Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Need help with engine issues

[Deadbus]

Ok folks, I appeal to you for your infinite wisdom as the dealer cannot find out what is wrong with my truck.



On 02 Apr, I transferred from NY to CA and on the way I noticed that everything under, around, and towed behind was covered in an oil slick. I immediately brought the truck in and they said that the Vacuum Pump seal had let go. While waiting for the pump to come in, the truck started to get a really long crank time before starting. Took 2-3 times w/ letting the LP timeout before starting.



The LP was replaced as it was found to have below spec pressure. The truck still had trouble starting but not as frequently. I brought it in to Seattle and had them check it out and that last pump (<1,000 miles old) had also failed and was replaced. Now the truck really has trouble starting. Almost every restart has problems. One thing that I noticed in common was the fact that the fuel tank was below 1/2 when it really starts to do it. When it is full, it is only once or twice.



I really need help in pointing the dealer in the right direction since they do not have a clue and follow my lead with a dealer proclaimed, "you know more about it than we do. " Should I be scared?



I can't afford for my truck to be down like this. If it ain't fixed by Tuesday afternoon, I trading it in on a '04.



Thanks!



Vinnie



BTW, 63000 miles on it and on it 3rd LP and 2nd Inj Pump. Has a new fuel filter.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Wonder if you were originally from a climate that allowed algae to form in the fuel tank - clogging the internal tank strainer and starving the LP?

 

[y-knot]

How long has it been since the fuel filter was replaced?

 

[Houser]

You May have an air leak in your fuel line causing the LP to suck more and more air the lower the fuel level gets. It might be a leaky banjo bolt gasket right at the LP intake. Air would suck in under vaccume but no fuel would leak back out.



Just a maybe



Houser

 

[Wiredawg]

Get Fuel pressure gauges

I would install FP gauges. Althought they didn't help save my VP-44, I was always able to keep healthy FP to it. I kinda go along with tank might be clogging. Maybe run extra dose of fuel treatment?



Hope you get it figured out.



Wiredawg

 

[Deadbus]

Sorry for the delay in replys

Ok hear goes.



First thanks to everyone that replied.



The fuel filter was replaced the day that everything started. So about 50 miles before the pump was replaced. It was clean.



I do not believe that the internal tank filter was clogged because the truck runs fine with great acceleration once started.



As for the air leak, that sounds about right. I really believe that the fuel lines to the LP are draining or that there is a air leak in the tank suction when it gets too low. It really starts to act up when the tank is close to an 1/8th full. It just started suddenly and has me very concerned.



I am enroute to San Diego via Seattle from New York and can't afford for it to be down like this.



Thanks again for everyone's help. Hopefully they will fix it on Monday.



Fuel Pressure guages are definite addition as soon as I get to San Diego.





Vinnie

 

[Huff N Puff]

I'd suspect the oring at the

Quick coupler near the lift pump for the air leak. The easiest way to test for air leaks is to do it when the tank is lower than 1/2. Connect the lift pump to a power source and disconnect the line going into theVP44 and watch for aerated fuel.

 

[Deadbus]

Dealer results

Okay folks, the results are in from the 2nd dealer and they can't duplicate symptoms. They had it for 36 hours and nothing. I even watched them for part of it.



And you know as soon as I left the dealer and got lunch, it started doing it. It is very selective and i think the truck has it out for me.



Question is now that I am in San Diego, do I take it to the 3rd dealer for service or trade it in. If I take it to service, where is a good dealer in San Dog? I got time to kill now, don't check in for a while.



Thanks for all your help. This is the best $35 I ever spent.



Vinnie



PS I should mention that the truck is very sentimental. It was built on my birthday, Jan 12, 2001. Yes, I know it was built on a Friday. Guess the wive's tale is true.