Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Replacement VP44 doesn't fit?

[JAlford]

I am replacing my VP44, only to discover that the rear pump bracket was broken and there is a new replacement bracket that is MUCH heavier. When I tried to put the VP44 up on the mounting studs and get the key aligned, the pump will not draw up against the front case, as the bracket hits the block. The old bracket is not available any more. The bolt thru the bracket into the pump is also hitting the block. Has anyone else had this problem? How do you get around it? This bracket must have been the standard by 2001, as a friend's truck has this bracket.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Getting the VP-44 front collar and O-ring to properly slip and seat into place in the engine gearcase opening can be a problem sometimes, and prevent proper installation - and you sure don't want to force it! Lube it with a bit of engine oil or petroleum jelly, and carefully try to coax it into seating properly - there are no differences in the VP-44's I have ever heard of...

 

[JAlford]

I am able to get the o-ring in on the side away from the motor, but the other side is a long way off. The bracket is firmly up against the block and the pump is very obviously crooked in relation to the mount face (1/8" difference).

If I cut the bracket, the bolt for the bracket will still hit the block.

Jeff

 

[tractorface]

It will fit.

I went throught the exact same thing you are going through. I am assuming you have BOTH pieces of the updated bracket. If you only have one piece you are DOA. I had to remove the power steering pump to correctly install the new bracket to the engine. The first time I tried to install the bracket I had it in the wrong spot because I had not seen the new second piece yet. Anyway you need to install all of the brackets etc and leave the bolts very loose even to the block. You will have to install the Power steering pump last. After you get the VP drawn up tigh go back and tighten all your other mounting bolts. I think the job is much easier if the original bracketry is in place because then you can leave the PS pump on the truck. If you really want one I have the old bracket. I had purchased several different items trying to get this thing resolved and finally collected all of the pieces to install the new parts. I am of the opinion that the old parts were replaced because so many break. I also think the broken bracket may be part of the high failure rate for early VP44's. All that is Just my opinion. FWIW the old part is availaable even though they say it is not cause I got one by mistake last year. PM me if you want the old bracket. Think I paid $30. 00 for it I'll have to dig out the receipt. I think you would be better off with the new one. Cummins has diagrams on the website that show where the bracket goes. You need to look at some pics.



After re-reading your post I am sure you have the bracket on wrong. I did the same thing Just remember to only take the PS pump off not the other pump it is piggy backed to. A little tricky getting it back on but it can be done. No gaskets needed, just be careful.

 

[tractorface]

One more thing

DO NOT USE PJ OR ANY LUBE ON THE VP$$ SHAFT. The tolerences are too tight and any oile etc. on the shaft can cause you trouble

 

[Todd T]

tractorface he was telling him to use lube on the seal and matin surface of the case not the shaft.



keep the bolts real loose on the pump bracket until you get the pump to pull up to the case and have all the bolts nearly tight. then align the braket and start the bolts into the block. it should fit, but can be a bear.

 

[tractorface]

Just making sure. Hope no offense was taken

 

[Todd T]

None here, bud!

 

[JAlford]

Thanks for the info tractorface - you were correct. I had both parts, and finally got it figured out. Thanks for the offer of the bracket, too, but I won't need it now. Since there aren't any instructions, it is a little "blind leading blind" until I got it figured out. Would have replied earlier, but I was out of town all week. Just got the pump on tonight. The "block" I thought I was up against was the foam insulator. Added some spinach, and forced 'er in there. The o-ring is a real pain to get in, but the gear was not bad. Rip suggested superglue for the key, and that works great! No chance of falling out. I did have to pull the pump back off to tighten the bracket-to-pump bolts. I decided to use locktite on everything - don't want to do this but once. I didn't know what torque to use, so I used the same spec as the original bracket. With the locktite, it should hold I guess. Overall, the job is not a bad one. Wouldn't want to try it on the side of the road though.



For those who are trying this at home - you can use a steering wheel puller and the two shorter intake manifold bolts to pull the gear. I had a tough time finding bolts until I realized that the manifold bolts would work.



Thanks,

Jeff

 

[tractorface]

Good point about the bolts, think I'll crawl under the truck and make sure everything is still tight one year later