Okay, I've got the VP44 deathcode, replaced the LP and have had multiple loss of power issues in the last few weeks. I have accepted the fact the the VP44 is dying. Since many here have bought, who do you recommend. I really like the upgraded Blue Chip but I can't swing the $1400 core, nor can I have the truck down for a week or more on the exchange plan. ( I don't have a garage to work in so weather can be a factor.) I'm not looking at BOMBing the truck. When I bought it there was already a 4 inch exhaust system and this Performance-one "power puck" thing attached. (The puck will probably get yanked in favor of an Edge Tow box.) The truck is going to be used for pulling an occasional horse trailer w/hwy driving.

What/who do you recommend as far as quality for cost? The door is open...insert your opinions here.

 

IMHO, trade this thing while it's still running and get something different. These trucks will nickel and dime you to death.

 

http://www.bluechipdiesel.com/VP44INFO.html

 

Just purchase a pump from a reputable Bosch dealer/rebuilder. Here's a link, I'm sure you'll be able to find one in your area. http://www.boschservice.com/ All of the new rebuilt pumps are the same. You'll notice that terms like "Fedex" and such are marketing terms and really don't mean squat. The only difference in the "Fedex" electronics is the starting cycles. Fedex found that they were having a high number of failures due to the frequent starting and stopping. Bosch addressed the issue by upgrading the PSU (circuit board). These PSU's are on all newly rebuilt pumps. The "Fedex" term is not widely used, in fact, I've only heard it on these forums ... and, of course, blue chip's website. I've talked with several Bosch certified rebuilders and they all tell me the same thing ... and not to mention the price varies between $850 and $1050. I've done my homework, believe me!

 

The other issue I've heard is if the housing is new or reused? I don't know enough to be sure if it's significant but I believe new housings are no longer being made and used housings can have wear that will allow them to pass the test proceedure but will have reduced longevity! I sure would like to know if someone who has info would chime in!

 

Barry, you are correct. The newly rebuilt pumps get new housings. All of the local guys around here, the first thing they tell you is they replace the housings. I believe the old housings had a brass sleeve and the new housings have a steel sleeve ... regardless of which type you have, it's changed out.

Also, I learned something new today. When rebuilders say they only replace the parts necessary, during the rebuild, thats pretty much everything. When the pump is bench tested it will not pass the test if there are ANY worn parts present inside the unit.

I was on the phone with a rebuilder today and he was laughing at me because I wasn't getting it through my thick head that the pumps are "like new" or they don't pass the test ... did I feel like an idiot!!!

 

Try Cumminsstuff.com

 

Piperca, Thanks for the reply. That's good news. I was a little concerned because my first vp that was warrantied from Dodge showed the occasional hard start symptom very early - probably with in the first 5k mi. It got gradually worse and they just warrantied it again. It never threw a code that I could see, just the hard start when warm. The latest one seems fine and I believe I'm getter better mileage as well. It's hard to say if it was the injection pump change or a change I made from a ez to a va at about the same time.

 

Thanks piperca. It looks like I can save myself a bit of stress after all. I really wasn't too sure about the possibility of "worn" parts in the rebuilt pump or the upgraded computer. I was about to buy a used pump on e-bay, only for a turn in as a core on the Blue Chip unit. From what you said, that seems entirely unnecessary.

-Joe

 

I got one from cumins it lasted 2.5 years , between the cost and re&re that way of going is toooo expensive. So trying something better.