Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) VP44 Time I THink. Advice?

[Newf Limo]

So, long story short. My truck (197K miles) would not restart at grocery store, purred prior to that. At best it chuggs at around 300 RPM and sounds like it is going to implode.

Replaced fuel filter, and also checked that there is plenty of fuel coming from lift pump to at least idle (not that the lift pump is necessary for idle). I only use high quality branded diesel.

I hot wired the VP44 and the truck still ran really rough at idle, so, no change. Also, there is NO throttle response when it is chugging. I got assistance from Doug at Blue Chip on the trouble shooting.

OK. For those of your that have experience with this, are there any special tools I need to acquire? Any special wrenches for fuel lines, clamps or other type of things? I have rebuilt a couple gas engines in Honda cars back in the day, and have gotten hip deep into a damn 08 MINI S Clubman. So, I think I should be able to get through this...I hope.

I'll certainly appreciate any advice or experience you can share. Thanks!

 

[SnoKing]

I made my own puller for the gear. I also only removed the front three injector lines. The other three you can push against the block and get the pump out. Snoking

 

[Newf Limo]

Cool Thanks! I don't have the means to make a puller, so I will have to rent or buy one. I have heard a steering wheel puller will work. We'll see.

I'm going to print everything out and have my list of tips and tricks taped under the hood. I can tell you, it is less intimidating knowing I have the TDR. 14 years as a member, it has never let me down.

 

[BoeingDiesel]

New Limo, presuming that you retrieved the appropriate codes that point to a failed VP44. If you’re going to do the work yourself I recommend you watch Dan MacDonalds’ videos on the subject and order the gear puller from Genos’ or Snap On tool. It’s not a very hard job but the steps are important. Here’s the link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPZR5an9LCY

Good luck
gregg

 

[Newf Limo]

LOL, funny. I just finished watching those! Thanks.

As far as codes, I don't have a reader and the only codes I got on the dash were 1693 and 0500. I hot wired the injection pump, so it really doesn't matter what any sensor, ecm, pcm or anything else is doing. If it won't idle hot wired, and it has a fuel supply, it's toast.

 

[MRiley]

Depending on who you get the pump from some will rent the puller to you as well. Blue chip included the puller with the new pump. I just have to return it when i send back my core.

 

[Newf Limo]

Good to know. Glad I was planning to buy from Blue Chip! I figured I got his help with troubleshooting, wouldn't be right to buy from somebody else, even if others may be a hundred bucks less. I saved more than that on diagnostics.

D

 

[klcammie]

Would recommend to get injection line tool from Geno's it wil make pulling lines a lot easier.

 

[Newf Limo]

Hmmm. Seems like a lot of money for a single use tool. Are they really that inaccessible?

 

[BDaugherty]

My customers always either buy the best or the cheapest VP44s. Rarely anything in the middle. I've installed a lot of Blue Chip pumps over the years and had very few problems. They now have more options to pick from, but I really like the option of a new computer. Also the tool rental and R&R instructions are good. It's a very easy job the swap a VP.

 

[SnoKing]

Some people use the rear engine lift bracket, two bolts and a spacer to the shaft. I used a short piece of 3/16 or1/4 x 1 1/2 angle iron drilled the two holes and bought grade 8 bolts. Watch the key in the pump shaft carefully. Both 12 o'clock position and not dropping it the gear cover. Snoking

 

[Newf Limo]

I'm going to go with the "Standard" replacement pump. I'm not going to keep this truck too much longer I think. I don't drive it enough to keep it happy. Even though I replaced the Cam Position Sensor a couple years back, I think I will replace it again since it was such a cuss to do with he pump in-place.

I'll be extra careful about the Key and making sure it is at 12:00. Saw that in the video. I definitely don't want to lose it in the gear cover.

 

[klcammie]

Hmmm. Seems like a lot of money for a single use tool. Are they really that inaccessible?

No. You can use crowsfoot or whatever you have. I just like the too better. I wished they were cheaper but that's life.

 

[Newf Limo]

Good to know. I do appreciate the recommendation though. Hopefully it won't be such a bear that I regret it.

 

[klcammie]

When I pulled mine to change the tappet cover gasket I was worried cause I had never done it before. After having done it once I would not think twice about it if I had to do it again. Take your time follow the instructions aand it will go great.

 

[Newf Limo]

Thanks! I appreciate the vote of confidence.

 

[Newf Limo]

Well the R&R went great! No problems, and the truck is running as strong as ever! For a truck that threw NO codes that are typical of the VP44, I am a bit surprised. P0500 was it. Very happy with Blue Chips support and amazingly fast shipping!

Poorer man, but happy man.