Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) rut-roh-raggy! Fuel press probs

[sardoghauler]

Good morning boys and girls



riddle me this



with the truck in sig. - new vp44 13k ago - off warranty now :{ .



For the last week or so I've been getting HIGH fuel press readings. pressure is on an autometer z series (0-15lbs) plumbed directly to the vp with one of Rip's kits. Sitting at a light at idle the pressure used to be 13. 5 to 14. 5 lbs. now it will slowly creep up over 15 to say 16 or 16. 5. At this point it was runnnig fine and not showing any codes in odo display.



However, tonight I had a little stumble at cold start and pressure readings were WAY high while cruising at 35mph in town. WAY high means needle was pointing to 6 o'clock. still runs fine but takes a longer crank on some warm starts.



What gives? am I losing another vp44. What would give high pressure readings? bad gauge or some restriction at the vp? Is there some sort of pressure blow-off that isn't opening? An intermittently restricted return line?



any thoughts would help

Thanks - I can't afford this right now

 

[RAJohnson]

You mention you have a 0-15psi gauge, but then go on to say your pressures are 16-16. 5psi how does one know :-laf :-laf :-laf



When I had mine tapped at the schrader valve close to the VP I saw real erratic fuel pressures. I added a snubber valve and relocated as far away from the vp as I could and still keep it between the VP and the FF. It smoothed right out and is rock solid. The longer crank at warm starts could be air Check the short rubber fuel line between the LP and the FF, take it off and flex it to see the cracks

 

[sardoghauler]

just guessing

you are correct - i don't really know the pressures once the needle is off the marked portion of the gauge- I posted those numbers to give people an idea of what the needle was doing. I never had erratic readings before but air in the line could present with these symptoms. thanks

 

[johncameron]

still runs fine but takes a longer crank on some warm starts.

I can't afford this right now

Sorry to say but the hard starts when hot are a sign of VP-44 failure. Mine started doing that 6 months before my VP went south.



John