Hi all,
After lurking around here for a while, I've learned enough to make a post. I apologize in advance if I'm supplying redundant information.
VP-44 lessons I've learned the hard way. Shortly after purchasing my 99 CTD in 2003 I started having performance problems with the truck. Poor acceleration and mileage going down (14/16). Since this is my first Diesel, I didn't have a clue as what to trouble shoot, but here's what I know now and would like to pass along.
Lift pump went out, had it replaced by local Diesel mechanic. 10 months later lift pump dies and takes out the VP-44 with it. Have same mechanic install new lift pump and $$VP-44. 6 months later, the truck stutters going around a corner. I go straight to the mechanic and ask to have the fuel pressure checked. Sure enough, dead lift pump...again.
I pray that the VP-44 survived the 30 miles that I drove very slowly to the next closest mechanic and have the crappy lift pump replaced, once and for all, with a FASS.
After the Fass install, the pump seemed to be struggling so I checked the vent on the tank, and sure enough, it's plugged. This was the problem all along, which is what was killing the lift pumps, and then the IP.
Moral of the story is don't let your mechanic get lazy on you otherwise a $10 part can end up costing you thousands.
p.s. I've got the damaged VP-44 diaphragm hard start problem after the FASS install. Looks like I didn't dodge the bullet completely, but will drive her till she fails. I wanted a high performance IP anyway

 

Thanks for posting that bit of info.
First time I can remember reading of this issue.
Where is the vent for the fuel tank and...
where abouts did you find the blockage in the vent?

 

Hey Saw,
Here is a link to some pics showing the offending vent. In this case, he is referring to a cap being left on the vent opening at the factory. In my case, it was plugged with mud.
http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/ISB/low_power.htm
and one from this board
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...tank+vent+plug
Hope this helps,
Mike

 

Hey Mike ,
Thanks for the links!

Scott

 

I'll be checking that tonight!

 

My only question would be this, how long is the hot rod pump going to last?
We already know these 44's are a piece of advanced modern technology (read POS) and don't last for crap already in some cases. How long is a hot rod pump going to last when it is pretty much maxed out all the time?

 

did you have a sucking sound when you opened your fuel cap before???