Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Lift and VP pumps

[Rockcrusher]

Old lift pump failed along with VP. Both replaced under warranty, but dealer used new pump in tank.

Seems to run OK but fuel pressure now only @ 6-8 psi heavy throttle and 10 at idle. . Mechanic says new set-up pressure is different. Right!

I know there are a lot of folks that have had them changed... would like to know what pressures you are getting with new in tank pump?

 

[nps]

Put a LP back where the original one was. Pressures will be good and you should have a reliable setup then.

 

[Jeff Knight]

Rockcrusher,



Mine idles at 9-10 psi. I can pull it to 0 under hard excelleration getting onto the highway.



Does your engine sound louder with the in tank pump?



Jeff

 

[Rockcrusher]

Pressure has come up to 12psi steady; must be the outstanding westec guage system; doesnt like a little air. One of these days I'm going to switch to a mechanical guage.

Now that you mention it, it does seem to be louder. Next thing to be done is adjust the valves... . not paying dealer $300. I told the service tech if he wants to rob me, he should use a gun and I wont feel so bad.

 

[Jeff Knight]

I don't know if its the oem pump is gone from the side of the engine or not. Maybe with low fuel pressure its the VP beating itself to death. Jeff

 

[mhenon]

My pressures are 7-8psi at an idle... 5psi or so at cruise. . and you can suck it down to nothing by keeping your foot into it. I just never go to WOT anymore. Zero psi can't be good for the VP44.

I'm seriously thinking about putting the stock LP back in place and letting the in-tank pump feed it like a pusher. Just find myself staring at the pressure gauge ALL THE TIME.

You can sure tell when your filter is starting to plug up though. I changed fuel filters and picked up 1 or 2 psi.

If the dealer installs that in-tank pump. . I would say you absolutely need a gauge and get a feel for what's normal. If the pressure drops at all. . start looking for the cause.

So far. . 10K miles and no problems with the new pump. . just that damn low pressure.

Mike

 

[chazj]

I have the new in-tank pump and am experiencing the same Low Fuel Pressures. Keep waiting for a light or code to show up.

I have also read the various forums stating that without adequate fuel pressure the internals of the VP44 are on a fast track towards failure.



Assuming the above is true, I am dumbfounded how Dodge can "get away" (for lack of a better word) supplying the consumer with a part that is destined to cause the failure of another component within the fuel delivery system. Again with the assumption that Dodge is not meeting the specifications established by Bosch for their VP44 pump; I am surprised there isn't a lawyer somewhere looking to set up a class action law suit.



I just don't know why we can't get a straight answer from Dodge and Bosch testifying to the relability of the new in-tank pump configuration if indeed the information I have read in these forums is false.

 

[Rockcrusher]

Seems like we cant get anything any good US made any more. Ford and Chevy have worse problems. We can go to the moon, but cant get a pu to last.

Like you said, you cant get an answer from Dodge or Cummins; tried contacting "regional" guy, but wouldn't even return call.

Too bad we cant get the "big" Toyota's and Nissan's over here. They have some awsome trucks in Japan.

 

[JMetzger]

Dear MR. Metzger,



Chrysler and Cummins have studied the trucks over all fuel system and they believe that an in tank pump is good for overall truck performance. We have never heard of this installation harming the fuel system. Please contact Chrysler for any specifications that they have issued for this installation.



Regards,

David Boley

AM/ASA1





This is a reply I recieved from Bosch when asking about the in tank pump and problems with the VP-44. Take it for what it is worth but I am keeping this answer in case I get an in tank pump and have a problem. Still sounds like they are covering their a__.

 

[chazj]

Jack: At least you got some sort of a response from a company that is involved with this issue. I wrote a lengthy letter to DC over a month ago & have yet to receive any acknowledgement beyond the fact they "signed" for a letter.



A good idea to keep Bosch's reply regarding the in-tank fuel pump. I still am reading many posts stating that Bosch's VP44 pump needs at least 7 lbs. pressure to maintain the internal balance within the pump and help insure it's longevity.



As things stand now, I am afraid of taking any trips beyond major highways or towns that would afford me service should the VP44 fail. Certainly not what I envisioned when I purchased my truck.



The other option is for ME to pay and purchase an additional pump to help bring up the fuel pressure. I don't think that this should be my responsibility or expense to be pro-active and repair what is widely still viewed as a "design flaw" in the fuel delivery system.



Charlie



BTW: My truck is STOCK.

 

[mhenon]

Dear MR. Metzger,



Chrysler and Cummins have studied the trucks over all fuel system and they believe that an in tank pump is good for overall truck performance. We have never heard of this installation harming the fuel system. Please contact Chrysler for any specifications that they have issued for this installation.



Regards,

David Boley

AM/ASA1





This is a reply I recieved from Bosch when asking about the in tank pump and problems with the VP-44. Take it for what it is worth but I am keeping this answer in case I get an in tank pump and have a problem. Still sounds like they are covering their a__.

*******************************************************



I'll bet that pump worked fine on the test bench. Clean fuel, steady load, blah blah blah. In the real world though. . there's a few problems.

We just got back from a round trip from Austin TX to Rochester MN and back. I must have got some bad fuel in Iowa as the pressure dropped 2 psi right after refueling. I changed out the fuel filter and the pressure came back to normal (normal being 5psi cruise).

Filled up a week later in Kansas and this time the pressure went real low. I don't know if it just stired up that slug of water from Iowa or what. . but I was staring at a gauge reading 2psi if I tried to go over 60 mph. 2 PSI!!!!

Changed out the fuel filter again and got my pressure up. Two fuel filters in one week (500 miles). The last filter looked good by the way. I can only assume that the paper had swelled with suspended water in the fuel. My WIF light never came on.

I hope this isn't what Bosch considers good overall truck performance. At least the fuel gauge alerted me to the problem.

Mike

 

[JMetzger]

Charlie: I know exactly how you feel. I wrote to DC & also to the Feds. Sent a whole lot of info to the Feds about the fuel problem & have never heard from either DC or Feds nor do I expect to. I have been thinking of contacting a lawyer to see what he thinks. Then DC wonders why we won't by there products. Ford & GM are just as bad. Really ticks me off. The crying shame is I like the truck but being retired I don't have money to waste on DC's fuel problem.

Jack