Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) VP44 & FASS questions

[WEggart]

I have a 1999 and my VP44 & lift pump died. I am installing a FASS system and new VP44 and I have a couple of questions for those of you that have been through this:



1. I have been advised that I can run my supply line from my FASS to my VP44 through my stock filter/heater assembly. If I do this then I would also upsize the line from the stock filter to the VP44. I really want to keep the stock filter heater & water sensor but still get the good qualities air separation of the FASS filtering. Is this advisable and if not why?



2. I am going to do all of the work myself, including the VP44 install: Any pointers or step by steps would be very helpful. I am mechanically inclined, just never done one of these.

 

[MTPhillips]

Not to sound too much like a newbie... . but the FASS already has a filter... ... why would you double filter your fuel... . Seems to me it would decrease your fuel pressure. I installed mine and just bypassed all the stock equipment straight to the vp44. Do you live where it gets really cold?



Do you mind telling me how much you got your vp44 for? I think mine is on its way out..... looking for the best deal.

 

[WEggart]

I want to keep the stock heater and may as well keep the water sensor, not that I really need it. I am ordering it from a shop close to where I live called Idaho Diesel Technology. Don't know what the price is exactly, somewhere around $1500.



The fuel pressure concern is something I was wondering about, but I was advised this would work from a reputable shop who I purchased the FASS from as long as I upsize the line from the stock filter to the VP44.

 

[boydo]

I used the stock line from the stock filter to the vp44, but I also drilled out the banjo fittings - still get about 14 psi fuel pressure @ vp44 @ wot.

 

[Supermod56]

If you put a FASS in, you better get rid of the filter module in the tank, seen a lot of talk on here about the module restricting the FASS and causing issues. I personnaly am installing the new FASS w/o the filter/separator and plumbing it into the stock filter/heater.

Tom

 

[tractorface]

VP install

If your OEM VP44 mounting bracket is broken like many early model truck brackets are you will need the revised mounting bracket assembley. There are two pieces but it is much easier to buy the kit complete with both brackets and the needed bolts. Having seen the old brakets and the new I would replace even if the old is not broken but I'll bet they are Don't have the part number handy but have posted it in the fairly recent past.

Good luck



FWIW I personally see no benefit to keeping the stock module unless you only buy the FASS pump unit with no filters. The idea of heating the fuel is simply to keep the temps. high enough to keep the filter from "waxing" The OEM heater will not keep the FASS filters from waxing since they are plumbed upstream. The Water in fuel sensor will do nothing unless you let the FASS's larger filter completely load up with water (I doubt this will ever happen). If you want to keep the OEM unit I suggest purchasing the FASS pusher pump only. Also I do not have part numbers but most water seperators are available with water sensors built in as well as heaters built in, I think some research might find filters with these features that would fit the FASS. I keep saying I am going to do this but never get around to it and don't think them really necessary.

 

[rkressg]

The most important thing when changing the VP44, Make sure the motor is 0deg from TDC on #1. If you pull the fuel pump and the pump is not close to TDC, you stand a chance at dropping the pump key into the timing gears, BIG PROBLEM.



Other than that, changing the VP44 is relatively straight forward.

-Rich

 

[CStewart]

I have my FASS system running through the stock fuel filter housing and I still get 14 psi at WOT. The main reason I did it was for the heater, drain and sensors that are in the stock filter housing. On mine I got two extra AN fittings like the one that comes with the FASS and used those between the stock filter housing and VP44. This set-up has worked great on my truck for the last 10000 miles or so.



Chris

 

[DLBurns]

Ditto to what Chris said!!!

"0" problems with my set up... . I don't think too much filtering is harmful as long as your PSI stays up. Mine is rock steady at 15 psi

 

[SConklin]

The fass pumps so much fuel, that it can flow any psi you would ever need for the VP44, no matter what the restriction in the line (within reason). The pressure is regulated by the return line valve anyways, so as long as it regulates to 15psi or so, or even less, then that's throughout the whole system, and your vp44 is happy, regardless of the restriction caused by the extra filter. the fass powers through it just fine, and since it does, can't hurt to filter too much!



Skyler