Hi Guys,
I'm looking to hear from someone who works on a lot of 2nd gen engines with this question. How important is the support bracket on the rear of the VP44? I'm talking about the support bracket that is attached to the block. I replaced my VP44 yesterday with 250K on the clock. My support bracket was sheared through. It had obviously been broken for a loooooong time because the broken part had OLD rust on it. You know the darkened rust that is the same color as the side of your unpainted cast iron engine block. I got a long run out of my pump, but I wonder if it would still be running if the bracket had not broken. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

I have a Cummins ISB engine service and repair manual. It says the rear support bracket is essential and must be installed if it was broken; otherwise, VP44 will not last. The manual also gives a bolt tightening sequence with torques that is used in order to not overstrass the VP44 when it is installed. The bad part is, the hydro pump needs to come off to get access to the bolts on the block that hold the bracket...
-P

 

there is an updated barcket available, came on the later 2nd gen trucks, to replace that flimsy pile of crap they put on the early isb engines.

The bracket is essential, not only to prevent stresses on the pump body, but also to support the rear of the pump, and take additional strain away from the gear case. It is rare that the gear case will crack from an unsupported pump, but I have seen it happen.

 

Thanks Guys,
Pind, Any part numbers on that newer support bracket? Which pump are you guys talking about the power steering pump or the VP44? to put the bracket on I mean. I plan to replace the bracket, but I'm not thrilled about it.

 

I'm not pind but here is the info.
Cummins has redesigned this bracket twice. The latest version is Cummins part # 3938707 and has the description, “Kit, fuel connection” which seems a little odd. The bad news is the only way to replace it is to remove the power steering pump to get access to the 2, T40, torx screws holding the bracket to the engine block. This second revision is a heavy plate that bolts to the bottom of the VP44 and a cast steel piece that mounts to the engine block using the same two torx screws. (Sorry no pictures.)

 

Here is the tightening sequence:

-P