Just went thru 2 weeks of dropping the fuel tank and my Fass w/filters, by myself, in the driveway, because my fuel pressure went to crap. Truck would idle, but run out of fuel while idling. Dropped the tank and found something on the cylindrical filter in the tank that looked like chewing tobacco, so, bright me, figured I'd change to an after market draw straw. ($68.00) Got the new straw installed, but still no fuel pressure. Changed the fuel filter and "washed" out the water separator, but still no suction.
I started to believe that the pump wasn't sucking so I called Dan at FASS. He told me every step I needed to know to test the function of the pump. (got to call and thank him Monday) I did everything he told me and found that the pump had good suction. While bench testing the pump I put the water separator back on and the suction stopped. BTW, while bench testing I installed a clear line on the suction side, so I could see if the fuel was being sucked up. Visually inspected the water separator and it looked great, but, just in case it was plugged or leaking air, got on the phone and ordered one from my local NAPA yesterday($17.00) Got it today and installed it , and the truck came alive. Took it for a drive and couldn't get the fuel pressure below 14/15 lbs under WOT.
Don't know, yet if the filter was plugged or leaking suction. I'll disassemble it apart tomorrow and try to find out.
Moral of story, check the simple things first. Even though I did a lot of unnessary work, I did end up with a completely refurbished better fuel delivery system to the VP44, and I am now completely familiar with the inner workings of it. Isn't being educated a great thing?

 

Your orginal complaint is classic for pluged fuel filter. How did you miss the bell ringing on that one?