Hi guys we’re back……
Had some troubles back in February, was hinted was VP44. But no new codes. Thought was bad fuel on a road trip. Now think just bad fuel burning in the truck. Been scanning just about every topic we can find with you and figure as per usual another VP44. Why do we bother looking. If your having any trouble might as well head first to LP and VP44! With or without fuel pressure. Great engine it’s just the fuel delivery we have complaints with.

This is the history . We had first a lift pump go out at 120K miles then a VP44 at 125K miles, At which time we also installed a fuel pressure gauge. We’re now at 195K miles, never dropping below 10 PSI normally maybe saw 8 PSI once or twice when really stomped on it. Never a trailer and 95% of the time no load. Last VP44 purchased from direct from CMP, Bosch distributor in Denver.

Latest symptoms: When returned from trip stuttering cleaned up, power back, everything cool. Now we’ve been working at a higher altitude and the gremlins are back. When we start up after parking at 7500 feet The engine has no power, just blowing white smoke like a son of a gun!! Try to move a hundred feet or so. Stop turn engine off. Restart, runs just fine, no smoke, full power returned. This has happened several times. Our feeling is getting too much fuel, as if drowning in it. Thought a sensor not working right. Now reading so many threads, all signs appear to lead to poor fuel timing, part of VP44. A not repairable part, not changeable part of VP44. Got to go spend a pile on a new- rebuilt one, again, already VP44!

Are we correct in this assumption? It’s like we have to drop a $5 in a jar every time we start it up to save for the next fuel injection system problem. Another short lived disposable part. (For the consumer that is) With no average lifespan, no warning. Has anyone done a survey on this site on the number of VP44’s replaced and at what mileages? (Maybe in the next thread.)

Had been told once by a service tech with Cummins, that a mechanical injector pump conversion (illegal conversion) the only way to find reliability. That now seems to be coming back to haunt us! Funny how our military are allowed to use the mechanical systems when it’s their lives depending on it.

Final thought we ponder.. Are the 3rd generation high pressure rails proven to be any more reliable? Anyone’s take on these also appreciated.

 

I got 132 miles out of a pump before it started throwing the codes again...

And i just replaced it and it seems that the nightmare has just begun, cause I am having the same symptoms on a pump that 2 days old...

Unless I am missing some kind of reset procedure for the ECM & PCM...

 

Nope, 3rd gens are WORSE if anything. When a 3rd gen CP-3 injection system goes bad, you drop dead on the side of the road. Most VP-44's die slowly with plenty of codes/warning beforehand.
When a 3rd gen has injector problems, it burns up a piston worst case, misses and smokes badly best case. When is the last time you heard of BAD injectors on a 2nd gen?
The 3rd gen lift pumps are still dropping like flies. Only now they are mounted inside the fuel tank and are a bear to change.

CP3 pumps leaking/dying = big $$$ almost double a VP-44
Injector replacement = more than double a 2nd gen EACH

That, and the newest Dodges have a very short lifespan warranty. Try buying those sophisticated 3rd gen parts over the counter and not break the bank!

JMO