Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Some issues *turbo/wastegate?*

[cuevas623]

Do you all think that at 310,000 my vp has been replaced before? how should I tell!!

 

[JLandry]

Do you all think that at 310,000 my vp has been replaced before? how should I tell!!

With the VP44 still on the truck, one clue might be if the yellow tamper-proof "VOID" sticker is missing from the VP44's wiring harness connector. Not sure if a 99 had this sticker, but my 01 does.



Another way to tell is by looking at the data plate on the VP44. The spare rebuilt VP44 I have has been engraved with the rebuild date, updated part number revision, etc. Also it's painted black, whereas my original is unpainted.



Regards,



John L.

 

[cummins82]

My VP44 has a big "REMANUFACTURED" sticker right across the top. It's visible when I look @ the pump from my driver's side battery.

I talked to the previous owner of my truck and found that he ran an Edge programmer on Levels 3-5 all the time, and never bothered checking/upgrading the lift pump... . I'm thinking I was driving a ticking bomb from the start =P

After checking the TDR posts from other owners and looking at their warning signs, I'm thinking this pump started going out about 7-8 months ago. I had an issue with the truck not wanting to start after work one day, and when it did finally fire it blew white smoke terrible bad and wouldn't idle or rev to save it's life. It did this three times, and then the fourth time it ran fine. One of the mechanics at work said it was probably gelling up since it was so cold, but I had a double dose of Howe's in it and the truck never had problems any other day, even when it was colder... I'm guessing that was the beginning of the end for the VP44, because I've noticed a lot of other guys have had that happen and then had pump failure fairly soon after... .

Anyway, I noticed in one of those other posts a mention of Midwest Injection as being a good place to get a reman'd pump, so I'm going with a combo package of a VP44 and a 95gph FASS lift pump/filtration unit. As soon as the bank gives me the money =P

Thanks again for all the advice and help you guys. I really do owe one for the help I've received. And I know it's been said before, but I'm saying it now: This membership is probably the best money I've spent since I started driving a Cummins! Well, until my gauges get installed that is

 

[GCULP]

cummins82, I noticed you're waiting to buy guages from a buddy, but you might consider this source as well, new product for less money.

check it out.

ISSPRO Dodge Ram Gauge Package #1 for 94-02

or why not just add the RECON XZT gauge to your Xzillaraider?

 

[cummins82]

Yeah, my friend actually decided to keep his Duramax, so he's keeping his gauges. I have some money left over from ordering the pumps, but I need to wait and see what kind of labor charges I'm going to have tied into this. I've looked at Vulcan Performance before, but I want to get some items from Geno's as well, and I'm thinking it might be easier to just order everything from Geno's. The gauge package is a little more expensive, but apparently it has everything I need to hook the gauges up straight off, so I guess it's a fair trade...

 

[JLandry]

The gauge package is a little more expensive, but apparently it has everything I need to hook the gauges up straight off, so I guess it's a fair trade...

Another great place to order gauges is Diesel Distributors USA. Everything needed to install each gauge is included in the selling price and orders are shipped for free. I've had great service from them... usually orders ship the same day I place the order online.



Best regards,



John L.

 

[cummins82]

One more question... .

Do I or don't I have an in-tank fuel pump? I'm getting mixed answers, and I need to find out so I can order a draw straw if I need it for my FASS system... How can I tell, short of dropping the tank and opening it up?

 

[Sixpack]

One more question... .



Do I or don't I have an in-tank fuel pump? I'm getting mixed answers, and I need to find out so I can order a draw straw if I need it for my FASS system... How can I tell, short of dropping the tank and opening it up?

See if the stock lift pump is bolted to the drivers side of the block behind and below the fuel filter cannister. If there is an aluminum "block" (instead of a lift pump)that the fuel lines run into and out of you more than likely have the in tank pump.

 

[cummins82]

Ok I have the lift pump on the block, but I was told that there is possibly a THIRD fuel pump *two lifts and the injector*. I really doubted, but I wanted to be sure. Thanks a lot!

Would you still suggest the Draw Straw or no? I guess if there's no other restriction in the tank, it wouldn't really make sense, would it?

 

[Sixpack]

Ok I have the lift pump on the block, but I was told that there is possibly a THIRD fuel pump *two lifts and the injector*. I really doubted, but I wanted to be sure. Thanks a lot!



Would you still suggest the Draw Straw or no? I guess if there's no other restriction in the tank, it wouldn't really make sense, would it?

I have two. A 8psi pump in the stock location and the in tank model feeding it. 15 psi at idle and no lower than 11 psi pulling my 8k 5r. Been working fine for 20k miles (knock on wood). Check your fuel pressure. Should be around 14-16 with a good stock lift pump. I will install the draw straw and after market pump when and if my in tank pump fails.

 

[cummins82]

I put a test gauge on the fuel line coming into the filter and I was about 5-6 psi. I didn't check after the filter, figured there was no need since I know now the pump is shot, and apparently so is the LP. My FASS and reman'd VP44 should be here late this week or early next, so I will hopefully have my truck up and running again before too long.

I'll put a Draw Straw on 3 day select shipping and get it here in time to throw it into the tank. That way I know for sure I'm restriction free from tank to VP44, since I already ordered the Big Line Filter to Injector Pump kit.

My only concern now *hopefully* will be too HIGH a pressure and hard starting, since I've read about problems with that on TDR...

Thanks again for everyone who has helped me with this. It makes me feel pretty good to know there's people out there willing to share information and help like this!

 

[cummins82]

Ok, quick update.

I put a FASS on my truck, and got the new VP44, and have put about 150 miles on the new set-up. Aside from the small oil leak in the timing cover, everything seemed great. 14 PSI in the fuel going directly into the VP *12 PSI @ WOT*, and great economy and performance. After about the first 50 miles, I noticed a slight drop in the pressure, about 13 PSI under light load and WOT. After that, every time I drove the truck, the fuel pressure dropped another point or two and wouldn't come back up. I also noticed that the performance and mileage have started to drop as well. I was about 20 miles from home camping, so I simply didn't drive it anymore than I had to. When I came back to town today, I had 6 PSI, and it dropped down to about 4 PSI by the time I got off the highway and parked it at my mechanic's shop.

The FASS pump was making a little more noise than when we first started the truck, and I'm wondering if anyone had any ideas. I don't have any fuel leaks, and the only thing I can think of is there might be an in-tank fuel pump. When I installed the FASS, we did a simple test to see if we could draw fuel easily out of the tank, and it seemed to work fine. It took three tries to prime the system , but after that everything ran fine, so I was convinced I didn't have to worry.

Does anyone have any ideas? I don't really know much about FASS pumps yet, nor do I know enough about these engines to determine what's wrong. Any help would be great, because I'm supposed to be using this truck Thursday to get 5 ton of gravel for the driveway. The gravel pit is on our way to the airport, and we're leaving for Alaska that day. Anyway, I'm off subject, and looking for help, lol... .

 

[darkhorse]

What a bummer! Did you install the draw straw?

 

[JLandry]

Does anyone have any ideas?

I'd be tempted to replace the fuel filter again just to rule it out.



I'm thinking maybe with all that fuel circulating due to the new FASS pump, maybe some crud in the tank got stirred up and the fuel filter is plugged up.



Good luck,



John L.

 

[cummins82]

Well, the pressure gauge was leaking, so I temp-fixed it and started the truck. Still had only 9 PSI @ the VP. I wouldn't think my filters could be crudded up that quickly, but then again, I do live in an area known for shabby pump tank maintenance. I have to have a fuel line made up for my pressure isolator *the 3/8" line included in my gauge installation kit had a cracked fitting on one end * so the truck is out until I get that rigged up anyway. I'll get a Fleetguard filter ordered for the FASS at the same time, so hopefully I'll have some positive news before too long.

Thanks again for the help and ideas!

Oh, darkhorse, I didn't install a Draw Straw, due to a serious lack of budget right now and the problem of not enough time allowed in the mechanic's shop. I get to pay as I can afford on my bill, but that means cash-in-hand customers get first dibs on the stalls I can't complain, I still get my stuff done, it just takes a little longer. I'm going to look up a timing cover gasket and the Draw Straw, and after a quick check on my bank account, I'll know which one I can afford before I leave

 

[dcoffman]

Hardest lesson to get across to diesel owners:



GAUGES GAUGES GAUGES...



The life and performance of a VP-44 diesel injection pump is proper PSI - and you can't just ASSUME yours is correct - you hafta MONITOR it!

Agreed too!!!!