Yup.....just as I feared.

P0216 Fuel Injection Pump Timing Failure

P1693 Generic Fault (Accessory Fault)

Man, I have worried this day would come. Oh well, Everybody's time comes I guess.

O.k so here's the story........

Left work and had dead pedal for about 10 seconds. I think our trucks are as unique to us as our fingerprints after 100k......any little thing we notice. It ran fine after that all the way to the gym (approx. 10miles) Ran fine on the way home too. Checked the codes again and 0216 and 1693 popped up. I will change it (VP) myself as the $$ is worth my time. Here come the questions.......

1. Who do you recommend? Blue Chip Diesel, Industrial Injection, Midwest Diesel?

2. How many miles (the million $ question) till she goes? I drive 10 miles to work and back daily down Trent.

3. Dodge installed the in-tank LP last year, can I upgrade that with a Holly or WalBro or FASS without removing it (i.e. piggyback). The in-tank only gives me 6-9 psi at idle and I can pull it down to almost nothing WOT.

4. Should I put a Vulcan Bigline kit on to help preserve the new IP? Change the fuel filter more often?

5. Will driving it until it fails hurt my injectors?

6. Now that my worst fear has come to life at 97k miles should I say to heck with it and throw in a programmer??? No wait...my tranny is still stock! Im sure the transfer case is the next weak link huh?


Any advice for young grasshopper here is much appreciated!!

Tom

 

I have been very happy with my VP from Midwest personally, though there are many opinions as to which VP is best. I would highly recommend getting an aftermarket lift pump, Airdog, FASS, Walbro. Depending on the kit they will have provisions for the intank lift pump. Anybody's guess as to how long your VP will last; for some it's months and for others it's a matter of minutes. I doubt a VP failure would hurt your injectors, at least I have never heard of it happening myself. Good luck!

 

I have had no problems with my VP44 which I purchased from midwest Fuel Injection. Plus they give you 30 days to return your core before they charge you for it, or at least they did at the time.

When I first noticed dead pedal, mine lasted another 5k miles. It died very slowly. Like stated before, nobody really knows how long they will last..


I also Have the intake relocation LP. Dodge put it in under warranty. I had the same fuel issues as you do at WOT My gauge said 0. So Im running a holly blue pump inline with the intank LP. 22 PSI at idle and about 13 at WOT with all of the "goodies" turned up. No problems to report after 40,000 Miles with this setup.

Big Line kit will always help and are pretty cheap compaired to a new VP.


You wont hurt your injectors if you keep driving, worst case they will just STOP injecting fuel due to lack of pressure. And you will be calling for a tow.

 

I got the vp44 and FASS combo from MWFI. I saved a ton of $$ vs. buying them seperate. Of course I did not have the in-tank pump so i wouldn't know if it would hurt. On the other hand, if you go through the trouble of dropping the tank while installing a fass, you could remove the old ip (which will be a burden if and when it fails), install a big line, draw straw, fass all at the same time. This way you start anew with all the good stuff you need. Plus, with the fass, you can eliminate the stock filter and water separator under the hood... JMHO

 

Very good point, This will be my next step in fuel systems.. I just dont currently have the... ummmm... $$$$$

 

Just a thought I talked with cummins direct last week about lift pump pressure and they said that anything over 15lbs or under 3 lbs will destroy the Injection pump I have a 04 and the pressure is constant at 8lbs at wot and cruise

 

PChouinard....does MWFI replace the computer on the IP when it is rebuilt? I am about to order one but want to be sure.

Thanks,

Tom

 

Have you tried resetting the computer and seeing if the codes clear. You running a box or computer program. The intank pick-up from dodge is pitta. No volume, to supply the truck with higher than stock HP. The draw straw from Vulcan is a nice piece. I haven't installed mine yet.

Sometimes flaky TPS(APPS) sensors cause dead petal symptoms.

 

I really don't know for sure.. You may want to call them to find out.
Mine is performing quite well so far. I do add 1/2 oz of two-cycle per gallon of fuel when i fill up.

 

As far as where to take it for the parts & repairs, I'd take it to a Cummins service center, they do awesome work & parts prices are great.

 

Mike... I am pretty much stock except for the intake and exhaust. I watched the VP44 R&R video on this site and recall that a plug or sensor that Diesel Dan mentioned. I don't recall what is was however and need to watch the video again.

Funny thing, my truck is running fine at the moment. I plan to order a pump this week from MWFI.

Tom

 

Tom, just a thought, I had a 2002 that had 1693 and 0216, only real issue was a dead in tank LP. Got it working ( good fuel pressure throughout the range ) and so far, so good. Read somewhere 0216 can be set by not enough fuel.

Dunno if that is the case, but almost 5K miles and no more VP issues........

I think I would try to get rid of that infernal in tank pump and run a decent external LP for now, save up for a VP if she dies.......

 

I found a shop that will cut me a deal......1300.00 total. Going to put it in the shop tomorrow as I almost did not make it home last night. DEAD as a doornail pedal between 40 - 55 MPH.

Question.....I want to but a part that Diesel Dan recommended replacing in the VP-44 video. I cannot remember what is was and cannot watch the video from work. It was a sensor or something below the IP. Any help appreciated as I would like to pick one up this afternoon.

Thanks!