Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) VP44 Problems??

[EBottema]

Hello,



new to the board and researching which engine i should get. I've heard a lot about the VP44 pump problems.

How often do these pumps relistically go out? What is the replacement cost? Is there any upgrades to do to stop the pump from going out or a better replacement pump?



Thanks

erikOo.

 

[MPatrick]

VP 44

Get a better fuel supply system. The restrictions in the lines and banjos create problems. I just installed the Wildcat max flow kit, The truck sounded better (maybe just me) I do know my pressure would drop down to 4 psi at WOT. I will measure the pressure to night and see what it is now.

 

[JFinke]

At over 250K I don't feel like I have done to bad. The truck has been bombed since new, more here lately. Jake

 

[EBottema]

What kind of better fuel supply system is availible and who make its? price

 

[EBottema]

Any help on this subject would help. i cant find much after searching that says anything in black and white...

 

[Stixx]

I heard from a college teacher of mine that most of the VP44 problems are from heat. He heard from a Cummins rep that when you pull or do any kind of hard work with your truck (heat,heavy loads,etc. . ) a guy should have at least 1/2 tank of fuel. The reason for this is so that fuel can cool itself when it gets returned to the tank. Below 1/2 tank the fuel cant cool before its returned to the LP and VP44. This makes alot of sense heat kills anything.

 

[csevers]

THere is the Fass system it has filters and pump in one unit or the Fuel Preptorator does the same thing looks the same. You could get a PE4200 pump and lines through several dealers. All three of the above increase the volume and pressure of fuel supplied to the VP-44 with biggger lines and a better pump witch is the important part. The oem lift pump and lines are not up to the task even if the engine is stock and only gets worse if modified. For the most part price maybe in the $400 to $600 range for a pump/kit. Wildcat Diesel has a line kit that is used with the oem pump and helps a lot and is much cheaper and is a good first step if you ask me.



Witch engine to get depends on what kinda money you want to spend and what kind of truck you are looking for. 12v's are the foundation and can make crazy hp. 24v's are easy to "throw" a box on and make good hp. both are noisy a ISBe is quiet and new and pricey. What age range of truck are you looking at??



Craig

 

[MPatrick]

Better Fuel Lines

I got mine from Wildcat Diesel. The fittings are top notch. The kit gets rid of the banjo fittings that are restrictions. The kit is around $150. The install took me 5 hours (also replaced the Lift Pump). The fass system is better for bigger horse power trucks, and more money.

 

[Sticks]

You can also go the cheap route and move the OEM LP to the frame rail by the tank and upgrade to 1/2 " lines. This can be done for $50 to $85. Ive done mine with the bombs listed below and I get 16. 5 psi at idle, 14. 5 psi at 80 mph, and I have yet to pull it below 12psi WOT.

 

[EBottema]

Hey guys-



thanks for the info, ill check out the wildcat site. im new to how diesel engines work but this board helps a lot!



Right now im looking for a white 97-98 12v 4x4 5spd quad cab with under 75k miles looking to pay around 14k

or a 2000-2002 4x4 ho 6spd with under 50k miles looking to pay around 20k since you can get a brand new truck for about 30k with rebates and all

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

IF guys REALLY think the heated return fuel to the fuel tank is a major factor in pump problems, why doesn't someone simply place a COOLER in that return line? A common automatic transmission accessory cooler should do the job nicely.



YEAH, I know cold-country have to worry about freeze-ups, but that should be easy enough work around...

 

[Sticks]

Originally posted by Gary - KJ6Q

IF guys REALLY think the heated return fuel to the fuel tank is a major factor in pump problems, why doesn't someone simply place a COOLER in that return line? A common automatic transmission accessory cooler should do the job nicely.



YEAH, I know cold-country have to worry about freeze-ups, but that should be easy enough work around...

It has been discussed, and after my problems with the VP44 last fall where it would only set the codes if the ambient temperature was above 80, or I had been driving non stop for over an hour. This spring a hi-flow cooler is going to be installed on mine.