Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) VP44 and rough idling issues

[CrewCabDiesel]

I am worried that I am about to loose my VP44 to old age and 225,000 miles. The motor at idle has a miss to it. And I can feel the miss running down the road sometimes also; the truck other than that runs fine, power seems good, I have about 42 psi boost at wot and it pulls strong on hills or anytime I mash the go petal. Also there are no codes of any type. I am running 100% biodiesel that I make myself and fuel pressure stays at a solid 15 psi. I have been a little remiss in doing maintenance and I am 50,000 miles overdue for a valve adjustment. Also I have 160,000 miles on my DDII injectors, do they require any maintenance? I have replaced all three fuel filters with no change.

Any ideas what to try before I take the big plunge?

Thanks

Kyle

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Kyle,

Have you tried resetting the APPS?

I assume you have the fuel pressure gauge tapped into the inlet after the filters?

Have you ever installed an APPS on this truck?

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[aircop]

I would pull the injectors have them cleaned and tested, before I'd touch the VP.

 

[BDaugherty]

Send the injectors off to be cleaned and tested. If they're fine and you do have to change the IP, you'll want to have "fresh" injectors to go with that new pump.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

I have reset the APPS, and no the pressure gauge is tapped in before for factory filter assy (per Autometers request). I have a protype Autometer electric Ultra lite fuel 0 to 30 psi gauge. To keep the story short I bought a 0 to 30 psi mechanical Autometer Ultra lite from Summit Racing 4 years ago and after telling the sales person I was going to use it for diesel powered truck (they had the model and engine type on the invoice) I got the gauge and installed it per instructions using an Autometer isolator. A month later the isolator blew apart soaking the engine compartment with diesel almost causing a fire. It turns out that NONE of Autometers isolators at the time were rated for diesel fuel and the salesperson were told to never sell a ultra lite mechanical gauge for diesel use. I had to raise all kinds of heck and finally Summit Racing and Autometer got together and sent me my current gauge (which is a POS#@$%!) with the instructions to keep the sending unit at least 3 feet away from the injection pump. This JUNK Autometer gauge is trash, if it gets more than 80 degrees it pegs out until I take it out my dash pod and hang it in front of my AC vent to cool down. And when its below 50 degrees until the interior warms up it reads 5 to 10 psi low (verified with a mechanical gauge). I have fought with both Autometer and Summit Racing for the last three years trying to get it replaced and they just pass the buck back and forth. So for the record as far as I am concerned they Both SUCK and I will not spend another dime with them.

Sorry about the lonnnng post, everytime I think about, well you know .



Anyone know how to get a hold of Piers? I know he sold PDR and the new owners seem to be a bit not so customer friendly and tend to blow you off when I have called.

Thanks

Kyle

 

[Missouri Mule]

Piers is now owner(s) of Peak Diesel Performance INC.

Phone 1-877-858-7325, FAX 604-530-3786, Tech 604-530-5700

Web www.peakdieslperformance.com

 

[PRout]

Another vote for the injector check-out first. Maybe even R&R with a set of fresh Mach 1. ??s.

Either way, it still sounds like the pump could be tired, but the roughness could be from both a tired VP and dirty injectors combined. It would be a shame to change out a VP that has proven itself, if it is still good. Its a bit of a roll of the dice, but to change the VP the injector lines need to come loose anyways, so might as well pop the cover and at least validate the injectors first and do a quick valve clearance check while youre looking at them.

 

[JLandry]

Any ideas what to try before I take the big plunge?

Kyle,



I'd get your truck hooked up to a DRBIII scan tool before you spend big $$$ on anything.



The DRBIII has a diagnostic function which allows the injectors to be selectively deactivated (where the VP44 is commanded not send fuel to a selected injector). This would help you isolate which injector might be the culprit. The injector kill test can be done at various engine speeds.



Any Dodge dealer will have a DRBIII and possibly some independent repair shops.



Good luck,



John L.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

I think I will start with getting the injectors service first. I will give Piers a call first and see if he can upgrade me to a hotter set ( gives me a excuse to add some more power and get it pass the wife ) .

Here is another question for you all, I took off my "Banks monster" muffler and replaced it with a straight pipe and I noticed 2 psi drop of boost (Muffler welds cracked). I just reinstalled a new Banks Muffler (now made in China) and the boost is back up to normal, what gives?

Kyle