VP44

[JVackiner]

Well it finally happened, my VP44 gave up the ghost. 342k on the original and coming up out of the hay field it sputtered and died. I have good fuel comimg out of the top of the filter housing but no fire. Can any of you recommend a good shop around north central Nebraska? Not looking for real high performance, just dependable
Who has the best replacement pump now. A little performance upgrade wouldn't hurt my feelings. Thanks, Jeff.

 

[KATOOM]

If you're going to have a shop put it in for you then confirm with them who they'll be getting their parts from. Its important to know because over the years the VP has evolved many times by incorporating more and more robust internal components and new PSG (computer) to withstand the heat cycles better. You do not want an OEM one off the shelf from a dealer as its likely not going to have any of the upgraded improvements you'll find from certain aftermarket vendors.

There are also a lot of places who sell VP's claiming they're the rebuilder, but just understand that you have to have a Bosch 815 test bench to properly reman these injection pumps and since that bench is hundreds of thousands of dollars there are only a handful of reman places who do the work and supply all the other vendors.

I cant remember how current this list is but here's a link which may help you understand and where to buy one. https://mopar1973man.com/cummins/ar...-certified-vp44-injection-pump-rebuilders-r3/

 

[JVackiner]

Looks like a good link Katoom, thank you for the info. If weather holds I should be done haying next week an then will be able to get my pickup somewhere. Back when I spent more time on this site I seem to remember Blue Chip Diesel had a good rep. I will start making some calls.

 

[DenverPilot]

Well it finally happened, my VP44 gave up the ghost. 342k on the original and coming up out of the hay field it sputtered and died. I have good fuel comimg out of the top of the filter housing but no fire. Can any of you recommend a good shop around north central Nebraska? Not looking for real high performance, just dependable
Who has the best replacement pump now. A little performance upgrade wouldn't hurt my feelings. Thanks, Jeff.

I had no choice on a trip to use Central Nebraska Diesel for a rebuilt VP44 and haven’t had any problems with it since then, a few years ago.

Would have preferred to do more research and bought a highly recommended rebuilder, but broken down in NE, my mechanic back home said they appeared to have decent rebuilds according to his records and research, so we went with them.

If I’ve remembered that wrong, or you can’t find a business by that name, let me know and I’ll dig through the paperwork a few years back in the filing cabinet.

They had them in stock and the installer sent a parts truck to go get it for us. I forget which town they’re in, but it was east of Kearney where we were sitting.

 

[JVackiner]

I had no choice on a trip to use Central Nebraska Diesel for a rebuilt VP44 and haven’t had any problems with it since then, a few years ago.

Would have preferred to do more research and bought a highly recommended rebuilder, but broken down in NE, my mechanic back home said they appeared to have decent rebuilds according to his records and research, so we went with them.

If I’ve remembered that wrong, or you can’t find a business by that name, let me know and I’ll dig through the paperwork a few years back in the filing cabinet.

They had them in stock and the installer sent a parts truck to go get it for us. I forget which town they’re in, but it was east of Kearney where we were sitting.

Thank you sir, I will look them up.

 

[KATOOM]

Whomever you choose to purchase from, I would highly suggest you make sure the computer is brand new and not a reused one. Its not uncommon for some places to sell them with reused computers because its cheaper.

 

[JVackiner]

Good to know, thank you for that

 

[JVackiner]

Not getting along well with the search function so will ask here. My friends ranch where the pickup is still sitting hooked up his code reader and came up with these results:
Malfunction (
Cam / Rotor

Control A
Malfunction (

P0251 Injection
Pump Fuel

Can not remember what the VP44 death code was. When I looked up P0251 it said CP3 pump regulator control. Can anyone help me understand the above code readings. I also remember there was a way to pull codes by cycling key or something like that. I hope to get the pickup home in couple of days so I can start looking into the problem. Thanks for all your help, Jeff

 

[KATOOM]

The CP3 is for a Common Rail truck... Just making sure you're talking about the right truck.

 

[DavidC]

The CP3 is for a Common Rail truck... Just making sure you're talking about the right truck.

I never saw what type of vehicle is being discussed. For all I know it could be a lawn mower

Dave

 

[BoeingDiesel]

I recommend you include a truck signature for the TDR...sounds like a common rail to me.

 

[JVackiner]

It is a 99. My signature shows up when I click on my name, don't know why it doesn't show up on my posts. It always used to . When I get off the road tonight, I will look into that.

 

[KATOOM]

If thats the code you're getting then its likely the fuel solenoid has failed. If you have fuel to the VP but nothing but a dribble exiting the fuel injection lines at the head then the VP isnt working.
You can confirm by hot wiring the VP but maybe you wont want to go through that much effort.
If you are going to buy a reman VP then just be sure to get one from a reputable vendor who the members of Cummins forums recognize...and make sure the PGS (computer) is brand new, not reused.

 

[JVackiner]

I'm going to hit the brakes and reset. I was trying to decide what to do without all the correct information. I'm going to get the pickup home get the accurate codes and try the tests you have mentioned. Then I will decide what to do from there. I appreciate the help Ive been given and will be back on when I have a proper diagnosis. In the meantime I'll see if I can get my signature to appear at the bottom of my posts like it used to. Thank you, Jeff.

 

[SnoKing]

If you are handy with wrenches you can change the pump yourself like I did. I used the method of leaving the rear three injector lines in place, and just pushing them against the block so the pump clears them coming out. I made my own gear puller. Some vendors will loan you one. I also had the Cummins baring tool that I used on the B150's in the boat. Cann't remember if I used it on the truck or not to set TDC, as it was 12 or 13 years ago.

I used Midwest Fuel Injection.
https://seideldieselgroup.com/contact/locations/midwest-fuel-injection/

SnoKing

 

[JVackiner]

I don't have the option to get my sig at the bottom of my posts. What do I have to do to get back in the good graces of the admin's. Renew subscription? or more?

This is what I have:
1999 Dodge 3500 Black ext cab dually 4x4 5sp 3.55's leather, I rebuilt the NV4500 using new main shaft with fully splined 5th gear and rebuilt rearend. 342K on the clock. I've owned it since 01 and 50K miles. This pickup has worked hard all it's life hauling hay (two big round bales) to cows and pulling trailers, 24' stock and 24' triple axle flatbed (first time it's ever been on a trailer, always pulled 'em before). Never abused except for the 4 years I used it as a fire truck/ grass rig hauling 400 gallons of water, (hard on them when you are racing to the head fire). Started with the fuel pressure idiot light but soon went to Pre and Post fuel filter pressure gauges. I could go on but I think by now you know I am not talking about a lawnmower.

Ok, so I got my pickup home and on the way through town I stopped in at the local mechanic and had him pull codes and these are the four that showed up P1688, P1693, P0251 and P0252. Back in the day I remember a vp44 death code, don't remember what it was but assuming one of the previous. I don't want to replace the pump if I don't have to but have a feeling it is toast.

I ranch during the day, just got done putting up hay and fall cows are calving now. I drive fuel transport at night delivering to a couple of bulk plants up here. Takes about 10 hours out of my 24, four or five times a week. I don't have time for bs or smarta$$'s. I genuinely appreciate to fine folks who take time out of their busy schedules to help people like me who benefit from their vast knowledge and experience. SnoKing I remember you from the days I frequented this forum more often, you are a real stand up guy. Katoom, you seemed to have stepped up while I was gone and are very helpful. To the others that have taken the time to post and try to help, thank you. I need to get out of here now, but will be checking in on my cell phone tonight when I am on the road. Don't like typing while I'm hauling 8500 gallons of gas so usually wait until I stop somewhere. If you don't mind, I will be asking for your help getting through this whether I replace parts myself or find a shop. I'm afraid I can't dive into this all at once because I have a DewEze bale bed to install for a customer as well as a caker and still calving, hauling fuel dealing with the spring cows and neighbors are starting to wean and on and on. Once again, thank you. Jeff

 

[Michaelsloft]

I don't have the option to get my sig at the bottom of my posts. What do I have to do to get back in the good graces of the admin's. Renew subscription? or more?

This is what I have:
1999 Dodge 3500 Black ext cab dually 4x4 5sp 3.55's leather, I rebuilt the NV4500 using new main shaft with fully splined 5th gear and rebuilt rearend. 342K on the clock. I've owned it since 01 and 50K miles. This pickup has worked hard all it's life hauling hay (two big round bales) to cows and pulling trailers, 24' stock and 24' triple axle flatbed (first time it's ever been on a trailer, always pulled 'em before). Never abused except for the 4 years I used it as a fire truck/ grass rig hauling 400 gallons of water, (hard on them when you are racing to the head fire). Started with the fuel pressure idiot light but soon went to Pre and Post fuel filter pressure gauges. I could go on but I think by now you know I am not talking about a lawnmower.

Ok, so I got my pickup home and on the way through town I stopped in at the local mechanic and had him pull codes and these are the four that showed up P1688, P1693, P0251 and P0252. Back in the day I remember a vp44 death code, don't remember what it was but assuming one of the previous. I don't want to replace the pump if I don't have to but have a feeling it is toast.

I ranch during the day, just got done putting up hay and fall cows are calving now. I drive fuel transport at night delivering to a couple of bulk plants up here. Takes about 10 hours out of my 24, four or five times a week. I don't have time for bs or smarta$$'s. I genuinely appreciate to fine folks who take time out of their busy schedules to help people like me who benefit from their vast knowledge and experience. SnoKing I remember you from the days I frequented this forum more often, you are a real stand up guy. Katoom, you seemed to have stepped up while I was gone and are very helpful. To the others that have taken the time to post and try to help, thank you. I need to get out of here now, but will be checking in on my cell phone tonight when I am on the road. Don't like typing while I'm hauling 8500 gallons of gas so usually wait until I stop somewhere. If you don't mind, I will be asking for your help getting through this whether I replace parts myself or find a shop. I'm afraid I can't dive into this all at once because I have a DewEze bale bed to install for a customer as well as a caker and still calving, hauling fuel dealing with the spring cows and neighbors are starting to wean and on and on. Once again, thank you. Jeff

I had an original VP44 fail suddenly on a 1999 with 250k miles and had OBD II codes: 0251, 0252, 1688 & 1689. It was a VP44 failure in my case. A rebuilt pump got it operational along with a new lift pump.
This was my experience and hope it helps.

Michael

 

[DavidC]

Check Blue Chips site, they are very reputable and have most diagnostics plus you can call them.
https://www.bluechipdiesel.com/reading-codes

Dave

 

[JVackiner]

Michael, think I'm in the same boat you were, afraid my VP44 is done for. David, I remember those guys, will definitely be talking to them. SnoKing, I have a fairly well equipped shop and make alot of specialty tools, not pretty but get the job done. I am starting to think I want to tackle this myself as well as new injectors, running the valves and my exhaust manifold is cracked all to heck. Problem is finding the time. I may have a shop do it but want to find someone with the passion for these old girls that you guys have. Thanks for the replies!

 

[Michaelsloft]

Michael, think I'm in the same boat you were, afraid my VP44 is done for. David, I remember those guys, will definitely be talking to them. SnoKing, I have a fairly well equipped shop and make alot of specialty tools, not pretty but get the job done. I am starting to think I want to tackle this myself as well as new injectors, running the valves and my exhaust manifold is cracked all to heck. Problem is finding the time. I may have a shop do it but want to find someone with the passion for these old girls that you guys have. Thanks for the replies!

Jeff, consulting with Blue Chip Diesel is very good advise. If and when you have the time read through the site and consider a phone call too.
When I looked into the repair about a year ago it helped me a lot and with the information available did the repair myself. It just takes time to do the job right.
You may find checking the wiring carefully to be helpful too.
If you don't have time to do the repairs yourself, do some research and ask around to see to see if you can find an experienced professional to do the work. There are good people out there.
Good luck with the project and I'm confident you will get the "old girl" running well again!

Michael