Here's the deal- I can start me truck no problem if it sits overnight, or for more than an hour. If it sits for 10 minutes or so, I have to crank crank crank- It sounds like the lift pump is running, but it still does nothing. Just installed a new fuel filter, but it still does it. Is there or is there not a pump in the tank? I have 3 different answers from 3 different people at the dealer-
Yes
No
uhhmm

I think they should all go with uhhmmm, myself. Any ideas??

Is there a pressure sensor somewhere that may be the culprit?
Thanks for the help!

 

No, there is no pump in the tank in a 1999,
unless you've recently (in the last 6 months or so) had the lift pump replaced at the Dealership.

Sounds like a heat problem with the VP44 (injection pump, $$$).


phox

 

It sounds like the lift pump only runs occasionally. If I crank for a bit & it wont start, sometimes it will run. Others, it does nothing.

Is there any way to tell if it's the VP44? ouch. I didn't want to hear that one...

Also, if I keep the tank @ 1/2 full or better, it seems to work much better.

 

You could try getting the codes read, you'll need a scanner,
most likely the one that only Dodge Dealers have.

Bad VP44's don't always throw codes though.


phox

 

It gives me no codes. I have a scanner, and it says nothing is wrong.

 

Welcome to DTR

Good advice above. Without a fuel pressure guage you have no idea if your LP is working or not. It can be "running" and not pumping anything.

 

It is pumping a good deal. I had someone else turn the key, and when it started, I opened the drain. It shot out at high pressure. You're right, I do need a pressure gauge. How hard is the install on the 99 Geico266?

 

Dead Easy - the pressure sample point is off the fuel filter. Have a look at Shovelhead or Rattliram's pics...they both have pics of the fuel pressure hook up on a 99.

 

Don't want to be the bearer of bad news but my last vp44 did the same thing. No codes that would show up but Dodge replaced it under warranty and it solved the problem. Good Luck!!

 

You may have a bad lift pump, but you also have a bad Injector pump to. That's a bet. What a way to start your day. By the way, welcome to your new home.

 

Well, it does have 183,000 on the original VP44, using a lubricant at least every other tank, running 10-20% biodiesel. Can't complain THAT much. I think I'll milk it. It has been doing this off & on for 6 months, just really acted strange the other day, and seems to be a little better today & yesterday. We'll see.
For the better news, I have a supplier here in Houston that rebuilds these for 2 of the school districts I work with for $850, and they swear they last twice as long as the originals. If I can get the info I'll post it here. I'm sure it will be a little more than $850 as they have a contract with the districts, but...

 

I milked mine for quit a while, carried a cooler in the back seat full of bottles of cold water. When I went somewhere and had to shut it off, I just pulled out the water to cool it off enough to start. When it was running it would run all day so I didn't worry about it. I'm a poor man, took me a while to get together that kind a money and I don't use credit.

 

Milking it could be a bad idea. Im looking at replacing my ignition pump after my second lift pump went. Spending the money on the LP beats the hell out of $1000 + for just a ignition pump

 

No, this is not the lift pump we're talking about. I think I've ruled out the lift pump at this point. It is the injector pump, I'm afraid.

 

I think you misunderstood my post, I was talking about cooling the Injector pump with water. I am assuming this is what you mean by the ignition pump.