Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) vp-44 just quit -at idle...

[SSolderitch]

I just put in a new fuel sender, drove maybe 75 miles, everything ok. I fixed the driveshaft yoke leak by tig welding the cap. Was planning on a ecm swap when the truck goes in for the anual state inspection, later this month (vin flash). So on sat. I ran some erans, clocked about 15 miles, made a quick stop, so I let it idle. I was standing not far from the truck and I heard the idle change - like missing a few cylinders. I got in the truck and stepped on the gas pedal and had no responce, fuel press still showed 15, but the idle did not raise - tach still showed 850 rpm. Then the fuel pressure showed 5 psi so I shut it off. I went back with a fuel filter and my smarty to pull codes. Smarty was not loaded due to bad ecm - hence change listed above. I got the following codes p0251, p0252, p1688, p0602 p1698, p1693 & p1694. I normaly get the p0602, p1693 & p1694. I just cleared the codes the day before. Yes I know the p1688 = pump replacement. I have the following questions:



Do the vp-44's go out without warning? This is my first failure

stock or hotrod? $500 adder... I like more power, but with the rv274, stock turbo, 4" exhaust and Smarty revo (soon to be loaded) Do I really need the HR? or will everything work that much better with the HR? NEED ADVICE.



I really don't want to hurt towing or durability for a ponys on the dyno. But I do like power (got my first speeding ticket two weeks ago, driving 37 years, in my truck. I learned to lighten my right foot). Is the extra $500 worth the actual hp I will get - bang for the buck.



today I also tapped the starter and the gauge showed 17 psi, I did not even bother with the fuel filter change, but the truck won't start.



I plan on doing the work myself to save some bucks.

 

[BDaugherty]

Just like the rest of us, follow the troubleshooting procedure on the Blue Chip Diesel webpage.

Blue Chip Diesel Performance Specialists

Bottom line: If you have fuel, power, and ground it should start and run. If not, you need a VP44.

I would not invest in a hot rod pump. I think the hot rods are the next step for someone who already has massive fuel and air upgrades and is looking for more. I think another regular pump would be the right way to go.

 

[telliott]

I can't really speak from experience because i do not have a hot rod vp, but i think if you want more power, there are other ways to get more bang for your buck. The power increase will be minimal compared to what you could gain from a turbo and/or bigger sticks.

 

[Lordsman]

Mine did that, fuel filter was the culprit. Way cheaper then a VP44.

 

[darkhorse]

Obviously, opinions vary but I'm very happy with my II HR pump. It felt like a bigger set of sticks. Mine doesn't lope at all, I hear some do. It's a top quality pump but whether that's worth the extra $$'s is subjective.