My truck has 67000 miles and has never gave a days trouble until a few days ago. It started smoking exteme white and running rough. I checked codes and found a P0216 code. Never really thought nothing of it because it only smoked white for about 25 seconds. Then I drove the truck the other day and the throttle pedal went dead. I did some research and found this site and found out to my suprise that my VP-44 was most likely done. I cycled the key and could still hear the lift pump running. Anyways the dodge dealer put on a new VP but said they tested the lift pump and everything seems fine, checks out perfect. This is the original lift pump, I have had the truck since new. The dealer had mentioned that they may have to install the new intank design, but said I didn't need it as my engine mounted lift pump is working well within specification. Does this seem starnge that the lift pump did not fail considering there poor history? What causes the VP-44 to fail if the lift pump was fine?

 

they fail because the vp is a big piece of CRAP!!!

sorry but i have had horrible luck with that electronic piece of junk went thru 3 in about 50,000

so i p-pumped it and have had no problems since.

jake

 

The vp pumps are junk, though alot of the failure is due to a poor lift pump, it is still not uncommon for them to fail even when they are supplied with good fuel pressure. I had mine fail even with a FASS pump installed and having about 20psi of pressure all the time. It seems like during the summer months and warm weather, there are alot of threads on here about guys having their vp pumps die. Mine died this past August. I think high tempatures have something to do with there failure, but i am not sure. On one note, i would strongly recommed installing a fuel pressure gauge if you dont have one already just to keep and eye on the lift pump to make sure that it does not die on you as well.

 

The VP44 is lubricated with the fuel. If you have a bad or weak lift pump it will damage your injection pump for this reason. Keep in mind that if you have low pressure now it could have already damaged your lift pump. Therefore its an great idea to install gauges, especially a fuel pressure gauge to make sure the pressure never drops below a safe zone. We offer the FASS systems but again if you have had the pressure drop too low most likely the injection pump was already damaged even though it still seems to work fine right now.

I had a vp44 replaced through warranty, thats a good feeling. Its bad though thinking that the next one is on my dime...

Make sure your pressure is not low and you'll be fine.

 

Me too, right at 68,000 miles, last June.

Had a grin on my face for a week! Nothing like NOT having to pay a $2,000 repair bill!

 

Thanks for the replies, I should definetely look at getting a fuel pressure gauge. Kind of worried about the truck after it goes off warranty this November. What is a good brand fuel pressure gauge to get?

 

Dipricol, and Isspro offer gauges that have small enough incriments to read the psi between 0-30. Auto meter has some but I believe they are mostly 0-100, larger incriments. Stewart-warner has a nice line. Pretty much any gauge you like, and that offers the range we need.

 

Lost my VP44 with only 4,000 miles on the truck.
No codes, still the original lift pump, 50K miles later.
Although it is starting to show signs of decreased pressure, but nothing to worry about yet.

No idea why mine failed.
Replaced under warranty.


phox

 

Replaced my VP at 87,000 miles.
Full Time fuel pressure gauge. Never saw below 7 psi even at WOT.
Diesel Fuel additive at almost every fillup.
Basically did everything possible to give it a long life.

Stock VP pump came out, HRVP went in.
My Dime, My Time.
Edge Comp box connected via Blue Chip 'Stealth' Pump Cover.
No lying to the Service Department / No Warranty hassles.
I KNOW it was done right, & no lot jockeys taking my truck for a joy-ride.

 

the one on my truck went out right before i bought the truck it had 99k on it so when i bought the truck it had a fresh pump on it . been good so far if this one dies its getting a hrvp or if it waits long enough i might just p-pump it .

 

I hoping to keep this truck for a long time. What is the best route to take to make the VP pump reliable? Have these pumps been improved being they have had such trouble with them? I imagine going to a P-pump conversion is costly but may be worth it if I was to keep the truck for a very long time. Would this be the best option and approxiametely how much would it cost?

 

The best fix is to make sure your lift pump or pusher pump constantly feeds your injection pump. And the only way to monitor this is by installing a fuel pressure gauge.

 

i have an auto meter fuel press gage 0 to 30 psi its a z series but best i rember you can get the 0-30 in all series most places dont advertise them but if you look them up on autometers web site that will give you the part #s just my 2 cents

 

I guess you also need the banjo fitting that screws into the side of the VP? Where is the best place to locate this, or does it come with any gauge kits?

 

Most place sell a "tapped" banjo. It can either go there or on the outlet side of the filter.
http://www.dieselmanor.com/dm_products/DM-DBBLT.asp