Here I am

Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Please Help. VP44 Issues Need Advice and info

Attention: TDR Forum Junkies
To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.

Thanks, TDR Staff
Status
Not open for further replies.
Hello,

I tried posting this earlier but only 1 person read the thread.

I am new to the TDR and just decided to see if the 35. 00 was worth the investment or not. Everyone I had spoke to suggested that this was the best forum, so here I am.



I know you all have addressed this issue before but maybe I am adding a twist for you considering I run my truck on wasted Vegetable oil. The company (greasel) who manufactured the kit I have on my truck now advise against converting the 98-02 5. 9 CTD due to the hight failure rate of the VP44, although not related to running veggie as fuel specifically.



I bought my dodge in October of 04 from a guy in Oklahoma who had already set the vehicle up with a Nomad Vegetable Fuel system from Greasel. He explained to me that the truck had already had an IP fail at 95,000 miles with the stock LP. The truck has had an aeromotive 100a LP on it ever since it had the IP replaced. I drove the truck for a couple of months with no problems or codes. After I changed the Veggie Fuel Filter for the first time I believe I let some air in to the lines with out properly bleeding it from the system and by doing so I fried the VP44 or so I believe.



The obvious sign is the always recurring P0216 code. I have an OBDII reader and have removed the code on numerous occasions and it always seems to come back. The symptoms I have are the Dead Pedal syndrome every morning at start up. The engine starts up fine, but once I get it up to around 15-20 mph there is still power but no go. If i pull over and give it a minute power comes back, but will come and go until the truck is warmed up to normal operating temperature. Once the truck is warm my loss of throttle response is intermittent, and comes and goes at random. From the first time it happened I drove 2500 miles until it recurred and since then comes and goes at random, but is always there upon start up. If I cycle the key on and of it power comes right back. I replaced the APPS and it is the same story. FP is monitored by a electric gauge and never drops bellow 15psi. I have also checked with a mechanical gauge and my FP is good. The truck also seems to have not guts. I have trouble maintaining 60-mph up a steep grade. The problems are the same wether I am running veggie or diesel.



All of this had led me to believe that I need another VP44. A dealer replaced the last one and that was under 20,000 miles and 9 months ago so I am thinking that the VP44 should still be under warranty except the dealer that did the work is some 2000 miles away from where I live in San Diego. I would like the truck to run normal, and have heard to many horror stories about loosing VP44's on this specific truck.



Do any of you think that if I have Cummins confirm my VP is dead by testing it that the dealer who installed the last VP will pick up the cost of a new one even though the truck is now out of warrantee? I heard that most the rebuilt VP44's have a 1 year warrantee.



If anyone wants to chime in with Advice, Experiences, Expertise it would be greatly appreciated. I would like to also find a good diesel mechanic in the So. California area if anyone knows of one it would be great. .
 
Last edited:
Welcome to TDR! I've been a member for years and yes it's worth the money many times over. I've had to replace my VP44 twice and since I had made modifications to the engine it was on my own dime.



I do not remember reading from anyone that's running on veggie oil although there are some members that run biodiesel or biodiesel blends. As a member do a search and I am sure you will find a thread somewhere that lists similar problems!



Good Luck!
 
VP44s and FAME

Hello! Having worked in the fuel injection industry for about 30 years, I have seen quite a few things. But some of the worst pumps I have experienced lately are the few folks trying to make their own veggie fuel. If we could get a "standard" set and meet the specifications of the manufacturers, we would all be happy motorists. Here is a link to a Common Position Statement from all the major diesel fuel injection manufacturers regarding the usage of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester Fuels or Rapeseed Methyl Ester. It may be interesting to you. Common Position Statement



I think you have a bad VP44 from the symptoms. The common problem that we see most is the failed lift pump and overheated electronics from the lack of cooling from the low fuel supply. But occasionally, we will see the failure from lack of lubrication in the fuel, i. e. stuck advance pistons, wear in the advance area, metering sleeve wear... and on and on. I would hesitate running any biodiesel in my pump unless it met the standards listed in the Common Position Statement.



This may not be what you want to hear, but how much savings are you really getting by running bio fuel if you have to replace the pump and injectors every 20K miles?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Welcome to the TDR

if you have a question this is the place to have it!!

there are so many people on here, someone has been there done that and has a fix for your problem!! these guys are great !!! and you will learn a lot!!!



sorry to hear about your problem but it does sound like a VP44

i have 105k on my 01 and I'am still on the same VP44 with 1 L/P change



Scott
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top