Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Why is it important to check Fuel Pressure on A used CTD?

[EBottema]

Hey guys-



I've been told that the LP and VP44 is covered under the cummins 5/100 warranty. The used truck im looking at has only 63k miles. Why is it important to worry about fuel pressure when its still under warranty? Is the cummins warranty not transferable, and if it is, how do you go about transfering it?



Erik

 

[Rob Thomas]

Simply put, it's preventitive maintainance. If you don't take care of your lift pump pressure, the VP will die in time... ... ..... and most likely dicrectly AFTER you turn 100,001 miles.



Not to mention I hate sitting on the side of the road, warrenty doesn't help you then either.





Basicly, the $40 mechanical fuel pressure gauge and a small amount of time is a little insurance, otherwise your playing roulette.





Rob

 

[gonehuntingagain]

I bought mine with 59000 miles - promptly put in a pressure gauge only to find out I needed a new lift pump. It was replaced under warranty. Last week I had to have my injection pump replaced, thankfully I only have 80,000 miles on my truck - replaced under warranty. I am surprised that the injection pump went out now - with my luck, I would have expected it to go out at 100,001 or so while I was out in the middle of nowhere. Maybe it would have went out sooner if I didn't have the lift pump replaced. Wierd thing is the mechanic said the one he pulled out of the truck was a remanufactured one - the original had already been replaced!



Maybe the VP44 would have lasted longer if someone would have been monitoring the fuel pressure.



Pressure gauge: $40 - $80

to monitor a $150 lift pump

to prevent needing a new VP44 @ $1500 - $2000 + installation



Pretty easy choice to make!

 

[BluMtnRam]

Bought mine with 31K. I've had it about 3 months. After lurking

here my first mod was a guage package. Specifically for FP and

Pyro. One of the guys that I work with lost the LP on his 98. 5 with no guage and it cost him a VP-44. I'm guessing that my LP might be a tad weak ?? Prefilter, I'm running 12-13 at warm idle 10 at cruise and as low as 7 @ wot. I'm going to clean and dilectric the LP power plug this weekend. I keep reading about the DC magic number of 10 for LP warrenty ??? Is this checked at idle ?? Pre or post filter filter ??? I put'm on to moniter and prevent VP damage.



2002, 2500 QC, SB,4x4, ETH, DEE, 4. 10's, LSD, dipricol pillar

mount

 

[JPLB22]

BluMtnRam

If the dealer that you go to even still uses the pressure test, it should be a post filter check. On your '02 they should use the schrader valve on the VP44. The other test that a dealer may use is a flow test, which is also measured post filter. I think they remove the line off the bottom of the fuel filter and bump then starter and measure the amount of fuel for one bump cycle. Minimum on a flow test is 45oz. ( I'm not sure on the oz. 's, but I am sure it is in the 40's )



Jeff