Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Vp44??

[LukeW]

tonight when i went to start my truck up it didnt sound right, it idled really rough, regestered no fuel pressure, and didnt really seem to run any better even at a higher idle. but once i got out on the road the fuel pressure would come back up to normal but would drop to nothin again and did this repeatidely a couple times. once the fuel pressure came up it did seem to run a little better though. im just wondering if this could possibly be my vp44 on its way out or just maybe a BIG issue as far as fuel not gettin to it. i do have a holly pusher pump installed, and wire on pump tapped. if anyone has an idea on what it may be please let me know!

 

[Silver_Ram]

Check for codes. It maybe both pumps are bad or going bad fast. If the power goes up & down with the fuel pressure, it almost sounds like your lift pump (Holley) is going bad or you have bad electrical connection somewhere. You didn't mention whether the Holley is alone or a helper.



Fuel filter restriction is another possibilty or adding to the problem, I change mine @ 5,000 miles, but wouldn't recommend more than 10,000 miles.



The VP44 rebuilders I know say not to let your fuel pressure below 8 psi, Dodge says 5 psi minimum. If you have subjected the VP44 to lower than 8 psi, there is a chance that the diaphram in the VP44 has been damaged. When your fuel pressure comes up, it can finish the diaphram off.



Troy

 

[SNiebaum]

the VP-44 should not effect your fuel pressure in as dramatic a way as you are describing... . if you're seeing from 0 to full fuel pressure, it sounds like a restriction somewhere else... could be the holley, stock lift pump if it's still plumbed, fuel filter restriction... you definitely need to diagnose it fast because you could putting the nails in the coffin of your VP-44.

 

[AFarmer]

Get a FASS system before it's too late.

 

[Boosted6]

Get a FASS system before it's too late.

+1000 on that!

 

[Jetpilot]

Sounds like the problem lies within your Holley pump, fuel filter, or fuel lines..... I would check the wiring to ensure the pump is operating properly and then go from there. As mentioned above the FASS unit is a nice addition which has shown to be much more reliable than the Holley pumps.

 

[Silver_Ram]

I will second, third & fourth the motion for a FASS pump. I run the HPFP 95 & I am very happy. The FASS also includes 3/8" feed line to the fuel filter housing. I have only put 5,000 or so miles on it - but the truck sits more right now.



The one thing you have to watch, is the possibilty that once you add a new lift pump, you may also end up replacing the VP44. Sometimes it's right away from the previously low fuel pressure & some get away without changing the VP44 for awhile.

 

[LukeW]

i think figured out what my problem was. it surely wasnt the vp44 i was dumb to think that, what my problem is is that the fuel is draining back to the tank and it is losing its prime, cause when my truck sits for a while it has this problem, but with moderate everyday use i have no problems. so i need to put a check vavle in the fuel line.

 

[SnoKing]

You need to find out what is the real problem, not put a bandaid on it. You will most likely find an air link between the tank and the lift pump. SNOKING

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

i think figured out what my problem was.

YUP - I sorta figured it out too - too many personal opinions and too few actual facts directly related to your problem... :-laf:-laf

 

[DCreed]

i agree w/Snoking u have a small leak letting air in . these trucks have many places to leak and it can be hard to find ,but inconsistent fuel pressure WILL kill ur VP44.

 

[Silver_Ram]

Check the fittings for the return line at the back of block. The VP44 return runs into a tee and they come loose.