First Post: VP44 Problem?
 

Hello everyone,

I love this forum and have been ghosting it for a long time. This is my first post. See my signature for the description of my truck. This is the situation:

I went for a drive to adjust the new radio I just put in my truck, and after everything set up the way i wanted, and the engine warm, I got on the gas and accelerated full throtle through second and third gear. At that point I released the throtle (going a little too fast:police:). Immediately the check engine light came on and the truck had a horrible loss in power and then stalled. At no point did my low fuel pressure indicator light iluminate. I coasted to the side of the road and cannot get the truck to restart. I got towed home for free thanks to insurance.

These are the codes that ECM had in it P0251 (injection pump fuel metering control A malfunction) and P0252 (injection pump fuel metering control A range/performance). When I bump the starter the lift pump runs the prescribed 25 seconds, and I have copious amounts of fuel spraying from the banjo fitting at the input to the VP44, when I loosen it to check for fuel flow. I loosened the high pressure lines at injectors 1, 3, 4, and 5, and I have only a small amount of fuel at 4 and 5. 1 and 3 are bone dry. So far this is every indication that I need a new VP44.

Does anyone have any advice for me? Any last things to check or tricks to try before spending $1000+? Also, any recommendations on buying a new pump or cautions?

Here's a couple of links that I am considering:

Product Pricing

eBay Motors: Dodge 5.9 VP44 Fuel Injection Pump 100 GPH AirDog Combo (item 170281774198 end time Dec-02-08 12:00:00 PST)

Thanks for any help you can give me,

David

alot of guys recomend Blue chip injection pumps because he even has a warranty even if ya tap the fuel wire, now definately get a lift pump, that deal dont seem to bad...i dont know alot about pensacola diesel, do what ever feels right...

:hi: I agree.

Don't neglect to talk to the vendors here also. I got an awesome deal on an SO VP44, right here on DB. My lift pump has been replaced by an AirDog - Courtesy of Diesel Bombers Forum.. :U:

:hi::hi::hi:

Blue Chip makes awsome VP44's. Chip knows his stuff. Airdog 100 and 150's are on sale for Christmas for $499.

:hi:

I haven't heard many good things about Pensacola Diesel. You can give them a try but be careful.

WELCOME TO THE BOARD!!


oh and airdog has a lifetime warranty! don't trust the ebay deal!

Welcome David - glad you decided to jump in.

Im another vote for Bluechip Diesel. They are one of the top pump rebuilders, NOT Pensacola Diesel. Many people dont ask enough questions of the rebuilders, as well, the rebuild quality varies greatly. Bluechip is a PROVEN rebilder and Ive never heard a bad thing about them - I cant say the same about the other company.


Again, welcome to the site. :c:



BTW, do not trust the life of your injector pump to an idiot light - get yourself a mechanical fuel pressure guage so you actually know what the fuel pressure is.

:howdy: Another from the Big Sky!!! Saweeet.:c:

Welcome to DB :hi: :hi:

Thanks for all of the replies.

I'll definitely stay away from the e-bay sale. I just noticed the 1 year waranty on what should have a life time waranty. Scarry?:booo:

I didn't know that the Bluechip waranty even covers those of us who tap into the pump's wire, and they are getting good reviews from you guys. Cool!:U:

I know the factory lift pump needs to go. Any feedback on the FASS DDRP? Do I really need to relocate the pump closer to the tank, and go with an Air Dog or FASS filter and pump setup?

I don't want to cut any corners, there is something to be said about doing something right the first time.

You better check with BlueChip on that...I was not aware of a lifetime warranty on injector pumps. Some of the rebuilders WILL cover the warranty with a tapped pump wire.

As for a lift pump, there is a good deal on the Airdogs with filters right now. The pumps with the filters are better, IMO.


Anyway, this is discussion for the Cummins forums. Please start a thread in the 24V forums if you have more questions.

Here's a thread about the FASS DDRP going on https://www.dieselbombers.com/5-9l-2...tml#post243798

:hi: All I can say is you get what you paid for, I've heard a lot of good things about blue chip as for Pensacola Diesel haven't heard anything about there pumps but that there injectors make more heat than power. Good luck!

:hi:

Welcome to DB! :c:

I know what you mean about the ghosting. I finally joined so i could use the search function. that sucks about the truck. I have a FASS system on mine and like it a lot. But am needing a new sender for my fuel pressure gauge.

:howdy::welcome2::hi:

I went against my instinct (to go with the blue chip pump) and ordered a remanufactured VP44, a stealth cover and an Air Dog 100 from this company DieselAutoPower.com. The pump was remanufactured by this company Diesel performance parts and accessories. Diesel injectors, pumps, filters, kits, additive, gauges and apparel.
He (Jacob Kidd) was able to get me a smoking good deal on the parts + a rebate threw e-bay and free shipping. The parts came in quickly and are in perfect condition, now I just need to make time for fixing my truck.

If anyone has any feedback on the links I posted above, or knows of any tricks for installing an Air Dog 100 or VP44, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks,
David

:howdy::howdy::howdy:

VP44
 

VP44 troubles can come from a low charge pressure. Your truck came with a Carter charge pump wjich is a good pump but like all good things they ware out. Dodge came with a UP-DATE KIT. That means bring money! They came with a new unit which goes in the tank.
This isn't the answer but you will think it is for a while.
The VP44 pump was design to be feed with a minimun of 6 psi which keeps the steels thrust washer from floating and self destructing.

These are the tried and proven answers to prevent this from happening to you.
#1. Install a gauge between the filter and the pump inlet. This gauge needs to read both positive and negitive pressure. Turbo gauge is great.
#2. Install a new Carter pump if your truck has 100,000 miles or more.
#3. Install a check valve so if the Carter fails or your fuel filter becomes cloged. This check valve allows fuel to pass around the catret pump if it isn't running.


Rememger if you aren't charging your VP44 with more than 6 PSI you need to start gatering up some money!

Lots of it!

I have 40 years of diesel experance.

:howdy::howdy::howdy:

Did you ask them when you ordered the pump if they changed the computer on top? Some pumps that are rebuilt are someone else's junk pump core, so if it is not changed you will get a rebuilt pump with a 200,000 mile computer. BlueChip does change the computer.
Changing the VP isn't as bad as it looks. Stealth cover good idea.:U:

Update

the VP44 did come with new electronics on the top part of the pump. It wasn't that hard to install myself, thanks to the help of forums like this one.

Things have been working out well, infact my fuel milage went up about 2MPG and it smokes less under WOT. I don't know if it's a sign of the wear on the old VP44 or the improved "air less" fuel getting delivered via the Air Dog 100. Either way, I'm happy.

Tonight I'll perform a mufflerectomy (3" straight pipe replacement for resonator and muffler). Hopefully it won't be too loud?

welcome to diesel bombers

:hellox: Welcome! :c:

:hi:

:welcome: to DB.

:howdy: Howdy! Welcome to Diesel Bombers! You're Going to Like it Here! :)

Welcome

Update:
The whole package is still working great. And the sound coming from my local muffler shop made straight pipe is awesome. It sounds like a car with a V8 and performance exhaust mated with a semi truck. It's a little louder, but still not as loud as the normal diesel sounds that originate under the hood. I think the turbo spools a little quicker under partial load, FWIW. Now I need to save up for some RV 275 injectors or a smartie.

Also,
Jacob Kidd, it's nice to see you got your web site up. :c:

FASS DDRP doesnt give you much more fuel pressure than the stock lift pump. I would go with the air dog if you can. I got the DDRP just because money was tight at the time.

so far AI have six months/15k on a pensacola pump and airdog, with no problems from them. just not too impressed with the injectors($217 / set what did I expect?). the Airdog is warrantied directly from airdog, not pensacola.