Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Alan Reagan
TDR MEMBER
I'm looking for some input in exchange for some good information.
First, the information.
I stopped by my local Turbo and Diesel Electrical Repair place today. It's where I get most of my work done and I buy parts there as well. The owner is one of the most knowledgeable guys I know when it comes to pumps, turbos and diesel engines in general. He owns a 98 24V 3500 and has always given me good advice. That's my disclaimer.
Today's discussion with him centered around the VP44 and lift pumps. I told him I had changed mine last year and he asked if I kept the old one. I had in case of emergency. He told me to take off the top cover, held on by the three studs. He warned me the studs would be loose. They were. He said that's the major problem with these pumps and why the pressure at WOT goes low on them after a few weeks/months. He has seen "failures" (low pressure) two weeks after installing a new lift pump.
One of his technicians tried something on a low pressure pump that brought the pump back to life with the correct/normal operating pressure. I was doubtful, but I did it. What I want from you guys is to try this on pumps you have removed and see how they work.
Here it is:
1. Remove the cover by backing out the three studs. It took a flat scraper to get mine to break loose.
2. The gasket along with the steel plate that holds the vane pump section in will come out all stuck together. Keep track of which side of the steel plate is to the vanes for reassembly. If you lose it, the side against the vains will have a circular mark about 3/16 in diameter where the vane holder has been running.
3. Remove the filter screen. If it's dirty, clean it. Try not to bend it from it's circular set or it will be hard to hold in on reassembly.
4. Remove the vanes and holder. Be carful not to drop or lose the vanes. You don't want them scarred or scratched on the rounded edges. If the rounded edge has become flat, flip the vane on reassembly to get a round edge against the inside of the run.
5. With a pair of needle nose pliers, gentle turn the shaft of the pump. It's the flat thing you see after removing the vane holder. It should turn freely.
6. Reinstall the vane holder and then slide the vanes into the holder.
7. Install the flat circular steal piece over the vanes and reinstall the filter screen making sure it's all the way in.
6. Flip the gasket over. Reinstall the gasket flipped over from the way it came out. Its easy to see how it goes. There is a curved indention in the gasket from pressed into the pump body. That will go up or against the cover plate on installation.
7. Reinstall the studs. Don't overtighten but they need to be snug. Mine were loose when I removed them.
Total time was 15 minutes and mine was finished.
Now the request:
What I want to know from you guys is whether this works or not. My friend at the turbo shop says it has worked on everyone they've done this way. I believe him. What I want to do is whether or not this is a good "do it yourself" project or if it takes a special talent to make it work. I don't have time to try it on my truck or I'd give you the results today. It's definitely something that may get you home in an emergency.
First, the information.
I stopped by my local Turbo and Diesel Electrical Repair place today. It's where I get most of my work done and I buy parts there as well. The owner is one of the most knowledgeable guys I know when it comes to pumps, turbos and diesel engines in general. He owns a 98 24V 3500 and has always given me good advice. That's my disclaimer.
Today's discussion with him centered around the VP44 and lift pumps. I told him I had changed mine last year and he asked if I kept the old one. I had in case of emergency. He told me to take off the top cover, held on by the three studs. He warned me the studs would be loose. They were. He said that's the major problem with these pumps and why the pressure at WOT goes low on them after a few weeks/months. He has seen "failures" (low pressure) two weeks after installing a new lift pump.
One of his technicians tried something on a low pressure pump that brought the pump back to life with the correct/normal operating pressure. I was doubtful, but I did it. What I want from you guys is to try this on pumps you have removed and see how they work.
Here it is:
1. Remove the cover by backing out the three studs. It took a flat scraper to get mine to break loose.
2. The gasket along with the steel plate that holds the vane pump section in will come out all stuck together. Keep track of which side of the steel plate is to the vanes for reassembly. If you lose it, the side against the vains will have a circular mark about 3/16 in diameter where the vane holder has been running.
3. Remove the filter screen. If it's dirty, clean it. Try not to bend it from it's circular set or it will be hard to hold in on reassembly.
4. Remove the vanes and holder. Be carful not to drop or lose the vanes. You don't want them scarred or scratched on the rounded edges. If the rounded edge has become flat, flip the vane on reassembly to get a round edge against the inside of the run.
5. With a pair of needle nose pliers, gentle turn the shaft of the pump. It's the flat thing you see after removing the vane holder. It should turn freely.
6. Reinstall the vane holder and then slide the vanes into the holder.
7. Install the flat circular steal piece over the vanes and reinstall the filter screen making sure it's all the way in.
6. Flip the gasket over. Reinstall the gasket flipped over from the way it came out. Its easy to see how it goes. There is a curved indention in the gasket from pressed into the pump body. That will go up or against the cover plate on installation.
7. Reinstall the studs. Don't overtighten but they need to be snug. Mine were loose when I removed them.
Total time was 15 minutes and mine was finished.
Now the request:
What I want to know from you guys is whether this works or not. My friend at the turbo shop says it has worked on everyone they've done this way. I believe him. What I want to do is whether or not this is a good "do it yourself" project or if it takes a special talent to make it work. I don't have time to try it on my truck or I'd give you the results today. It's definitely something that may get you home in an emergency.
Last edited:
