Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) My VP44 needs to die before my warranty runs out.

[Jeepmullet]

Okay, I bought my truck at 49,000. I got my gauges at 53,000. Replaced the lift pump at 53,500. Fuel filter was replaced at 52,600. My warranty runs out on December 20th.



Right now fuel pressure is fine, is there anything I can do ethically or unethically to make my vp explode before my warranty runs out?

 

[Jeepmullet]

I plan on adapting a fuel cooler and putting the RASP system on when my warranty runs out. I dont want to baby the vp44 now and have it die a week after the warranty runs out.

 

[nps]

My warranty is up next March. I'm hoping the VP44 doesn't fail before then - I'd hate to have to decide whether I want to let a dealer touch my truck just to save a few $.



Besides for the cost of a RASP and fuel cooler you could just about replace the VP44.

 

[Boondocker]

Right now fuel pressure is fine, is there anything I can do ethically or unethically to make my vp explode before my warranty runs out?

That's just silly!

Some people have had to replace the VP44 more than once. What makes you think a rebuilt unit is better than what you have?

Some people have gone well over 100,000 miles and are still on the original pump.

It seems all a big crap-shoot to me. I used to think that it was unethical to try for warrentee repair of a failed VP44 if you tapped the pump wire - which does void the warrenty. But given that many tapped pumps have not failed and many stock trucks have failed pumps, I now question that ethic.



Want piece of mind? Set aside $1600 for VP44 replacement, then bombs away! Maybe after I save some more money, I'll tap the wire to my Comp



Neil

 

[Jeepmullet]

That's just silly!

Some people have had to replace the VP44 more than once. What makes you think a rebuilt unit is better than what you have?

Some people have gone well over 100,000 miles and are still on the original pump.

It seems all a big crap-shoot to me. I used to think that it was unethical to try for warrentee repair of a failed VP44 if you tapped the pump wire - which does void the warrenty. But given that many tapped pumps have not failed and many stock trucks have failed pumps, I now question that ethic.



Want piece of mind? Set aside $1600 for VP44 replacement, then bombs away! Maybe after I save some more money, I'll tap the wire to my Comp



Neil

Neil,



Thanks for taking the time to reply, I appreciate it. The main problem I have with keeping this pump and tapping the wire is that I bought my truck with 49k miles on it... that I have no clue how it was taken care of. Is my logic incorrect to assume that a rebuilt pump would have virgin electronics and thus have hopefully a longer life????

 

[Jeepmullet]

My warranty is up next March. I'm hoping the VP44 doesn't fail before then - I'd hate to have to decide whether I want to let a dealer touch my truck just to save a few $.



Besides for the cost of a RASP and fuel cooler you could just about replace the VP44.

Lol, I dont want to let a ******* touch mine either. I just hope the 49k miles I dont know about with my truck were well taken care of miles~!

 

[HeavyHauler]

Jeepmullet - while I'm not condoning your intentions, I do sympathize with you. You probably would have had better luck by simply asking "what's the best way to ruin a VP44?" You told us too much from the start and now all the straight-shooters are gonna flame you endlessly.



Hmmm, let's pretend that he wants to know what not to do to ruin his VP44 so he won't have to have it replaced. Then we'll let him do what he wants with the information.



My initial thoughts would be fuel restriction. Run about 1 or 2 psi to your pump and do several WOT runs. WARNING: I'm not sure what other damage this might do.

 

[Rman]

I've seen my brothers do 200k with a comp and big injectors for 180k of it. No injection pump failures. I know the guy who bought it from him and the truck is still running strong. Take care of it, have confidence, and drive it hard

 

[Jeepmullet]

Jeepmullet - while I'm not condoning your intentions, I do sympathize with you. You probably would have had better luck by simply asking "what's the best way to ruin a VP44?" You told us too much from the start and now all the straight-shooters are gonna flame you endlessly.



Hmmm, let's pretend that he wants to know what not to do to ruin his VP44 so he won't have to have it replaced. Then we'll let him do what he wants with the information.



My initial thoughts would be fuel restriction. Run about 1 or 2 psi to your pump and do several WOT runs. WARNING: I'm not sure what other damage this might do.

HeavyHauler thanks for replying. I didn't really think about getting flamed for posting that, but I see your point. That sounds like a way to ruin it!

 

[AKAMAC]

Start it up, unplug LP, go for a drive with 1/8 tank of fuel and ambient temp of 90+.

Be sure to have a cell phone with you. I have the 1099. 00 waiting to be spent. 97,800 and just lost my 2nd LP.

 

[Jeepmullet]

I've seen my brothers do 200k with a comp and big injectors for 180k of it. No injection pump failures. I know the guy who bought it from him and the truck is still running strong. Take care of it, have confidence, and drive it hard

:-laf :-{} :--)

 

[Jeepmullet]

Start it up, unplug LP, go for a drive with 1/8 tank of fuel and ambient temp of 90+.

Be sure to have a cell phone with you. I have the 1099. 00 waiting to be spent. 97,800 and just lost my 2nd LP.

okay, running with this idea... Should I replace my fuel filter now? It's been less than 6k since I replaced it. I dont know how long ago it was replaced before that. I've read you have to have 3 fuel filter reciepts. I have 1, and I got it done at the stealerr.

 

[Graphic man]

put a switch to the L/P and run the truck and keep turning the switch off and on a few time that will run the VP44 dry and that should do it for a new one :-laf



i am going on

125,000 and still running strong

 

[AKAMAC]

Disclaimer: I don't advocate this!

okay, running with this idea... Should I replace my fuel filter now? It's been less than 6k since I replaced it. I dont know how long ago it was replaced before that. I've read you have to have 3 fuel filter reciepts. I have 1, and I got it done at the stealerr.

If your going to gamble on stars replacement and are willing to be w/o your truck for a few days... ... .

Inspect the fuel filter, if it looks bad, replace. If it not coated with asphaltates (sp, black gunk), just put it back. At 6k with dealer service you are golden.

After your truck has given up and thrown the 216, plug the LP back in and see if it will start. If it does, repeat my first post.

Now as to the disclaimer; My first LP went south at 82k. I had the truck in for clock spring recall so I asked if they would check the LP. The service writer said that would cost $100. 00 and if they found it bad I would be refunded. I don't trust a company that won't do a simple test, 15min, w/o charging you. I just payed my money elsewhere for a new unit, did my own install and didn't look back.

My personal opinion is to monitor you systems and be glad that you have a VP like mine. I don't want to gamble on someone elses decision for my truck and possible repair. Mike

 

[Boondocker]

I wasn't intending a flame. It's just that there's been mucho discussion here lately on how to keep the VP44 healthy. This thread is in such stark contrast to those 'keep-it-alive' threads that I was a bit astounded. I actually wrote an unethical response, but being a straight-shooter type, I couldn't post it



Let's just say, I hope the Midnight Auto Parts Gang doesn't steal your injection pump and you have to make an insurance claim to get a new one. That would be really bad if you didn't have comprehensive insurance with a low deductable.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

AH, I can see the scenario now...



Guy goes to GREAT lengths to deliberately destroy his properly functioning VP-44 - abuses it mercilessly, until finally after LOTS of radical abuse, it finally folds - turns out it was a DANDY unit with a LONG lifespan ahead of it with decent use...



SO, now he manages to snag a "free" rebuilt replacement - which he then applies lots of mods to - and THAT sucker dies on him right afterwards - and he has to replace THAT one on his own dime, all the time wishing he still had the stout original that he deliberately destroyed...

 

[AKAMAC]

Gary! My thoughts exactly.

 

[JKinney]

I've lost two lift pumps and one vp44 inside of 46,000. I took it to the dealer for the vp44 and was without a truck for a week, and they never asked for any fuel filter slips. Had to hire one of my business competitors to assist me with landscaping projects 170,000 miles on his 98. 5 24 valve original lift pump and vp and all I could do was keep watching his pressure gage and could not believe that the lp had not gone south yet.

 

[Jeepmullet]

I wasn't intending a flame. It's just that there's been mucho discussion here lately on how to keep the VP44 healthy. This thread is in such stark contrast to those 'keep-it-alive' threads that I was a bit astounded. I actually wrote an unethical response, but being a straight-shooter type, I couldn't post it



Let's just say, I hope the Midnight Auto Parts Gang doesn't steal your injection pump and you have to make an insurance claim to get a new one. That would be really bad if you didn't have comprehensive insurance with a low deductable.

:-laf I'll be on the lookout for that gang!

 

[Jeepmullet]

AH, I can see the scenario now...



Guy goes to GREAT lengths to deliberately destroy his properly functioning VP-44 - abuses it mercilessly, until finally after LOTS of radical abuse, it finally folds - turns out it was a DANDY unit with a LONG lifespan ahead of it with decent use...







SO, now he manages to snag a "free" rebuilt replacement - which he then applies lots of mods to - and THAT sucker dies on him right afterwards - and he has to replace THAT one on his own dime, all the time wishing he still had the stout original that he deliberately destroyed...

HA! trying to keep all the VP44's for yourself!