Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) I Can't Win!!..From FASS hard start to Low FP.....

[WorkinStiff]

#@$%!I have a bone stock, except for a FP gauge, 2001, 5spd with about 87K miles... When my FP started declining about a year ago I had a FASS installed. . I soon began experiencing the hard start issue on long trips with a camper... I stored the camper for the winter and used the truck for short trips & around town and did not have the hard start problem...

In March I got the camper out & went on some long trips and the hard start problem returned... I borrowed a Smarty and downloaded "The Flash" but the problem persisted... I had the FASS disconnected & a new LP installed, took the camper on a week long 1300 mile trip and the hard start problem had vanished... . BUT!... My Fuel pressure seems too low for a new LP; 8-9 @wot 10-11 at 65 with the camper & 12-13 @ idle... . My FP with the FASS had ranged from 13-17...

In 5 weeks I'm due to join some folks on a trip up the Alaska Highway... I really don't want to break down in the Yukon... . Any Ideas???... I'm thinking of having the LP moved back using the Geno's relocation kit... Should that improve it or do you think my VP is going???... . Thanks... .

 

[DPrew]

I've read that if your VP46 is worn that hard starts can be a problem with the increased fuel pressure from the Fass system. I have a FASS 95G system that works great. The stock lift pump is worthless over 2000 rpm.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Hmmm. I just moved my LP to the frame rail with the relocation kit from Geno's. I had 10psi @ idle and 7-8 psi @ WOT pulling the TT. After relocation I now have 14. 5 psi @ idle and have pulled it down to 11 psi WOT with out the TT.



I will have to hook the TT up and repost if any of you are interested later. I am not to excited, yet. I will need to drive some more miles to see if these numbers stay consistant. I will say that I was pleased to see the increase in pressure and since the line from the pump to the filter canister is slightly larger I am wondering if this can reduce cavitation and give a more consistant flow?



Hmmm. We shall see.



My neighbor just had his VP and LP replaced by the stea Dealer and they did the in tank LP with a Remanufactured VP. His is a 2002 with 83K and they charged him 100 bones after telling him that it would be covered under warranty. That was after he raised a stink when they told him it was going to cost him 2700 bucks.



You ought to see the unsecured wiring under the hood. ASE Certified my A**.

I am glad that I have the desire, time, and ability to do my own work. I am glad for those that don't and have the money to pay to have the work done.



I am inclined to think that your problem is more related to your VP. However, for the low cost of relocating your LP ( if in fact it is not already on your frame rail ) I would give it a try. Good Luck!

 

[GCULP]

the reason you are having hard start issues with the FASS pump is believe it or not, your VP44 is going bad. there is iformation on here if you search for it as well as the FASS installation directions you received with the pump.

 

[JimKing]

Before you do anything else, have your batteries checked. I just returned from a 4K mile trip through Texas. developed hard start on the way back. I changed the fuel filter, no difference. Truck would start after 4-5 cranks. Finally got to a decent size town, guy checked the batteries, right side was totally dead (open) replaced both batteries, starts perfect ever since.

Incidently, NO I could not tell it was cranking slower... Seemed to crank OK to me. Only symptom was my Brakesmart would set a "Low Battery" alarm after the 3-4 time trying to start. .



Original VP --- 155K...

 

[ButlerR]

Stop, I have had all these same problems for 4 years and 45,000 miles with my Fass on my 99. Hard start, blah blah. Iam on my second $600 piece of crap now and it does the same thing. Dont go blowin $1400 since your VP 44 may afterall be ok yet since they all go, maybe it is going, but i would get the fueling issue resolved first. As I stated I have had these problems only since the fass was installed. They know that there is a problem but wont fix it for me. I am looking into going towards a good old high pressure Holley/Miloden pump and a regulator to keep the VP 44 diaphragm from taking a dump due to too high pressure. If you want to re use the Fass check the brushes and tighten the dust covers, also I think there is a problrm with the internal reg. I only see 8-10 psi. on the gauge all the time , no change while driving or idling. ??? The Fass filtering is top notch but the pumps just suck, shame cause they are really "pretty". Try letting the heaters cycle a few times, that method is now the norm for me more in the summer though.

Also keep in mind i have a lot of "things" done to my truck, which may lead to a different problem than yours but.....

 

[LowFly]

Have yall read this one yet (Minus Workin... since he started it)?



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...-1998-5-2002/179362-help-hard-start-fass.html



The hard start issue is some what the nature of our beast. Some trucks just have issue with our pumps when cranking. This is why:



The stock Carter pump is a vein style pump. This means it has 4 small veins that are thrown outwards against a round wall. The faster the pump spins the more pressure outwards the veins have to seal on the wall and this makes pressure. Cummins/Dodge wanted to lower pressure to the VP-44 when cranking. SO what they did is went to a pulse width modulation when cranking. This means they pulse the lift pump when you are cranking on the engine to reduce shaft speed on the Carter... which will lower cranking pressure for the VP-44.



Our pumps are a Gerotor style. You spin the gear, you will get pressure. This is a more durable style pump that has virtually no ware over the life time of its use. Implementing a pulse width modulation sometimes doesn't work on some trucks (Mostly on the 98. 5-00's). These are the truck that need to have the relay trigger wire relocated (As per the diagram in the link above) to a "Hot in Run" only source to ease hot starting problems.



AND then there is the reason that your VP might be showing signs of age..... BUT if you are like me... im going to wait until it pops a code or gives me a dead peddle before i shell out the cash for a new one. (BUT bad thing is some times it will die with a no start condition... . and pop no code... . so... . )



Calling our pumps a “Piece of crap” is a little excessive. I happen to think we make a top notch product!