Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Weird starting

[jman]

I am having some wierd things going on while starting. The Cummins is starting with one crank as always, but not confidently as usual. It starts, but acts like the heaters should have cycled first as it sputters and makes blue smoke like mad and then smooths out. Then if you shut is off after it has been run and let it sit for as little as two hours and restart it starts fine, but if you punch it while in park it sputters and acts like it isn't getting enough fuel. Take is for a little drive, put it in park and punch it and responds normally. I replaced the lift pump even though my other seemed to be giving enough pressure and no change. I think maybe I am getting a little air, but not sure. Even if it does start good it seems to give off a little blue smoke. It was 85 here last week and it sat all day and started fine, but I still noticed some blue smoke.



I also can't get it over 2600 rpm if I put the pedal to the floor while accelerating. If I put it in manual second and floor it it will run to 3200. Is this a problem or do I just not have enough power yet for it to run up that high without being loaded.



I just went out and checked the codes on the odometer and got a 0216 and 1693. This is bad news as I probably am about to need a new VP-44.



TIA

jman

 

[wyosteve]

Jman, I think you're right. Mine acted similarly for about a week before the VP 44 went out. Best to replace it before it leaves you stranded away from home. Motel and rental cars will cost you.