Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) VP-44 "shelf life"?

[Gary - K7GLD]

I replaced my OEM VP-44 with a Industrial Injection rebuilt a couple of years back, and then had them also rebuild the original and return it to me. I carry it with me during the RVing season, all carefully wrapped and protected, but wonder what eventual damage or deterioration might occur inside the pump while in storage?



Do the rebuilders run any sort of lube/preservative thru the pumps after rebuilding them, or simply pull them off the test stand, wrap and ship? Is there any owner maintenance or servicing that should be done periodically to keep a stored pump in best possible condition?



I'm hoping someone close to the rebuilding business has an informed reply, otherwise, I probably just go direct to II for their response...

 

[KDoerr]

Maybe you could use some fogging oil IDK

 

[rweis]

I asked that same question to SouthEast Power and they said that the VP44 has poor shelf life even wrapped unless you can keep ANY moisture out, lubricated, and exercised occassionally. To exercise it they meant under normal driving conditions ie high pressure etc etc etc the solenoid etc.



I was going to carry one and they strongly advised against it.



Bob Weis

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I asked that same question to SouthEast Power and they said that the VP44 has poor shelf life even wrapped unless you can keep ANY moisture out, lubricated, and exercised occassionally. To exercise it they meant under normal driving conditions ie high pressure etc etc etc the solenoid etc.



I was going to carry one and they strongly advised against it.



Bob Weis

Well, I sent a PM to Brady at II, and will see what he has to say - but if he agrees with your source, that's sorta unfortunate. It's not at all practical to swap out pumps every year or so to "exercise" them, nor is it likely we could buy one, keep it a year or so, then sell it and buy another.



I got my spare out of all but the sturdy plastic bag II provides, spun the shaft a few revolutions, then repacked it all - looked and felt just fine, for all that's worth.



For those of us who travel a fair amount, and to rural and isolated areas, it seems reasonable and practical to carry a spare if we can afford one, and far easier and preferable to relying on some rural shadetree mechanic at a one-pump station in the boonies to find a replacement, then get it properly installed - all in the same year...





I'll wait a bit, and see what other info surfaces...

 

[JLandry]

I got my spare out of all but the sturdy plastic bag II provides, spun the shaft a few revolutions, then repacked it all - looked and felt just fine, for all that's worth.

Gary,



I now carry a spare rebuilt VP44 when traveling in remote areas also. All I could think of to do with it was to first wrap it in corrosion inhibiting paper and then seal it in a sturdy plastic bag.



I'm interested to hear what Industrial Injection has to say, but in the end I'll take my chances and carry a spare even if it's not the best for it long-term.



John L.

 

[BradyWilliams]

The calibration fluid that we use is a very stable oil that does not dry up and cause gumming and varnishing. After having said that, storage temperatures, high humidity etc. would or could shorten storage life. We have had pumps on the shelf for over 2 years with no problems at all. We do live in a very low humidity area. Temperatures in the shop are fairly constant. If you have had it sealed up in a good quality bag that is totally sealed, you should be OK. We use official Calibration Fluid that meets all the specs for calibration of Bosch Injection Pumps and Injectors. Part of that spec has to do with shelf life. It must extend shelf life and not dry up or turn to varnish. I have seen pumps 5-6 years old that are still good. Using the pump sooner than later is always a good idea. ULS Diesel Fuel will dry up very quick and the shelf life would be short. I talked to a OEM for AG Tractors lately. He had asked me why they were seeing new equipment show up with varnished and dry injection pumps. After talking to him for a few moments I found out that the OEM was delivering the equipment with BIO Diesel Fuel. BIO Diesel Fuel would be the worst fuel to ship new units with as it will varnish and also will be caustic to some degree. (Caustic meaning etching of internal parts). I'm not too worried about the pump you have as a spare. BUT you should not store it in a HOT enviroment. Or in a place that would see hot to cold temps. as this could cause condensation.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Thanks for the reply Brady - and also for the additional info on the effects of various fuel types. My VP-44 from you guys is still in the original, unopened plastic bag - I carry it in the truck in warmer weather when we are RV traveling further from home, but we don't travel at all in the winter months, so I bring the spare on into the house for the winter. From what you have posted, I should be OK for a while, but it's something to be aware of, and if not used in the next several years, and I still have the truck, may need to make an "adjustment"... :-laf

 

[BradyWilliams]

I'm not trying to scare anyone about BIO Diesel Fuel. I was shown some pictures that was using B20 with no additives. I don't think I will fill up on B20 now. Additives must be used with Bio Fuel to stop some of the possible issues. I do think that Bio Diesel will help get us off of dependence on Middle East Oil. It also has a few positive qualities. I just would not use it in a storage situation. Thanks

 

[Huff N Puff]

True Story, Bought a used engine

From a local Junkyard,it was an engine that caught fire. It was an engine that burnt the injector lines and the top of the injection pump,the engine was in the junkyard one year thats why I got it cheap $1100. 00. It sat in my shop 4years. I'd bought a hotrod pump and was not happy with it. So I decided to try my junkyard pump. Was tickled with the decision the truck dynoed 550hp with the hot rod pump it dynoed 628hp with the stock junk yard pump,its still in the truck.

 

[BradyWilliams]

You were very lucky! Injection pumps do not like Fires. Electronic pumps hate Fires. Your experience is very intriguing. But I could safely say it is the exception to the rules.

 

[SHobbs]

I'm not trying to scare anyone about BIO Diesel Fuel. I was shown some pictures that was using B20 with no additives. I don't think I will fill up on B20 now. Additives must be used with Bio Fuel to stop some of the possible issues. I do think that Bio Diesel will help get us off of dependence on Middle East Oil. It also has a few positive qualities. I just would not use it in a storage situation. Thanks

Brady,



Are you talking about just storage, daily driving or both? I run B20 in the colder months then switch to B100 in the summer when temps stay above 40* at night and have never used an additive.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Brady,



Are you talking about just storage, daily driving or both? I run B20 in the colder months then switch to B100 in the summer when temps stay above 40* at night and have never used an additive.

I think he's talking longer term storage - or for devices like lift and injection pumps that get pulled, then sit for longer periods of time, allowing the residual fuel to go bad.

 

[jeepit]

In the 40's the military stored their Jeep parts by encasing them in wax. Not to say you should follow this procedure, just some useless info you can baffle your friends with. :-laf

 

[SHobbs]

Gary,



Had me a little worried for a minute. One thing about bio though, if you have a fuel leak clean it up fast. It does get gooey and sticky where ever it sits and its hard to clean off too.



I am glad that this subject came up I was wondering about keeping a spare VP afterall I carry a spare L. P.

 

[FLynes]

I wonder what would happen, if you coated the exterior of the VP44 in cosmolene? Yeah, it would be a total PITA to clean up when you're ready to use, but would it be beneficial?

 

[michaelteders]

how about a "food saver bag" the type that sucks and seals and a nitrogen purge before sucking shut ??

 

[JLandry]

how about a "food saver bag" the type that sucks and seals and a nitrogen purge before sucking shut ??

Nice thought, but in my experience with Foodsaver bags, they probably aren't thick enough to prevent being punctured by all the sharp edges on the VP44 and would quickly loose the vacuum seal. Not to mention even the large size Foodsaver bag might still be too small.



Probably just sealing a VP44 inside a couple of layers of heavy plastic bag with some large desiccant packets thrown in is more than adequate.



John L.

 

[WFyfe]

i got a 40 year old peice of equipment im still cleaning off cosmolene, i would like to see a vp44 last that long.

 

[KRineer]

Why not store the VP-44 in a mylar bag? I use them for food storage and they work great. 9 years later and the food is still sealed air tight.



I used a vacuum to get most of the air out and put in O2 absorbant pouches (similar to dessicant but takes out all the O2) then took an iron to seal it shut.



Mylar is tough!