Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) yet again more VP$$ questons

[Dezilplow]

Well, my . 02 2500 is starting to surge when cold and that was my first hint something was not just right. Still runs great when warmed up. Its only got 30k miles even though its 5 years old and bone stock. Anyway I ran the codes the other day,PCU - 1693, ECU - 0216. So Im guessing Im having the start of the infamous fuel pressure probs.

I took it to a guy here in town, the only one that does warranty work and he said that likley if he gets the go ahead from Dodge, he'll put in an intank lift pump ( which I really dont want) and a reman injection pump worst case senaro.



A couple questions, is a remanufactured injection pump a normal procedure? Not a new one?

Is the intank lift pump really more dependable? Id rather have one I can get to easily like the Genos mod to the frame rail since it wont be under warranty forever and I hate dropping tanks.

Also If he takes the truck and sees the codes, then tells me it not warranty and wants to charge me then what? He's the only waranty shop in 250 miles and Ive heard some not so good things about how he charges for things, but almost everyone I talked to say that he is a very good mechanic. Anyway, looking for a couple thoughts here and see if this is standard opps for the problem, I just didnt want to get ripped.

 

[Tinman]

Bocsh isn't making the VP44 anymore so reman is the standard replacement. Don't worry, it is as good as or better than new.



Intank pump should be better an more reliable, but I wouldn't trust it. I didn't have any luck with moving the factor Carter to the frame rail on my 01. After the 2nd one on the frame rail died with less that 10k on it, I got a FASS and fixed the lift pump problem for good. I think all 24Valve trucks (3rd gen included) need an aftermarket fuel pump. Fix it right and forget about it.



If it is not warrentied, it will probably cost you a couple grand to get someone to replace the VP. Most replacement pumps now are about a $1000 give or take a couple hundred. Most I've seen are around $1200. Labor to replace I would think would be about the same. I replaced mine myself (turned out the pump that was fine, it was another problem). It really wasn't too bad. If you are mechanically included and have basic tools, you can save a lot by doing it yourself. Lots of info here on the procedure.

 

[DBeeman]

Is someone going to take over the manufacture of the VP44, or are we looking at a future of very limited parts? Sorry to hijack the thread, but that statement has me a little worried.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Is someone going to take over the manufacture of the VP44, or are we looking at a future of very limited parts? Sorry to hijack the thread, but that statement has me a little worried.

Nothing to worry about - there are plenty of rebuilt Vp-44's available - and likely to be for some time - and the rebuilts with their many upgrades and improvements are typically BETTER than the new ones were in regards to premature failures, and plenty of parts available for the rebuilders.



As far as I know, no one is making "new" Cummins engines like the one in my '02 either - so if mine fails, it will be a rebuilt to replace it as well - just the way things go - and I'm not worried... :-laf

 

[DBeeman]

Thanks, much as I like the new trucks, I intend to drive this one until it will go no more. If I ever run into excess money, I would like to do some modifications, nothing drastic, as I doubt I will ever have the cash to afford a new transmission. Thanks again, and once again, sorry for the hijack.



Dave

 

[Dezilplow]

Ah, very good. I could probably do it myself but with that 7/70 warranty on powertrain I was hoping it would cover it being emissions and all and letting Dodge foot the bill on the new parts. I havent even got a buck a mile out of it yet. Am I dreaming?

 

[Jetpilot]

As mentioned above the only good solution to the lift pump issue is an aftermarket LP setup and FP gauge. Personally I like the FASS units due to they were designed for use with diesel, work well, and pretty much address the shortcomings of the OEM setup.



As for the pump, normally a remanned pump can be purchased around $1100 and labor should run $250-$350.



Doug Smith