Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Need advise on upgrade fuel lift pump

[pmillsap]

I am going to be upgrading my fuel lift pump for my Dodge Ram 2500 which we used for towing our 8500lbs 5th wheel. FASS offers the direct replacement for $256 or I could go to the 95 or 150 model for considerably more money ($445. 55). I would be alright with spending the additional money if the additional fuel supply will be helpful for our application for the 2500 model vehicle.

Also I should note I have been having issues with interminent no start condition which I hoping this is lift pump may be part of the problem as the Chrysler dealer had said that I was not getting fuel to the VP44 fuel injector pump? He aslo said that it could be the VP44 fuel injector pump itself, the ECM and the blocker heater was bad. (I not sure how the block heater in warm MS would affect a no-start condition). When I ask if he could check each device he said he could not guarantee that replacing each faulty component would fix the issue? We were looking at big money for replacing these items and with no ensurance of correcting the problem we promtly removed the truck form the wonderful dealership in Batesville MS.

How could I verify if the VP44 fuel inject pump is fautly? or the ECM which has just been replaced in Nov 08?

 

[georgej]

Purchase a fuel pressure gauge equiped with a shrader connector and check the pressure at the vp inlet. It should be 10-12 psi at idle and not drop below 5-6 psi revving the engine with the stock pump. I did install the ddrp and it put out 15-17 psi at idle and is said to flow about 30% more fuel.

 

[JLandry]

PMillsap,



When you say you have an intermittent no-start condition, what exactly is happening? Can you describe the situation for us in detail? How often does it happen and under what conditions.



There is a sure fire way to check a VP44 by connecting a Cummins hot-start tester. Any Cummins repair facility will have this, or it can be purchased new from Cummins or Miller Special Tools here:



VP44 Tester



This Cummins tester is connected directly to the VP44 and the truck's battery after first disconnecting the truck's wiring harness. The engine is then cranked. It completely bypasses the truck's systems, so if the VP44 is working properly it will immediately start and the engine will idle, even if the ignition key is turned off! There's a button on the Cummins hot-box that'll command the VP44 to operate the engine at a high-idle (1000 or 1300 rpm if memory serves me correct) to further verify its function. Once testing is completed, a kill button is pressed on the hot-box to shut the engine down.



Obviously if the VP44 is faulty it'll act the same problematic way when connected to either the hot-box or the truck's wiring harness. If it operates correctly only when connected to the hot-box, then you can deduce the VP44 is fine and can look elsewhere for the problem.



Best regards,



John L.

 

[Demons_Ram]

Here's a fair trouble tree on the VP 44 and the Lift pump from Blue Chip Diesel.

VP 44 Trouble Tree Blue Chip Diesel Performance Specialists

Lift Pump Trouble Tree Blue Chip Diesel Performance Specialists

 

[KCraft]

dont buy those pricey fass systems, i replaced my factory lp with a holley black(140gph) and moved it to the frame.

 

[LBARTLETT]

I love my fass 150, it's worth the cost to me to have the strainer and the filter located along the frame where they are very easy to drain and change. I have the older model which is noisy but I know I'll not have VP44 problems anymore, just my personal opinion

 

[NavyDoc]

I'm running a FASS 150 system and it works like a champ. I just returned from a 6500 mile trip from NC to Utah/Arizona/Rockies for 4 weeks and pulled 10,000 lbs over many many big mountains - FASS 150 no issues. If you are going to be towing over high altitudes, your line pressures will drop 20-30% or more under load - something to keep in mind if you are on the fence between a stouter pump vs stock replacement... .

FASS is a solid choice and proven over many miles.

My two cents.

 

[Chief USA]

Perhaps I missed it but what year truck is this?

 

[EForbes]

The FASS DDRP or the Holley black are lower cost alternatives, and both are dependable.

 

[LBARTLETT]

don't know the year but it's in the 2nd gen forum and has a VP44

 

[Bob4x4]

I love my fass 150, it's worth the cost to me to have the strainer and the filter located along the frame where they are very easy to drain and change. I have the older model which is noisy but I know I'll not have VP44 problems anymore, just my personal opinion

It doesn't matter how much fuel you deliver to it. They will still wear out and have electrical failures with enough miles.

 

[pmillsap]

Sorry the truck is a 1999 and currently has a Holley light pump.

 

[DEWright]

If is is hard to start when it is hot, then most likely it is your vp44. Been there and done that. Bought a vp 44 from Thoroughbred diesels at less than blue chip. Bluechip was very proud of their equipment and had an attitude when I spoke to them on the phone. All have the same warranty except the dealership and our dealership in Texas would only warranty their pump for 6 months. I bought the pump from thoroughbred and let the dealership install for $300. It runs like a champ and starts everytime. Just have fuel pressure issues at WOT. Good luck.