The fuel pumps on the 2nd gen Cummins (VP44) have been known to be unreliable in some trucks. Did the pumps get refined (or more reliable) in the later issues of the pumps say in the 2001 or 2002 year models? I had a 1999 CTD and had a Van Aiken box on it which helped make the truck run stronger...unfortunately I had an oil pressure sending unit go out on the engine and in the course of taking it to the dealer to confirm my troubleshooting under warranty, they spotted the fueling box and promptly told me "your truck is now without a drievetrain/engine warranty! Plus we noted it as such in the national computer database so you cannot take it to another Dodge dealer for engine/drivetrain warranty items".

I understand that if the pump is going to die it will do it within 20 minutes of adding a fueling box. I was just wondering if the newer year model trucks were still experiencing lower failure rates on the VP44. I really like the older body style better than the new ones, but if buying a 2nd gen truck there is always the possibility that the VP44 could (will?) die and that rascal costs close to $4000. That kind of makes me very reluctant to look at any 2nd gen trucks...are these concerns unfounded? I did not have any problems with the fuel pump on my '99, and it had a fueling box input. Now I understand what "my own warranty station" means! It seems to me that almost any BOMBs done to the engine will almost automatically void the warranty.

Trying to finalize decision on getting a late-model 2nd gen or ordering a 2004 Ram. Those fuel pump issues are the only real big concern I have. The new Cummins use the HPCR which seems to be [better]? There are some good used 2001 and 2002 trucks to be had and for a lot less money than the new ones cost. The new ones do drive nice though.

 

whoa, $4,000 for an injection pump is REALLY expensive. My advise is to run fast from whoever quoted that. As far as warranty goes, they must prove that the mod you installed caused the failure you experience. So, if you have an oil sender go bad, that is still replaced under warranty! if your VP44 dies, then it is your dollar but not $4,000 worth! My buddy just replaced his for about $1200, new from Cummins. I can't comment much on the high pressure common rail engines. That one is up to you. Do you want a new truck payment, or not?
-Jason

 

i'll tell ya my personal experience...my VP-44 lasted about two months w/ my fueling box, my box has a **** that adjusts from 0-135 HP. I basically left it turned about 1/4 turn and had no problems, one day i decided to crank it up and the VP-44 blew...I got a rebuilt one from one of our vendors for around $1200 and put it on myself, I also enhanced fuel delivery a bit w/ larger banjo's and a "pusher pump" and i always run a additive w/ every fill-up to help w/ injector and VP lubrication (started all this AFTER my VP blew up )...My thoughts are, they fixed what was broken when they rebuilt it and brought it up to the latest spec's...now I run @ 50-60% always and crank it up occasionally w/ no problems...Monitoring your fuel is probably the single most impoortant thing you can do because that's usually why they blow up ( usually low fuel pressure at heavier throttles ) so, a fuel pressure gauge and some other mod's can help a VP live a longer, happier life ( working for me so far...) ........As for your warranty, good luck, they are very tough on ANY mod's to these engines, especially when it comes to injection pumps...hope this helps...good luck

 

I lost my VP44 with only 4,000 miles on the truck.
No modifications of any kind.
Lift pump was and still is just fine.

Luck of the draw.

Replaced under warranty, and at the time was told it was $3,000 for the pump, installation extra for a new one.
I believe I got a remanufactured one, which is very fine with me, everything that was going bad has been replaced, so IMHO it is better than new now.

That price has since come down considerably, and Bosch is no longer making VP44's, just fixing up the ones that get returned to them after dying.

There are plenty of folk with 50, 60, upwards of 100K miles on their original injection pumps, many have added a box of some kind during those miles, and it is still humming (rattling?) along.

Personally, I'd say go with a slightly used 2001 or 2002, you get a much "Dieseler" sounding truck, with plenty of aftermarket goodies available, that have been tried and true'd over the years.

Couple of years down the road, when all the bugs have been worked out of the new trucks and more aftermarket stuff is available, go ahead and trade up if you're so inclined.


phox

 

I have 104000 on my 2000 and haven't had any pump problems.I did change the lift pump 30000 miles ago..

 

On my 02 I lost my VP44 at about 35k miles it had a edge comp and ATS 20% injectors on it buit ounce I put my KSB1 on it it went fairly quickly, the pump through Dodge was about $2000. Mike
[quote author=commtrd link=board=4;threadid=19660;start=0#msg184550 date=1063561597]
The fuel pumps on the 2nd gen Cummins (VP44) have been known to be unreliable in some trucks. Did the pumps get refined (or more reliable) in the later issues of the pumps say in the 2001 or 2002 year models? I had a 1999 CTD and had a Van Aiken box on it which helped make the truck run stronger...unfortunately I had an oil pressure sending unit go out on the engine and in the course of taking it to the dealer to confirm my troubleshooting under warranty, they spotted the fueling box and promptly told me "your truck is now without a drievetrain/engine warranty! Plus we noted it as such in the national computer database so you cannot take it to another Dodge dealer for engine/drivetrain warranty items".

I understand that if the pump is going to die it will do it within 20 minutes of adding a fueling box. I was just wondering if the newer year model trucks were still experiencing lower failure rates on the VP44. I really like the older body style better than the new ones, but if buying a 2nd gen truck there is always the possibility that the VP44 could (will?) die and that rascal costs close to $4000. That kind of makes me very reluctant to look at any 2nd gen trucks...are these concerns unfounded? I did not have any problems with the fuel pump on my '99, and it had a fueling box input. Now I understand what "my own warranty station" means! It seems to me that almost any BOMBs done to the engine will almost automatically void the warranty.

Trying to finalize decision on getting a late-model 2nd gen or ordering a 2004 Ram. Those fuel pump issues are the only real big concern I have. The new Cummins use the HPCR which seems to be [better]? There are some good used 2001 and 2002 trucks to be had and for a lot less money than the new ones cost. The new ones do drive nice though.
[/quote]

 

I get $1000 for VP44's usually rebuilt, sometimes I get a brand new one. These later VP44's are more reliable than the first ones.

 

I have 200,000 miles on my original, 1998 "unreliable" VP44 pump.

Last weekend the truck failed to start when it had been sitting for a few hours... I thought to myself, "well, time for a new VP pump." Then I saw a puddle of fuel underneath the motor - a banjo fitting had worked it's way loose, it was one that I bled when installing the DD3 injectors this spring.

Anyways, where's the best place to get a pump? Reman does not bother me at all. I see prices from $1000-3000 and beyond... recommendations? Having done my own clutch and 2 fifth gear nuts, I'm confident I can order a spare and have it ready for when this one goes, if it goes.

 

I have a brand new VP44 pump for a 01-02 HO truck in stock. $1200 delivered. On a mildly modified SO truck this pump will add 30-40 HP. I have heard of an HO pump causing a surge problem on the SO truck, just once. Anyone else hear of this.

 

100,000 miles and counting. PE Comp has been on it for 50,000. Truck gets used and abused as a delivery truck and kicks gas at the strip once or twice a month. ;D