chip is a little higher but I feel he has a better pump.

 

[JLandry]

So if I need to buy a replacement pump what is my best choice, and what do you recommend for injectors?

Brett,



Midwest Fuel Injection is a very popular choice for a reasonably priced stock VP44 rebuilt to Bosch's standards.



For replacement injectors, you can go with a new set of stock Bosch injectors, or to have a little more power available, you can go with a set of Bosch RV275 injectors. Beware of no-name imitations or cheap knock-offs. Stick with genuine Bosch parts.



If you need the Bosch injector part numbers to shop for, let me know and I can post them.



Regards,



John L.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

If your injection pump has been trouble free this long I say leave it alone, no reason why it won't go another 100k or more. But I would definitely replace or check out your injectors like JLandry says. Joe Donnelly has suggested 12v & 24v injectors should be serviced or replaced about every 150k miles.

 

[Dodoro]

I have 296,046 miles on my original injectors and she is still running fine. But I'm sure they are dribbling and weak on the pop off pressures

 

[KBrennan]

I put the 275s in at 152000 miles. Runs a bit better I think. Still have the original VP44 and will replace it with a Blue Chip when it gives up the ghost. Currently have 156000 miles on it. I did crack my exhaust man comming home from CO. Oh well, nothing lasts forever.

 

[Jetflyer]

I'll second the post for Blue Chip Diesel, and also on servicing or replacing the injectors at 150K. I have a set of Mach 1's and after 140K there were leaking and the tips had to be replaced.

 

[Nyoest]

A good friend bought an 01 dually new and sold it with a little over a million miles three years ago. Total parts= one injection pump, one head gasket and gobs of lift pumps tires and ball joints. Never touched the injectors although I'm sure they might have had a little wear.

Every vp44 failure I've seen has always giving plenty of warning when going out. Some might die flat out. But not many.

I've had nothing but good luck, good service and great prices from thoroughbred diesel.