Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) VP44 belly up!

[stownsend]

Well it happened. I was cruisin at about 65 up I-80 east of Salt Lake City, mashed the throttle down to make a pass and... ... . the truck dies! Holy shi... ... ! I was barely able to manuver it to the side of the road without getting run over. When I got to the side of the road and after pulling the seat cushion out of my butt I gave the starter a couple jolts. The truck won't start. It's done. I had it towed to the dealer and sure enough... the VP44 has died. The scary part was there was absolutely no warning.



The question I have is, how do I prevent this in the future? Is there any kind of diagnosis or regular PM that can be done? I've been real good to my truck... too good for this to happen.

 

[miful]

What is a vp44 anyway?

 

[Mishkaya]

What has been your fuel pressure lately? Also was it the original VP44, and how many miles on it? They have dramatically improved reliability of these pumps from what I have been told on the newest rebuilds (this from a trusted mechanic). I use additive for lubricity, but whether this truly helps or not remains to be seen. The VP44 is truly the weak link on this trucks IMO.

miful: the VP44 is the injection pump on the 2nd gen 24 valve trucks.

mishkaya

 

[JLandry]

The question I have is, how do I prevent this in the future?

I suppose you could replace it every 50,000 miles or so just to be safe.

Is there any kind of diagnosis or regular PM that can be done?

Unfortunately there's nothing you can do beyond insuring the VP44 always receives adequate fuel pressure and lubrication (from a high quality fuel or an additive).



Keep in mind the VP44's computer and the ECM run diagnostics that catch and report some types of problems shortly before they leave you stranded... but not always (as you found out).



Nothing is perfect.



John L.

 

[stownsend]

The fuel pressure (post filter) has been good, better than 15psi. I replaced the low pressure pump a couple of years ago so that's okay for now. The truck has 117000 miles on it and this was the original VP44. Maybe it was just time. It sure wasn't a very good experience.



I chose to go with a rebuit VP44. It's $500 cheaper than a new one and it comes with a warranty. I guess if I get another 117000 miles out of it I should be pretty happy. Yes, I am going to hook the Edge back up to it. :-laf



Steve

 

[JLandry]

The truck has 117000 miles on it and this was the original VP44.

With that many miles, it can't hurt to carry a spare VP44... I do.

I chose to go with a rebuit VP44. It's $500 cheaper than a new one and it comes with a warranty.

To the best of my knowledge, there are no "new" VP44's being manufactured or available for our trucks anymore. You'll always get a rebuilt or refurbished unit with varying degrees of profit, reputation, component replacement, labor costs, and warranties seeming to dictate the price you pay.



There was a guy on eBay selling "new" VP44's some time back and I sent him a message to ask if they really are new... as I'd heard new units aren't available any more. He replied back that no... they weren't new... but might as well be because everything has been replaced with new parts. In other words... it was a rebuilt unit. I noticed he later removed the word "new" from the listing. Very sneaky!



There's nothing wrong with a rebuilt VP44 of course, so long as a reputable, properly trained, and equipped repair shop did the work. If you stick with a Bosch authorized repair shop and the unit has a guarantee, you usually can't go wrong. Just my $0. 02 worth on the subject.



Best regards,



John L.

 

[rjrkihap]

I'm pretty sure that you need only above 5 PSI post filter. 15 is nice, but not necessary to keep the VP44 "alive".



Ron

 

[stownsend]

Got my truck back and was very surprised by something that happened. The tech at the dealership hooked up my Edge for me! I expected to find the wire swingin in the wind, but he finished the job for me. I'm ready now!

 

[Harlacher]

It is true that all the VP44 needs to operate is 5 PSI from the booster pump. However, the fuel that it pumps is also what cools and lubricates it. Therefore the more the better and 5 PSI is not enough to prevent premature wear. The VP44 is not the weak link. It is a good pump. The weak link is the cheap Dodge booster pump. If you changed your VP44 without changing that, expect to have to change your VP44 again very soon.



There are plenty of good repalcements out there for the booster pump. Some relatively cheap and some very pricy. All of them are worth it considering the cost of a new (rebuilt) VP44.



When my pump went I installed a FASS with a modfied high performance VP44I gained 50 HP plus. It has been about 2 years and 50,000 miles with no problems. Bottom line change the booster pump with the VP44.



Paul

 

[FourBarR]

Just passed 481,500kms on original vp-44. still working perfectly.

 

[monkeyman]

I blew mine with to much pressure, it needs a small amount of constant pressure to maintain lubrication. I have my FASS set to 14 psi and my HRVP44 runs like a top.
Rick