My dad has a stock 2000 3500 cummins dually. He just replaced his fuel pump about two months ago and he is exhibiting classic VP44 issues. Which include: dead pedel, hard/no start, cuts off after a little time running. His mechanic isn't pulling any codes but when I did the key trick I got six chimes. I don't have a haynes manual yet but we will be getting one soon. I have a lot of questions so please bear with me.

1). The fuel pump he put in was an in-tank deal. Is that realy any better than the stock setup? I know I read some threads on this but its already in and I was wondering if a mistake was made there. (Obviously, if I would have found this site sooner we would have gone with a FASS system instead, but you know what they say about hindsight).

2). He plans on doing modest upgrades. Definitely cold air intake and new exhaust system. Possible a chip and guage, but nothing beyond that. HE just wants a little more power towing his goosneck RV. What would the benefits, if any to upgrading to the FASS system?

3). I see that a stock replacement VP44 is about $1050. I also see that there are upgraded VP44's for about $1200. Is there true value or performance in this extra $150?

4). Which manual is the best for this particually truck, Haynes or Chiltons?

5). Any thoughs on what the six chime code might be? (inpatient.)

6). What are your thoughts on the upgrade path? (Definite intake and exhaust, and a maybe on an adjustable chip and gauge pakage).

 

I will answer backwards;
don't do anything to the truck, including drive it, without gauges.

I believe the haynes manual is discontinued, I have the chiltons, I prefer haynes, but they were unavialable.

don't get too caught up in the "six chime code" all that "code" means is the door is open when the key is in the ignition....the codes would appear in the odometer window as po212 or p-done......for example....no noises at all.

I have no expierience on the hot rod pump so that is my answer.

as to the fass, these trucks need to have fuel pressure all the time. the stock lift pumps suck, the fass is one company's answer. it is prolly better than the stocker, but you are not going to see anything in performance.....just constant fuel pressure.

 

lost 3 stock lift pumps got the dead pedal for the $pump on a western trip got a new? pump for an extravagant amount at a Dodge dealer in Carson City, Nev. stopped at a diesel facility in Columbus Ind. an had a Fass pump installed. This took place in 2004 figured all my pump problems were behind me. Wrong!!! The Fass failed me 10 miles west of Tucumcari N.M. on I-40 got another $Fass installed this latest one has a 6year warranty. The first Fass lasted 3yrs the new one has 6yrs. This whole lift pump scenario was caused by an acute failure of Dodge an Cummins engineering . I mention Cummins because they must have known this and were afraid to stand up to Dodge, and instead allowed their reputation to be trashed. Very Sad .I had 92 12V with 200k did not even know where the lift pump was. good luck J.Carew

 

Well, my dad loves his truck but cannot tolerate unreliability. He said if this injector pump replacement solves his problems he will keep the truck. But if it gives him any more problems he is going to move on to a Duramax.

Here's another pertenant fact, his truck only has 66,000 miles on it.

 

Ok, so my Dad's truck isn't throwing any codes. Does this mean his VP44 isn't bad?

 

Wow, a 2000 with 66k miles on it! I would replace the VP44 on it ($935 free shipping from Pensacola Diesel, for example), install a more reliable lift pump on it and drive it for another 200,000 miles. To think that Duramaxes are without problems is highly optimistic. A co-worker of mine just recently had been stranded on a 2 yr old D-max when his injector wiring harness went bad. Go figure, a $900 wire! I think they replaced it under warranty though.
-P

 

You think thats something, he also has a 98 with @ the same amount of miles on it that has every option avaiable including a custom hillsburough bed thats going to be for sale real soon.

 

I think you should let us know when that 98 goes on sell. Where are you from?

 

Greensprings Ohio

1998 Dogde Ram 3500 24 valvle Cummins dually every option available, extended cab 4 door, 66 k miles, leather, new brakes, new tires, all maintenance records, post a picture when I get a chance. I was wrong about the bed though. Dad says he already has a buyer for it. Stock bed going back on.

This one hasn't had any fuel pump or lift pump issues.

He thinks that it worth about $17,000. What do you guys think? Too high? Too low?