I have a 2001 24 valve with a new LP and rebuilt IP.
The engine is very hard to start after sitting for 2 hours, especially @ 7000 feet altitude where I live. I get excessive white smoke during the start. I think it might be timing (I don't know if the VP44 timing can be adjusted), or an air leak (if I "prime the lift pump" twice before starting, the engine "normalizes" quicker...It still emitts the white smoke when starting).
I would appreciate any inputs.
Thanks
Russ

 

Welcome Russ....


Do you have a fuel pressure guage installed?

Im not sure how familiar you are with these trucks, but hard starts when cold and white smoke are classic signs of injector pump (VP-44) failure. And that would be my initial guess as well, I will make the assumption that your lift pump is also dead.

The first place to start (if you dont have a fuel pressure guage) is to have the truck scanned for codes.

Good Luck.

 

And get a guage hooked up to it. Without this guage you will just be guessing on many of the potential problems here. Be sure to fill out your signature also so that we know the details of your truck. Sometimes these other details make all the difference in being able to help you out.

 

Just a 5 psi idiot light.
I originally had a dead peddle and a p0216 code, so I changed out the LP and IP. I accidently mashed the key and drove with a noisey (and reduced power when I needed it) truck for 10 months. I have only had this problem since I reinstalled the IP with a new key, painted white for max visability in the keyway during instalation. I am wondering if there is anyway to adjust the timing of a VP44 after it is installed?
The truck starts better at sea level than at 7000 ft (even after an air filter change).
What guage set works best with my year truck? How important is it that I monitor other conditions beside fuel pressure?
Thanks
Russ

 

If your at stock HP still Fuel PSI and a Boost pressure guage are fine. If your playin with HP you need to add an EGT guage to that.

Are you sure you have the right key for use with the VP you put in there. They aren't a one size fits all thing. It has to be the right size for the particular pump your installing it with. The timing on the pumps is all electronic. The only way you can adjust them is with the aftermarket fueling/timing boxes.

 

Also, if you tow, you need a a Pyrometer to measure exhaust gas temperatures.

You dont say if you have a stick or an auto but I believe the minimum guages are a pyrometer, boost guage, & fuel pressure. As well, if you have an auto, you need a tranny temp guage as well. I personally dont trust idiot lights and wouldnt recommend them to anyone.

My gut feeling is that this is a VP-44 problem. Did you erase the P-0216 code before?