Dreaded VP44

[5.7 hemi]

The lift pump was my first upgrade. But I think what happened was the solder joints let go due to the vibration and that screwed up the computer which caused the plates/rotors in the injection pump to seize. The tolerance on those are in the thousandths. So with the P1688 code, which is the computer on the VP44 taking a dump. I would love to put a mechanical belt driven pump on it and never worry about it, but those are really pricey.

 

[Coronet 14]

You could try this http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/engine/1007dp-cummins-lift-pump-upgrade/

 

[5.7 hemi]

I have a FASS titanium 150 gph lift pump installed already.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Got the VP44 out this morning, took me 3 hours. New one will be here on Monday afternoon and should take as long to install......crossing my fingers!

 

[MarPar]

Good Luck Zack!

 

[5.7 hemi]

Thanks!!

 

[5.7 hemi]

Might as well replace the camshaft position sensor since the VP44 covers it and damn near impossible to get to it.

 

[64BEL]

Do you have a fuel pressure gauge? That should have been a standard gauge in our trucks. My gauge has saved my VP44 4 or 5 times. I'm on my 4th or 5th lift pump, but still the original VP44. Each time my lift pump has crapped out, I never would have known with out my fuel pressure gauge. It ran the same with 0 pressure as it did with 13 psi. My VP44 would have died for sure without knowing the LP was bad. I have my LP mounted back by the tank, now - as it should have been from the factory.

 

[5.7 hemi]

I do now. Just installed it today.

 

[Mike67]

I've been thinking about this for the last couple of days but does your FASS use the straw pick-up kit? Again this is going off memory ( & its certainly not what it used to be) but if it does, I want to say that the measurement for the length of the pick up was critical. I'm wondering if it's too long possibly restricting your volume...

 

[5.7 hemi]

It uses the factory tube in the tank, take off the factory fuel line with a disconnect tool, then install the FASS line onto it. Pretty easy to do once you lower the tank some to get your hands some room to work. It's a 1/2 inch line to the pump then to the VP44.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Installed the remanufactured VP44 this evening. Took me 2 hours just to do the pump as I was second guessing myself on the keyway. Yes, having 1 eye that doesn't see and blind in the other one, is a pain in the ***! That's why it took soooo long for the pump. I'll finish it after I get the rascals off to school in the morning.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Got the truck running this morning, total time 6 hours. It sounds soooo much better. I reset the APPS and cleared all the codes before I tried to start it. I left 134 injectors loose while priming and when fuel dribbles out I tightened those up and she then sprang to life! The wife is happy cause she gets her car back and I look like the hero, lol!!

 

[smokenarrow]

Good job! Has to feel like an accomplishment. Where did you buy the VP from? What was the cost? I have had the P1689 code in my truck for over 3yrs now and it still runs fine. I have a FASS 150 lift pump running 17psi. My truck sometimes takes a "spell" where the fuel pedal doesn't do anything. It will rev to about 2000rpm and if I push the throttle it doesn't have any effect. The only thing that I can do when this happens is push the clutch in and it stalls out, drift to the side of the road and restart it and all is well. I've been waiting for the VP to completely die but it still keeps going...

 

[5.7 hemi]

I'll look at the invoice when I get home. It cost $1025 with free shipping both ways. The 1689 code isn't so bad, but 1688 is the death code on the vp44 computer. So I had no choice. The fuel pressure gauge I bought was DOA on arrival, so I'm judging my pressure off the gauge at the FASS which bounces between 15-18.
I had to take thevp44 out again this morning after I put in last night. Something was bugging me about how the shaft felt as I was tightening the nut and I was sure I mushed the key. Turns out I was right. So got that taken care of, finished 3 hours later. Runs like a champ!!

 

[5.7 hemi]

You should add 1oz. of 2 stroke oil per gallon of diesel, it helps lube the vp44 and the injectors. Also why not shut the ignition off and restart while moving since you have a clutch, just curious.

 

[coloradodave]

Zack,
Glad you got it fixed. I sold my 96 Dodge/Cummins dually after 13 years and 235,000 miles of trouble free use. Replaced the batteries after 6 years because I lived in snow country and thought it to be prudent. Never replaced anything else or used the 7 year 100K warranty. After the first 6 months, when I knew all was well, I fueled it up to +-300hp, the maximum that was recommended without dealing with the A/T. Imagine adding 120hp without getting into the engine and an hour's work! I miss that truck! Do you belong to Turbodieselregister.com? I found it to be a great source of info for those that work on their own stuff.

 

[5.7 hemi]

The 98.5 and down had the VP44 lubed and cooled by the engine oil. Starting 98.5 somewhere, the VP44 was changed to be cooled and lubed by the fuel......such a stupid move!!
Im happy with the power.....for now!!
I don't belong to any diesel forums, but I might need to join one. When I replaced the VP44, I searched the net and read everything I could find. Also watched plenty of videos, which was a tremendous help.

 

[Gpuller]

Mid year '98 is when they switched to 24V and the VP44.
I have a '98 12V Quad Cab. It's a bit rare cause with the QC it should have a 24V. Only wish it was a manual. I've put a 210hp 610tq cam plate in the injection pump at 20,000 miles. Truck has 200,000 plus on it with the stock trans. (knock on wood)

 

[5.7 hemi]

That's a great truck!!! I'm afraid to add any power since I have the auto. When I get the trans rebuilt, I'll be looking for more power.