Problem 1: Oil leak from the vacuum/ps pump. Got the Dodge seal kit. I have a skilled accomplice. How hard is this to do? Any tips?

Problem 2: For about 5 min after I start her, I can't get any power/rpms, top out at about 25 mph, and I'm blowing a some extra exhaust. When this happens, I have low boost, or, if my gauge is showing high boost, I hear an air leak. When she reaches operating temp, she runs fine. When I'm driving sometimes the throttle cuts out and I have to get off the accelerator and get back on. My buddy (a diesel mechanic) and I think this is a wastegate problem. I've tightened the hose clamps. Help, please!

 

Injection pump for problen number 2. Its referred to as "dead pedal" it is very common on the 2nd gen. You have the same problems listed as I use to have. Replaced IP and no problems now

 

Welcome dodgeram, I can't help but other will if you go top left to the User CP and fill out your sig so everyone knows what year, trans, mods your talking about.

 

signature is filled out

VP44s are pretty expensive right? Like $1200?

 

Yes about $1000 plus instal.
If you cycle the key on-off-on-off-on, the odo will show any codes.
Do that and get back to us.

 

Thanks for the tip, J fox!

Yikes I have 4 codes

P PCU
P 1693
P ECU
P 0216

Actually, I don't think it's the VP44. If she was starving for fuel, I'd hear the engine noise change... and i don't hear a thing. When I get the dead pedal my boost drops way off. I think it's that transmission upshifting too early. Also, my fuel pressure runs between 12 psi at idle and a minimum of 7 psi full-bore.

In another thread, I saw something about how a temperature sensor plug might be causing the problem. Thoughts?

I really appreciate any and all bits of advice. Thank you

 

I think those codes you mentioned are the worst possible ones you could have.Looks like the pump is toast

 

The pump you can do if you can rebuild an alternator, the pump is probably easier. As to the other, Is the tach screwing up , if so it maybe the crankshaft sensor. Either way you should at least get it diagnosed at your dealer if they have a good cummins mechanic. I could be fuel system which es a lot more money.
Jim

 

I been researching and I'm pretty sure it's the lift pump, as I'm getting 10 psi fuel pressure at idle. Thoughts?

 

0216 is the death code for the VP44 in 98% of everytime that code is seen.

 

Well, let me ask this: is no power at startup for about 5 minutes no matter how you manipulate the throttle part of a dying VP44's symptom's? I have zero torque, and it feels like the wastegate is carbon fouled. I'm not going to run out and buy a $1200 injector pump and a $200 lift pump because I'm showing a single code. A dying lift pump could theoretically cause that code to be thrown.

 

10 psi idle is kinda low but not too bad should be replaced though, think aftermarket lp's, the LP won't throw a code that I know of so the 216 code is normally associated with the VP. I agree throwing 1200 at a pump is extreme but these folks know what there talking about and the VP's history isn't good. My vote is VP sorry to say.

Good luck.

 

10 psi is not low, stock NEW in tank pump from Dodge brings 9psi idle and 4 psi WOT

 

correct for a intank pump, volume is what "they" clame not pressure, but a stock carter LP where "pressure" not volume is involved the 10 psi is low to me.

 

Low to me too...when my LP went that low for about a month my IP followed...I had the same "no power" issues at start up when my IP died...