Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Used truck has in-tank pump fix. Now what?

[Ncostello]

I found a pristine 1 owner trade in at the local Dodge dealership. 4x4 2500 Quad Cab long bed SLT Laramie Plus. Charcoal Metallic, all OEM. Used to tow a camper on trips a few times a year.



When the previous owner (whom I called and lives nearby) was in Ohio on a trip... he noticed he was low on power that he was typically used to. So he drove it home lightly and didn't worry too much. The dealership (this one) replaced the VP44... and installed the in-tank retrofit kit. This was last summer. Its had about 3K miles on it since. He got a new MegaCab which is why it was traded it. He's about to retire and wants to pay off a new one.



So what are my options if I buy this for $17,000. Will I be under the gun to do something besides the in-tank deal to prevent meltdown of a brand new VP? Or will I be OK as is? Seems like some think the retro is fine... . while twice as many more say 8psi-"high volume" is not good.



Truth be told... I'd rather just have a new Carter and a gauge. At least with the carter replacement is a snap. Even if its all to often.



I've read Glacier Diesels writeup on the new system. Since they describe the setup as "robust" but flawed... wondering if this could be pulled and modified. As in do away with the flapper valve inlets, venturi deal, bypass etc. Or at least make it so fuel can get to the pump easy and "limit" the internal 8psi internal bypass. OR something.



Leave it up to Chrysler to develop a fix that is twice as bad as the original problem.



AirDog seems OK I guess. Glacier walbro kits seem OK. I just didn't want to do another fuel system re-do as I once did on the 99. Bad memories and lots of time and cash outlay.



Wouldn't mind the Raptor stand alone pump and gut the in-tank setup to use a simple standpipe... keep the fuel level equip only.

 

[fox]

What is the fuel pressure?

If it is 5 or more leave it alone for now. Fix it when it needs it.

 

[JWelch]

Are planning on bombing it? If not a buddy of mine that did that conversion put a BD pusher pump inline with it. He is seeing 20 psi +/-.

 

[aircop]

i'm running the bd auxzillary pump inline with the intank pump, been running for 2 yrs no problems. 20psi idle 12psi wot with my new DDP 150's.

 

[JR2]

If you like the truck buy it, put a Fass/Air-dog/Walbro/RASP/MITUSA... . etc on it and drive it.

My personal opnion about fuel pressure is anything over 5 is fine... my VP has 60K miles on it and I have had a fuel box on it since 2500 miles.

 

[DSeamans]

Start by driving the thing home and putting a fuel pressure gauge on it. If it doesn't drop below 5psi at WOT then keep driving it. If or when it does start dropping below 5psi, then replace it with your pump of choice. The carters are now $200+ at most places. The airdog is $499 and has a lifetime warranty. That made my decision and I love it. All of the aftermarket systems are better than stock, so its mostly a matter of preference. But for now, gauge it and if it ain't broke-don't fix it. ( that doesn't include injectors, turbos, exhaust/intake, fueling boxes... ... ... )



Dave

 

[Ncostello]

FWIW... this dealer claims to really know the diesels. They say they know they have two of the best Cummins mechanics in the State. I know... all opinion.



That being said and for what this is worth... they claim that they have done many installs on 2nd and 3rd gens with the intank setup and have never had a VP failure since on those trucks. They are very familiar with the VP44 and its problems.



They are a good dealership too. A guy was in there with fuel contamination on an 06 which wiped out the CP3 and injectors. They replaced it all as "warranty" and didn't cost him. It would have been VERY expensive otherwise for that owner.



They must know a little. Just a thought.