rleeke

Hello,

I got my new lift pump and VP 44 pump replaced under warranty at 68K miles. The symptoms showed up at 62K miles and got progressively worse. The truck would lose power at random on the highway and often run real slow for the first few minutes after starting.

So after some research on this site, I have a few questions.

Could I have saved my VP 44 if I replaced the lift pump as soon as I felt symptoms or are the symtoms actually the VP 44 starting to destroy itself by sucking fuel on its own?
Has anyone replaced the lift pump and not the VP 44 pump with good results?
What do the "performance" pumps cost [specifically the one being marketed by one of this site's members, forget the name] and has anyone tried this pump with good results?
Where in Central Jersey/Delaware Valley should I get gauges installed and what should I expect to pay?

Thanks for the help, and I look forward to modding the truck at 100K. Trans first, right?

Later,
Rick

Borush

The truck can run for a while with a dead lift pump with no noticeable symptoms, but unfortunately, just as you have described, by the time you notice a problem, the damage has been done.

The best thing to do is get a fuel pressure gauge so you can monitor it all the time.

I don't know what vendors are in your area, but there a a lot of good ones on this site that have gauges and any other stuff you might need.


Boyd.

erics76

Most often, the lift pump goes out and if not fixed soon, the lack of fuel pressure to the injection pump causes it to fail. A domino effect. A fuel pressure gauge will let you catch a dying lift pump before it kills the expensive injection pump. If you're going with gauges, an egt wouldn't be bad either, and a trans temp if you've got an automatic. Fill in your truck's info. and we can help you more.

DPG

I replaced just my lift pump with good success, but the only symptom I had was the falling pressure reading in my FP gauge. A fuel pressure guage is a solid investment for these 24V second gen trucks. I have four gauges and I paid just over $300.00 for all four including the A-pillar pod. That was 2 years ago. I installed them myself, however. A good mechanic can do the job in a few hours, it took me 8! The four gauges are Pyro, Boost, Tranny Temp., and Fuel Pressure. You can see how I mounted the fourth gauge on the pillar in my member pics.

DeWain

rleeke

Gauges are next. I like your pillar mount but I think they look cool on top of the dash. I'll do a search and see if I can get some ideas.
If running fuel pressure drops from 11 or so to under 5, should I shut the truck off and get a tow? How much time do I have before I eat another VP 44? I know this is going to happen at 101K miles.


Eric76, sorry I forgot the vitals and thanks for replying:
01 Auto 3500 4wd

rleeke

DPG, off topic but I just saw your Nascar decal. Where do I get one of those? It's great.
But I have a problem, I drive a Dodge and root for Junior. The question begs to be asked, can I put Junior's number on my bumper without looking like an ***?

Look for me at Long Pond this summer.

/rl

erics76

If you're fuel pressure drops, you're not going to do deadly damage right away. Definately something you'd want to fix ASAP, but you should be able to go to where you're going, unless it's a 1000 miles away. Check Wildcat Diesel and and Geno's Garage for some dash pods.

rleeke

thanks all, time for bed.
/rl