I just bought an 02 3500 with a six speed and learned how to look at the code. I have p216 (I don’t think this is good) and p236. I know from reading that this is possibly the IP. I have felt the “ Dead Pedal” 2 times on my 500 mile trip back from picking the truck up, both at 1600-1700 rpms and doing about 50-60. The truck does a Qualzilla Power chip in it and both times it happened it was it set at 75 hp ( I think it has stock, 35hp, 75hp?). Am I doomed? Where should I start? I was just going to put a new lifter pump in do to it having 102,000 miles. Is the a way to check the IP? I am going to be towing a trailer on a trip next week and don’t want it to die on me. I changed the fuel filter and reset the APP ( I think that is what is called, un did the battery for 30 mins)

 

The 216 means your VP is going bad, get a new one ASAP before you get stuck along the highway and have to pay $$$$.

 

Id be taking it back to wherever you bought it and make them buy a new VP-44 and upgraded lift pump.

Have you checked the fuel pressure? You very likely need a new lift pump. Have you checked codes with a scanner??

I would not take it on a long trip in its current condition - you could be looking at a large tow bill.

 

Great, What is the best and cheapest way to test the fuel pressure? Any idea of how many hout a IP install would take? Might just take it to a shop. Is there a way to check the VP44 to know that is bad?

 

You can get a test guage like this...

http://www.vulcanperformance.com/Fue...tion-p/fpt.htm

But if you plan on keeping the truck, you may as well spend youre money on installing a permanent guage in the cab (theres TONS of info here if you do a simple search), IP install hours really depends on who is doing it. Pumps range from Around $1100 to over $1600 plus install. If you are not aware of the problems with the stock lift pump, you need to read up on this (again a search will get you more info that you ever want to know), and the best way to check the VP-44 is to have it scanned. You can also crack injector lines and see if fuel sprays out. Be careful doing this as the fuel can be several thousand psi. Dont get your hands anywhere near the spraying fuel (use cardboard to check). With an OBDII code reader you can clear the codes and see if they come back...but with the dead pedal symptoms your having, I would suspect the Injector pump is shot.

Sorry, wish I had better news for you.

 

i don't have a guage, but i do have a low pressure warning light which i think should be standard equipment on any VP44 truck, the campaign lift pump provided a sender and wiring for a warning light(the light comes on when the pressure drops to 5 psi)

 

from all I've read 0216 does not mean the pump is dead, just dying, its the better of the codes to get, because the truck is still drivable, instal a fuel gauge, to verify fuel pressure. low to no fuel pressure can also trigger a 0216 sometimes. start with a fuel pressure gauge, the LP if required (likely you will need one) clear codes, and start saving for a VP (if the code comes back)

 

I install a new Lift Pump yesterday ( just a stock type pump that did not fit well), then I cleared the codes today. The P216 came back but the p236 did not. What will start happening as the pump is pump goes down hill? The only effects I am feeling now is a dead pedal maybe about 4 times in 500 miles. It starts up very fast. Any recommendations on the best place to get a new pump? Quality and Price (very important)? Should the average handy person be able to install it?

 

Takes about 4 hrs. your 1st time the only special tool is the gear puller, I used a steering wheel puller with 2 APPS sensor?? bolts. Just remove the 3 lines and bend the other 3 enough to clear. Make sure the gear key is straight up so you don't drop the key down the timing cover. Sounds worse than it is.

Better VP pumps are the expensive ones, $1500+, get 1 from a reputable VP rebuilder. If they didn't rebuild it at there shop most likely you will be getting a $1000 Chinese rebuild. Ever hear of the black beauty? Czech rebuild? junk

Either Blue Chip for stock power or for a few $$$ more the Industrial Injection Hot Rod pump for an extra 80-90 hp.

 

No set answer to when your pump will go.... but dead peddle is definate indicator of bad VP-44.
Good prices and reputable company HERE. You will want the #27, SO pump, even though your's is an HO (#28) engine!
Good video on changing VP-44 from Diesel Dan on this site somewhere...will find it for you!

RJ

EDIT: Here is the Thread...see post # 55.....https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/....html?t=152404
Or better yet....YouTube.... search VP-44 Install!

Good Luck!

 

I am in the same situation - a 0216 code and intermittent dead pedal. Could you explain the advantage of using the SO pump on a HO motor?
Thanks,
Jack

 

It's really only for those interested in adding more power. The HO pump won't flow as much fuel and limits the effectiveness of fueling boxes.
The HO is a tad peppier done low (I've been told) but limits the top end flow.
I recommended it to Wilber01 because he has a chip.
If you have no interest, and ARE SURE you never will, in say 450 hp.... either pump will be fine. Same money either way!
Just remember, many of us.... myself included... started out being very sure we'd be more than satisfied with around 350 HP.

RJ

 

I maybe interested in putting the SO pump in, do you know where I can find more information on it? What about the core, do they care which one they get back?

 

They do not care which core they get back.... as long as it's rebuildable!
The So pump in a HO engine was decided several yrs ago, and a search may not go back that far? Most HO's over 500 hp have gone this route when the time came for changing VP-44's.

You might start a new thread asking HO owners w/ SO pumps if they have any regrets?

RJ

 

Main thing I've noticed with the SO vs the HO is that the low end response is a little less with the SO on the HO engine. If you have a Smarty or other fueling box that helps with low-end fueling, this is easily fixed.

If you have no plans of ever turning the power up over 500, you can probably just get the HO and be happy. But if you want to get the full benefit out of any of the wiretap boxes on the upper end, you'll need the SO pump to do it.