Model yr 2000, RAM 2500 4wd towed to shop showing fault codes for injector pump and crankshaft position sensor. A few hard starts, a check engine light, and then no start. Mechanic tells me that lift pump and vp44 injector pump both need replacing and that Dodge has redesigned fuel delivery system due to injector pump failures caused by lift pump inefficiency due to design and location. Retrofit kit puts lift pump into fuel tank.

This is one expensive repair and I need advice! Parts and labor total $4534 to drop fuel tank, install new pumps and fuel lines. I am being charged $1675 for the vp44 and $616 for the transfer pump.

If there are other options for this repair I need to hear about them. Mechanic insists that Dodge came up with retrofit due to this exact problem (transfer pump starving injector pump causing it to not pump to popping pressure needed for injectors). Is the only other option to replace with used parts? I also have a hard time with the diagnosis, I know both pumps did not fail together, I assume that the injector pump is the problem and the Transfer pump is probably OK but I have no way to verify any of this. Diagnosis is based on fault codes only and mechanic's say so.

If anyone can fill in the details of what chain of events for this failure are, and how well known this problem is for model yr 2000, I would greatly appreciate it.

thanks

 

The vp44 pump problem is very common. I would feel safe to say 90% of the trucks built before 03 have this problem.
I feel that the price of the repairs is very high. You can get a rebuilt vp44 bought and put on for about 1600-1800.

As far as the lift pump, I would rather spend the money on a fass fuel system or a glacier system. The price is about the same and you will have something you will not need to wrooy about.

For both that I am talking about and labor, I would say no more than about 3000.

This is my opinion, but I think others will chime in and say the same.

 

Personally, I'd rather have the 'normal' replacement lift pump than the "New" in-tank pump.

As for the Injection pump, and Lift pump, you might check to see if you could get them covered by the Cummins 100,000 mile warranty.

If not, the standard replacement lift pump is ~$80-150 new and takes a backyard mechanic about an hour to change for the first time.
I've never done an "In-Tank" pump. (and never will on my truck)
The injection pump runs ~$1000 for a stock pump and ~$ 1600 for a "tweaked" HotRod pump (about an extra 80 hp) and ~ 4-5 hours to change it with normal hand tools. (some can do one in a couple of hours)

 

theres anther treaded on cost of vp44 r&r should be around $1400 installed. a lift pump can cost as liitle as $150 and the fass for around $600 and that's top of the line. don't be fooled and let them talk you in to a intank for more money

 

Actually it's more common than you think that "both pumps" fail. Often a lift pump will fail, but the VP can still pull fuel, but it's hard on it and over time it can/will fail too. Obvious since you are at a "dealer" they are quoting you the prices from the part counter that are available throught the distribution system. True, you go that route it will cost quite a bit. I'll always quote those prices.....but, we've also looked outside the box to offer a competitive price and have no problem looking to outside sources to get pumps at a more competitive price. Personally I would go with an outside source pump and simply replace the stock style lift pump (which our VP vendor requires us to do when installing their pumps). If they don't want to use outside source parts, you can simply pay the diag, and have your truck towed to another facility of your choosing.

 

Glen,
Midwest Fuel Injection(an advertiser here) is selling rebuilt VP44's. 1-877-375-7867
Stepchild

 

Thanks for the info - this is what I needed to hear.

 

I agree with the FASS idea instead of the in tank replacement. The FASS lists for $640 and has very clear directions and you will never have to deal with the old style pumps. Around the So. Calif area you can't even find the stock replacements for the lift pumps for under $300. I would much rather spend my money on a better system. I have been running FASS for 3 years and love it.

 

Welcome to the list, Glen. You are in a situation many of us CTD owners have faced- why do we need to pay a Dodge dealer so much for this job? When the lift pump fails it usually takes the VP44 with it. What you need to do is try to find a mechanic who is familiar with diesels and see if he is capable of installing a new lift pump and VP44. I would also suggest staying away from the in-tank pump, as it does not provide the fuel pressure necessary to keep the VP44 happy. I had my mechanic relocate my lift pump to the frame next to the fuel tank using a Vulcan kit. It includes oversized fittings and hoses to allow superior fuel flow. And it is not too hard to install. Vulcan has a website and they also sell the kits on ebay. I also recommend using Midwest for the VP44, and they do have a package deal for the rebuilt VP44 and a stock lift pump PLUS free shipping both ways (you will have to return your old VP44)
Good luck!.

 

A couple of items that might help you. One, install a fuel pressure guage as you install the lift pump and/or Injection pump.

You can get the previously mentioned Vulcan big line kit (1/2" line) from Geno's Garage, 800-755-1715, for $129 plus shipping.

Call your local Cummins dealer (not dodge) and order part #4090046 (pump kit, replaces your lift pump). This is a somewhat upgraded pump for the engines used in school busses. Cost there is about $64. You install this pump just forward of the fuel tank. If you ever need to replace it again it will take about 10 minutes.

You can install the kit and the pump in 2-3 hours with very few tools, a little patience, and basic wrenching skills. And you can get all the tips on how on this BB.

I just did mine this weekend.

 

Thanks to all for the tips, opinions, and pointers to vendors for alternates to the in tank lift pump. I am calling Cummins West to check out part #4090046 (pump kit, replaces your lift pump). Dissapointed that the shop I took my truck to for diagnosis did not present any other choice than the Dodge retrofit. Good part is I have located a good fuel injection shop and found out that reconditioned vp44's are available for a lot less than what I was going to be charged.

I know this has been explored in past threads, but what are the advantages of the FASS vs glacial fuel delivery systems. At this point, not sure what questiions to ask - Just looking for the basic fuel delivery 101 here, no high performance, just reliability and longevity. I work in remote areas, out of cell phone range and off public roads. Luckily this last problem happened when I was in town.

Again, thanks to all who replied, this is a great resource!

 

Okay, I'll bite. What's meant by glacial fuel delivery system. You mean the stock system?
FASS is very dependable. Can't tell you the last time I heard of one going bad. I am sure that someone has had a failure but it has to be a very small percentage of units sold because you just don't hear much about FASS failing. And on these forums I think you would hear right away if someone had a problem.
It also removes air for more lubricity which is a great thing with the new Ultra Low Sulpher Fuels. Very Easy access to the filter and water seperator for easy change outs. And provides more volume with consistant pressure. Makes the fuel pressure gauge real boring as it never changes. Even with 450 HP on the race track I can't get it to move. Rock solid at 15 psi all the time. Even when towing.
It plugs right into the factory harness and only takes a few hours to install for the first timer.
I love my FASS. I am sure there are other systems out there but I always want the best for my truck and I love it.