Attention: TDR Forum Junkies TDR Folks,
I replaced my VP44 on Saturday because of recurring and persistant P0216 error. I've been fighting with this error since November, and just couldn't figure out why the pump went bad. This pump replaced the original 30K miles ago (insalled by Dodge), and I've monitored fuel pressure since installation, and have really babied it. The only issue I've had was running out of fuel once (about 6 mos prior to problem appearing).
So, I replace this pump, and after I button the truck up, take a close look at it. A problem (perhaps THE problem?) was obvious -- the timing key on the pump was sheared perhaps 1/2 of its width! So, obviously, the timing could and would be drastically affected.
What, I wonder, would cause this to happen? Its clear that the pump drive gear was moving and the pump shaft wasn't, but there would have to be considerable resistance in the pump to cause the gear to spin on the shaft.
Or, could the damage have been done when this pump was installed?, e. g. , the key wasn't precisely lined up, and the tech applied so much torque on the shaft nut that it just sraped a portion of the key off? If so, why did it run fine for almost two years? Very peculiar.
I'll post a picture later so you all can take a look. I'm going to have the pump tested and rebuilt if necessary, but am hoping that this $1 key is that needs to be replaced!
Thanks.
Craig
I replaced my VP44 on Saturday because of recurring and persistant P0216 error. I've been fighting with this error since November, and just couldn't figure out why the pump went bad. This pump replaced the original 30K miles ago (insalled by Dodge), and I've monitored fuel pressure since installation, and have really babied it. The only issue I've had was running out of fuel once (about 6 mos prior to problem appearing).
So, I replace this pump, and after I button the truck up, take a close look at it. A problem (perhaps THE problem?) was obvious -- the timing key on the pump was sheared perhaps 1/2 of its width! So, obviously, the timing could and would be drastically affected.
What, I wonder, would cause this to happen? Its clear that the pump drive gear was moving and the pump shaft wasn't, but there would have to be considerable resistance in the pump to cause the gear to spin on the shaft.
Or, could the damage have been done when this pump was installed?, e. g. , the key wasn't precisely lined up, and the tech applied so much torque on the shaft nut that it just sraped a portion of the key off? If so, why did it run fine for almost two years? Very peculiar.
I'll post a picture later so you all can take a look. I'm going to have the pump tested and rebuilt if necessary, but am hoping that this $1 key is that needs to be replaced!
Thanks.
Craig
