Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Vp44???

[snowman]

I just read the 'will you buy another Dodge' thread on the no engine forum, and I must admit my faith is a little shattered. I have a completely stock 2000 2500 Quad 4X4 5 speed with 118,000 miles. I have added a fuel gauge and an exhaust brake. I have had a lift pump, and a short block (both at 60K) along with various other wear items. Has the truck be fun, and one helluva of puller? Yes. Has it been reliable and inexpensive to maintain? Yes, with the exception of the short block and now a possible VP44. I say possible because the pump code is inactive and the truck is operating normal (now). However, I had to have it towed to the diesel guy. Apparently it the truck needed the weekend off. Nobody buys a diesel to have these kind of problems at relatively low mileage numbers. Is the grass greener on the other side? I do not know and hopefully will not have to find out anytime soon (it is cheaper to fix the truck than buy a new one).



My truck does have the inactive injection pump code and the lift pump is operating properly. The truck started to run extremely rough, lost power and puked lots of white smoke before stalling. The fuel filter is fine, the fuel is fine and the water/fuel separator light never came on. Any ideas out there? I really dread the thought of getting stuck again. It took 4 hours to get towed and back home this last time. Should I go ahead and replace the VP44 on an assumption?

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[FourBarR]

if you have the dreaded 0216 code there is a good chance the pump is going. my truck still has the original pump (vp44) at 328000 km. if you have a cummins shop near by they can test the pump and say for sure its bad . hope this helps.

 

[fox]

The vp44 is definately the week spot in these trucks.

Sure wish they could be made to replace the failed pumps for about 500,000 miles. No reason to put this junk in the hands of the public.

Mine is still going strong. 56,000 miles.

I alway use a lube in the fuel, do you?

 

[Tcolesanti]

It will be pricey to change the injection pump, but Piers does have really good deals on them. Check out his website www.piersdiesel.com

 

[Todd T]

sounds like the pump has gone south for the winter. mine had the 0216 code with dead pedal while running and plumes of white smoke and rough idle when cold. i just replaced my VP44 Monday night. i think the concensus is that CumminsStuff.com has the best price on a VP44. i think they were around $975 or so. i got mine for $1095 from USdieselparts.com



its takes about 2-3 hours to replace one and the only special tools needed are a barring tool and a puller. you can even get by without a barring tool if you use the alternator nut to turn the engine over. I have both and the job went off without a hitch.



trust me when i tell you this... . you dont want a FORD. I just lost my butt on one that was underpowered all the time and broken quite often. it only had 79K on it too. in 44K i went through two CPS sensors and one water pump. that's two tow truck rides home and 1 week in the dealer for the water pump.



this is my 4th Dodge/cummins and you will have to pry my cold dead hands off it!

 

[slo-ryde]

I'm heading west on Interstate 80 through Sacramento today and notice the check engine light is on. I find a safe place to pull over and do the ignition key 3 times to see if there are any codes. I have the P1693/P0216 codes set. The truck seems to be running okay so I keep going until I get home. Did a search on TDR to find out what's going on. VP44 timing failure is what I'm seeing in 98% of the posts.



Truck is stock, it started running funny around 13,000 miles. Had the dealer look at the truck several times. It took them another 17,000 miles to FINALLY check the lift pump. It failed the test. I asked about possible damage to the VP44, they gave me the shoulder shrug and assured me the engine had a 7 year/100,000 mile warranty. Truck has 38,200 miles on it right now.



If the Japanese ever build a three quarter ton diesel truck that can pull 20,000 pounds I'm dumping the Dodge. Heck, I'm probably going to dump the Dodge anyway. Who needs this much grief?

 

[JFinke]

If the Japanese ever build a three quarter ton diesel truck that can pull 20,000 pounds I'm dumping the Dodge. Heck, I'm probably going to dump the Dodge anyway. Who needs this much grief?

They do make one..... the Duramax.

 

[slo-ryde]

True, sort of. The engine is made by Izuzu, the transmission is supposed to be awesome. Can't speak for the rest of the truck. I see you are still on the original injection pump. From talking with Cummins tech support the pumps either fail early or run forever. Looks like you got lucky!