Well I made a big mistake. My truck (the 98) is out at Mass Diesel getting a work over. My vp44 was dying and needed to be replaced. So I asked Scott to install a new vp44 and a new BD paulse exhaust manifold. I also asked Scott to check out my trannie. Today when I talked to Scott he informed me that the manifold and vp44 were all set but he had some bad news I had very little fuel pressure. That's right the lift pump was shot and that's what killed the vp44. Now if I had only installed those gauges. Oh well to late now. Anyway so now I'm getting a new Fass fuel system and yes gauges. I have read so much about how important it is to have gauges in our trucks and I didn't think that I needed them. Well I was wrong. All in all I'm happy that when I get the truck back it will have a bunch of new parts and I would say that my very reliable truck should be even more reliable. Of course my wallet is about 3 grand lighter but oh well live and learn.
So take it for what it's worth get a fuel gauge (at least)you really do need one.
Topper

 

you are in good spirits for finding out all that stuff went south.

 

To others who read this thread, that don't have a FP gauge, pay now or pay MORE later.
Topper, sorry you had to find out the hard way.

Chris

 

Better to pay 3 grand now, than to run that brand spankin' new VP dry and have to drop another Grand plus to replace it again in a month or so.
For what it's worth, my Fuel Pressure gauge just told me last evening that the Lift pump I put on last May is having "issues" and needs to be replaced.
Without that gauge, I'd be possibly harming the new VP I put on last week when the pump finally goes Toes Up.
If you don't see the problem, that doesn't mean it's not there.
One more Cummins lift pump on order as a quick fix, then I'll be researching a PERMANENT fix for the fuel supply problems.
I'm thinking....maybe a Transferflow Aux tank mounted on the roof of the truck................

 

I read this site for 2 months also and was in "De Nile" also. Then I decided to replace my filter and found out the LP was DEAD! My VP-44 had been running off of it's own vacuum. This is what KILLS them.

If you are reading this thread thinking "My truck is running fine, I can hear the LP running, blahblahblah." You are wrong. Get an incab fuel pressure guage on order TONIGHT!

 

I have run my truck hard every day. It runs great and then bang, dead peddle. Then it runs great again then bang, dead peddle. By the time the signs show up it's to late. Take it from me if ya don't have a gauge it's time to get one!
Topper