Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) To tap or not to tap....

[tunod_68]

First I'd like to say that TDR is awesome! I signed up 2 years ago and have found it to be a great resource!



But ultimatly I'm posting now for a question... . Should I tap my vp line for my edge? I've had it tapped and gone through two vp's since. I have it unhooked now trying to identify a current problem (which might be a vp as well). I notice no real difference with it unhooked! Am I missing something or is tapping it really not worth the trouble?



I unhooked it now because I was bettering the ground to my edge and exhaust brake valve and it was a pain to get up in there to get a good splice. Since I have the exhaust brake valve right there too, I wanted to leave it in place... I guess it was a bad reason (lazy) but it worked for me. Hooking it back up is not a real problem, just wondering what good it does or if it really does any good at all!



DAMN VP's!!!!!



Thanks for your input!

 

[Cummins724]

If you are going to tap the pump wire... I recommend getting a stealth cover rather than splicing into the wire. It definately makes a difference when it is tapped.

 

[tolmsted]

724.



What is a stealth cover? Where to purchase cover? How does it hookup?

Do you have a picture?



Thanks, Tom

 

[Bob Wagner]

here is a link for more info

http://www.bluechipdiesel.com/pumpcoverinstallation.html

 

[tolmsted]

Thanks Bob for the link.

Is this cover to be used in an 2001. 5 I have?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[BTowler]

I thought there was no tap wire on an EZ!?!?!? Only on the Juice and Comp.

 

[tunod_68]

Gee thanks... . I mean I wasn't really asking about HOW to tap a wire! I was just asking if it was worth it. And why don't I notice any real difference when it is hooked up.

 

[tunod_68]

It's a Edge Comp ... my old sig was wrong... .

 

[Cummins724]

Gee thanks... . I mean I wasn't really asking about HOW to tap a wire! I was just asking if it was worth it. And why don't I notice any real difference when it is hooked up.

I think that if you are not noticing a difference... . You probably are running out of fuel pressure to the vp. It is a night & day difference when it gets hooked up.

 

[tunod_68]

I guess it could have been the ground issue that I was 'fixin' then... I will plug it back in and see. But the truck runs MUCH better now than before i 'fixed' the ground on my Edge. I have a FASS now so I shouldn't be running low on fuel. My FP guage should be in tomorrow and installed this week.

 

[Cummins724]

I had a problem with my ground once & thought my comp was bad... I'd try it & see.

 

[Nate]

Can you guys explain that cover a bit more? I'm not sure I understand how it would work better than tapping the actual wire??



I'm going to install a TST box over this Thanksgiving, I'll hold off and order this cover if I'd be better off with it.



Bob, is this something you carry? What is the price?

 

[tunod_68]

Nate: The cover is mostly important if you are worried about a warrantee issue... I can't see it as being any better of a "tap".

 

[AWeik]

i personally wouldn't use a stealth/tap cover. ive heard some of them dont seal well and can have grounding issues. Sodering the wire is a more solid, conductive connection. i stripped a 1/2 inch section of the wire about 2 inches before it enters the pump, i then wrapped and sodered the Comp wire to it. to seal the connection i just boggered some liquid electrical tape so its safe from the elements. it sure does make my Vp thirsty. i gotta becareful until i can afford some kind of fuel system.

 

[JStrosnider]

i personally wouldn't use a stealth/tap cover. ive heard some of them dont seal well and can have grounding issues. Sodering the wire is a more solid, conductive connection.

I strongly agree!!! I had issues with my BD Stealth Cover. . Had it on the truck for a year with no problems... Then all of the sudden it starting throwing pump codes with no throttle response. So of course my first thought was my VP was on it's way out. . I unhooked my comp and the problem went away. . Cleared codes and all was good. . Hooked my comp back up without tapping the wire and had no problems. . The problem only seemed to exist when I reconnected my pump wire via the stealth cover to the vp pump. . At first I thought it may be a bad ground so I grounded my comp directly to the battery, however the problem persitsted to come back. . I took a deeper look into what was going on and I found that the piercing screw that taps the pump wire had actually been arcing and had started to melt the tip of the piercing screw. . I completely removed the stealth cover and stripped and soldered the wire directly... Since the repair I've had no issues and all is well... Also some people state that the cover is for warrenty issues however some people have found out the hard way the Bosch is actually on to the "so called stealth cover". . So it may get past your dealer however it will not get passed Bosch... Ultimately people I know have been sent bills by the dealer stating that the work that was performed was not warrentied due to tampering with the pump... And also some mechanics and starting to look for the spot in the pump itself that gets tapped via the stealth cover. . It was a great idea when they first came out but however but with all the warranty issues it's time in the spotlight has passed...

 

[tunod_68]

Ok just for the record..... I HAD to go out and tap my wire back in... drove it and it's NIGHT AND DAY different. I didn't realize how much power I had been dropping due to a bad ground!



I'm so excited... My truck is back like when I first put the Edge in... well plus the injectors... and FASS ...

 

[Cummins724]

Ok just for the record..... I HAD to go out and tap my wire back in... drove it and it's NIGHT AND DAY different. I didn't realize how much power I had been dropping due to a bad ground!



I'm so excited... My truck is back like when I first put the Edge in... well plus the injectors... and FASS ...

Hate to say I told you so! I'm glad it worked & keep em' Cummins.

 

[tunod_68]

You know what else make a HUGE difference??? ... . well???? ... . give up ??? ... . Ok I'll tell you ... a GOOD Crankshaft Position Sensor!!!!! I was getting that 0336 code ... . and today had MAJOR problems with my truck even starting... I replaced the sensor in about 30 minutes (NO JOKE!) and even with my comp at 3x3 it runs better than awesome! Next trick is stacking a smarty since I've heard so many good things about them.

 

[Cummins724]

I tried a loaner smarty, but didn't have time to try all of the settings & let me tell you... . IT ROCKS! You won't believe the difference. The edge comp has always suffered on the low RPM & smarty fills in that void with smooth power right from idle. My brother has a loaner headed this way from Bob Wagner & I told him he should have just sent the check, because I know he will love it. I'm getting married in January & can't afford one right now... . I guess when my brother buys one I'll have to borrow it!