Archived Truck died on the way to work - VP time?

[Joe Mc]

175k, possibly on the original pump, not sure? Positive that this pump has 100k as I got truck w/75k in 2001.



Anyway, on the way to work this AM I'm 3/4 of the way in, traffic is at 25 - 30 mph, crusing along normally and without warning or any abnormality "Boink" nothing, just dies!? No check engine, or any other lights, on the dash cluster, just "0" rpm. Was fortunate enough to coast off the road into a parking lot. Cycled key off then to on, plenty of lift psi, engine cranks perfectly, except just as if there was no fuel to light the fire.



I haven't been able to see if there are any codes yet, it's a 99 so I can't do the 3 key trick. Will be getting it towed home later on today and hope to have a code to read.



What do you guys think?

 

[Mishkaya]

If you have PSI from the lift pump, it's pretty much a sure thing it's the VP44; they are known to do that. Crack the lines at the injectors to make sure. It also could be the cam position sensor or crank position sensor for that matter. Might also want to check the fuel pump relay in the junction box. Keep us posted.

 

[Joe Mc]

Mishkaya - thanks for the thoughts. I replaced the crank sensor not too long ago 6 months +/-, but not the cam sensor.



However, I've been thinking about this all day I'm sure you all can imagine, and have a few ideas as to why no Check Engine or other lights (not a single one) came up when she died. Thinking this through - it seemed more electric/electronic than mechanical - I'm wondering if the scotch lock device I used to tap the pump wire (2002) finally broke the wire to the pump? It's driving me nuts that my truck is 5 miles away from work and I can't begin to check things out until I get it home.



Also, if it is the VP I'm wondering if it's best to replace with the standard VP versus the HR-VP. I've heard some stories about drivability issues with the HR and have heard some that idle like a race cam was installed. Keep in mind my truck is a 99 and has the 215 HP motor & I believe the "SO-VP" not an "HO-VP", I've heard that the SO is actually a better/more reliable pump than the HO and HR-VPs. Since mine has 100k on it I'm inclined to believe this.



HP is presently 522 / 1000 # Tq (RWHP & TQ numbers) so I'm wondering if an HR would be of benefit or hinder drivability?



What are experiences of others w/99 automatics that used the HR VP and was it really worth the extra $500 +/- dollars.





Thanks, Joe Mc

 

[Mishkaya]

I would say stick with an SO pump personally. The gains are just not worth it with an HRVP IMO. Good luck on your troubleshooting. You can test the pump by the way by disconnecting the harness to the pump and hotwiring the pump while someone cranks the engine. It's pins six and seven, but I don't recall which is ground and which is power off the top of my head. If you get no fuel this way, you will know for sure it's the pump and not other electronics. Don't forget to test the relay as well (you can swap it with the horn relay if I recall), occasionally it's the culprit.

Good luck!

mishkaya

 

[Joe Mc]

PO1688 - twice ?? I checked all fuses. I'll look at the horn relay and compare the circuit diagram on the side of it if they're the same I'll give that a go, but I'm betting it's the VP.

Thanks for the info So versus HR from what I've read it's best to SO. But, I haven't closed the door yet.

Hey I just noticed you're running 7s and a H-2 Cam & springs - been on the dyno yet? What's your numbers? ? ?

 

[Mishkaya]

PO1688 - twice ?? I checked all fuses. I'll look at the horn relay and compare the circuit diagram on the side of it if they're the same I'll give that a go, but I'm betting it's the VP.



Thanks for the info So versus HR from what I've read it's best to SO. But, I haven't closed the door yet.



Hey I just noticed you're running 7s and a H-2 Cam & springs - been on the dyno yet? What's your numbers? ? ?

P1688 (M) Internal Fuel Injection Pump

Controller Failure

Internal problem within the fuel injection pump. Low

power, engine derated, or engine stops.



I think your pump is definitely toast I'm afraid.

I haven't had it on the dyno since the 7's went in, but it put down 610 last year with the 6's and before the twins were dialed in. I'm hoping to be around 650 this year...

 

[kelly4463]

Hay joe if you need a hand give me a call !

 

[Joe Mc]

Mishkaya sweet great numbers thanks for sharing - I'm shopping now for a VP the key other than lowest price + warranty for me is shipping without paying a fortune to get it to me Friday or at the latest Saturday AM so I can be back on-line Monday.



Hey Kelly - it finally happened#@$%!. I'm probably going to stick w/the SO pump just because I don't want drivability issues and although the lopey idle would sound cool but I can't justify another $500 for that. As long as I receive the pump Friday or Saturday AM I should be OK. I tore right into it after I got home and I'm down to the pump and lines now. Still need to get the puller another $50 for a tool I'll only use one time:{



I'll let you know if I need anything thanks - you work Saturdays though that makes it tough.



Later

 

[kelly4463]

Hay joe lopey idle way cool lol iam done about 4 on saturday if you need help give a call iam right down the road big brother

 

[Joe Mc]

VP Located !!!

Oo.



The good folks at Thoroughbred Diesel,



Bosch VP44 Dodge Injection Pump :: VP 44 Diesel Fuel Injection Pump



had my S/O, VP (Part #VP4415X) sitting on the shelf. I feel the need to mention Wade at Thoroughbred he was of great assistance to me. My initial conversation with Wade was "Hey my name is Joe, I'm a TDR member and my VP died, I'm needing one for a 99 Auto, by Friday or the latest Saturday AM". He said, "there's been a run on VPs over the last two weeks and I don't think we have any of the 15s here, we can turn them around just as fast as anyone, but let me double check and call you back". I'm in the process of calling the next vendor waiting for them to pick up the phone when my other line rings, it was Wade with good news. "We have your VP that was supposed to go to another guy but he didn't want it" so, with next day shipping $95. 00 and $1,025 for the pump it will be at your door tomorrow for $1,120, I just need some information" I told Wade to add a stealth cover for $65 and get things on their way. I also asked if they have the gear tool to aide in pump removal. They do not but he told me Autozone will loan them and gave me the OEM number (27017) and the size bolts they which are 8 X 1. 25 mm.



Now that's service. Also, worthy of mention "No Core Charge" unless you don't get the core to them in 15 days then is $500 refundable upon receipt.



Now, if the R & R goes this smooth I'll be back on-line Sunday at the latest.

 

[Mishkaya]

That's great news!! Keep us posted on the outcome.

 

[Joe Mc]

Kelly - I'll let you know. Why don't you stop by on the way home if you want and see where I'm at with it. Bring a six of something light if you wish. Screwed my back yesterday, went to Chiropractor on the way home today and its still kinda iffy :{ So, I'm not going to try and remove the old VP tonight and let the old back take a brake in hopes of having a body to work with Saturday, plus it's a tad cooler tonight than it was last night.



By the way I called Lou's place for a tow home yesterday (Red Lion & Veree Roads) was told $150 over the phone and Lou was able to cut that in half Sweet - so there's the next fresh tank of fuel - I might even treat here t osome good ol` #2 if the wife isn't home when the tank gets empty:-{} :-laf



Oh, I forgot to mention the timing belt on the Volvo went pretty smoothly - actually fired first turn of the key - never cease to amaze myself sometimes. Hope the VP R & R goes as smoothly.



Mishkaya - will update thread when completed. thanks

 

[Joe Mc]

So the pump arrived today around 10 AM. Picked up Puller @ Auto Zone. Finished removing the HP lines and tried to use the puller - "tried" the bolts in the kit are too long so I went out for shorter bolts, lost light and temperature about 38*. So, tomorrows another day. I'm confident this will go well it's actually a pretty easy job once you get everything out of the way. Much easier than the timing belt job on the wifey mobile (01 Volvo XC-70) everything is so tight under the hood.

 

[Joe Mc]

Finished Saturday afternoon - Back on line again. YEA!

 

[Mishkaya]

Finished Saturday afternoon - Back on line again. YEA!

Glad to hear your truck is back on the road! Oo.

 

[Joe Mc]

Thanks for all that replied and made suggestions. Not a bad job at all, the hardest part was parting with 1k +/-, but I got 100 k out of the pump so the new (reman) one should last at least as long, if not longer with all the upgrades since inception of the one on my truck. Which, by the looks of it, appears to be the original one = 175k.