Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) VP44 can't trust it no more. HELP!

[RX smoke]

My 98. 5 has 73'000 + on my 4th pump. No warning of any kind the truck just shut's off dead. My confidence in my truck is gone but I still love it. What to do

 

[jerrethomas]

take the plunge and do a p-pump conversion. back to mechanical and less electronics.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

I'm gonna ask a stupid question here, is the lift pump working?

 

[Sticks]

Originally posted by Turbo Tim 1

I'm gonna ask a stupid question here, is the lift pump working?

Ditto.



Give us a list of EVERYTHING that you have done to your truck as far as modifications.

 

[RX smoke]

I lost my first pump at 19,000 and my second at about 62. 000 and the third at about 68,000 when my fourth was put on a new lift pump also was installed. I started bombing at mid 50's first thing installed was a pusher pump then 100hp injectors then Edge Ez then my TST comp box oh yeah 4" exh and 16cm housing and the BHAF filter.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

I wonder if it has gotten the updated pumps or if they were the old ones. Definantely some issues, wonder if the original lift pump was working during the first 3 replacements.

 

[KWIKKURT]

Originally posted by jerrethomas

take the plunge and do a p-pump conversion. back to mechanical and less electronics.

jerrethomas, you obviously haven't looked into this conversion you are suggesting? Most of the Bombers that I've spoken with say it is much easier just to swap in a complete 12V into your truck first.



It is not for the average guy. Not even for most of the others. RodgerRodBolt did this recently - I know he would be happy to give you some pointers on the conversion!



That being said... . 4 Injection Pumps????



RXSmoke,

There has to be more to this. Surely they (Dodge) couldn't have missed a bad lift pump for three of them.



Let's say Bad luck with the first pump.



Pump two was maybe miss diagnosed but the problem cleared up with the lift pump also being changed at the same time.



Number three???? How about it was the first rebuilt out of Germany and they did it wrong. .



Number 4 ..... ???? I'm lost??? Need more info to guess???





What other info, Parts changes, Codes etc. . Can you give us for ideas?



Give me a call I would be happy to give you some help / even a break on parts. . anything to break the "Curse of the Vp44" on your truck!!



Just for the record I Love my VP44... . I think I will give it some more fuel treat-ment on the way home!!!!







Kurt 505-534-0434

 

[Sticks]

Gauges? What is your fuel pressure now? Just because the LP was replace recently does not mean it is still good.



#1 cause of VP44 deaths is a weak or non functioning LP!

 

[GiesJ]

I'm on my 4th as well. But I smarted up and got a FP gage. If you don't have one, get one and you will be at ease with that sucker at 14psi...

 

[Rob Thomas]

Originally posted by GiesJ

I'm on my 4th as well. But I smarted up and got a FP gage. If you don't have one, get one and you will be at ease with that sucker at 14psi...

Oh, he smarted up also, before the 2nd one died, I installed a FP gauge on his POS, it's been on for the last 2 failers and the lift pump was/is strong.



What Dave (rx smoke) didn't tell you is that none of the failers were while he was just, "minding his own business"... ... ... .



The first one involved two trucks, one with 38" boggers, a good heavy rope, and a wife... ..... long story short, he killed it.



The second pump puked shortly after the intraduction of the "pump" wire from the TST box.



The third one... ... ... . I suppose bad luck could be the culprit, however racing was involved. Somthing tells me his TST box is stuck on level 9.



Don't feel too bad for Dave, the dealer has warrented every one of the pumps... ... ... ... . along with a complete new 5-speed, after 3rd gear mysteriously lost all it's teeth during a 3rd gear holeshot... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... with a trailer attached! Dang Mitchell clutches, make guys think they're trucks are invinceable.





And now you have the rest of the story.



(your welcome Dave )





Rob

 

[GiesJ]

"smarted up"

-didn't mean to word it like that and sound like a jacka**.

sorry, It just gave me some piece of mind when I was 100 miles from the nearest road... .

good luck.

j

 

[RX smoke]

Pay no attention to Rob he forgot to take his pill again. Now to the subject at hand. When the first three pumps went there were no codes or lights that I know of. Absolutly no warning of any kind just plain quit just like you turned of the key.