Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) lifespan of a VP with zero fuel pressure?

[telliott]

I know the VP is damaged in a hurry with no fuel pressure. Just wondering if anyone has any experience of how long it will go before it quits. Here is my story.....



Was on my way to go hunting and my walbro lift pump quit. I noticed pretty quick that my FP guage was at zero. I pulled over asap, hoping it was a bad connection or something and could be fixed roadside. Unfourtunatly, there was no remedy. I was about 25 miles from my destination, had no cell service and had a load of gear that i didn't want to leave behind. My only option was to drive it and hope to make it. It was unfourtunaly mostly uphill the entire way over pretty steep passes.



Long story short, I made it and everything was still running good. I was able to get a inline lift pump a few days later that is of a 2001 powerstroke:{. with my return-regulated fuel system, this pump did supply a perfect 15 psi, as long as i didnt hammer it too hard. I made it home a few days later, (about 400 miles) and everything is still running fine.



I'm sure i did some damage to the VP by driving 25 miles with no pressure. To be honest, i'm a little suprised it hasn't failed yet. Anyone have an experience like this and know how much time i have till it goes?



I have to say, i've always been a little leary of the VP-44 because i know it can be a weak link in the 2nd gens. However, i have abused mine pretty significantly and its still running strong at 125K. Just dont tell anyone i had to put ford parts on my dodge to get it home:-laf

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Lifespan would be less than a VP with proper fuel pressure?!

Seriously, the battery connection for my AirDog corroded one time and I drove 100 miles or so before noticing it. VP lived for a few months after that (which for me is 20,000 to 30,000 miles?). Don't worry, just drive it. One day it will start showing the signs and then you'll know.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[gregdoerfler]

I had mine for 2 years in the winter the pressure gauge would read 0, I could here the pump running and when I changed the filter it would prime so I thought it was moisture in the sending unit not working but found out one time it did not prime after the filter change. mine lasted at least 2 years and I dont know how much longer it would have lasted if my pump tap wire would not have grounded out and fried the electronics.

 

[Jeff Knight]

I'm going on 2 yrs with driving mine over a 100 miles with 0 fuel pressure.

 

[Bob Cochran]

About 4 years ago I went 200 miles with zero fuel pressure towing a 14,000 lbs 5er. Up and down grades and took it as easy as I could. So far still going I am very lucky.

 

[stebbyron]

Mine lasted almost two years until I hit a 100+ degree day and it just about didn't start. When it did I drove directly to the shop that put my FASS pump on and they put a new VP44 on. Hasn't missed a beat since. I was told it weakened a diaphragm in the pump when the lift pump went out. It ran fine until the hot day.

 

[telliott]

thanks guys, i have a lot more convidence in the VP now.

 

[Bob Cochran]

telliot-VP's a funny devices you can abuse them and nothing happens and other times for no reason they will go south. Just drive and see what happens. When my lift pump went it was showing zero pressure but still if you opened fuel filter cover it was spurting in fuel. I was thinking the VP could adequately pump from the filter can just not from the fuel tank. As long as I did not push to the point the fuel filter can was empty I was ok. Who knows if that is true still mine is still going and even in 100+ days when in Phoenix.