Need a cummins mechanic

[MED]

Most of those should have been covered under warranty. That was the weak point in that year. Of course the dodges had horrible transmissions and the ford 6.0 was/is total junk with the ridiculous variable guide vanes on the turbo.

my step dad bought an 02 cummins with a new tranny and loves it so far.

There are definitely trade-offs. I like the Cummins and Chassis on the Dodge, I like the Duramax and Allison on the GMs, and I like the Chassis and Trans on the Fords. I almost pulled the trigger on an '02 Duramax in '04, but I couldn't get past the IFS and I don't particularly like the rest of the chassis for the kinds of things I do with my truck. Did your step dad use the 47RE or convert to a 48RE? The 48RE can be really strong with an extreme duty kit, but I agree the shifting of the 4sp isn't that great for towing. I will probably do a 48RE conversion on mine when my 47RE goes south, or an Allison if I get ambitious.

[Great-Kazoo]

Contact redneck122.

[sniper7]

He has replaced the TPS/APPS from what I understand and the problem is still there. Is there something wiring related that is common to short this sensor or a reason it would do it at certain temps and then come back to life by pushing the pedal a few times?

[68Charger]

Big key with vp44 equipped trucks is the lift pump... If it goes, or is weak the truck will still run but the vp44 will destroy itself... That design uses fuel to lube the pump.

Every vp44 truck should have a fuel pressure gauge, IMHO.

[MED]

In 2001, the lift pump was removed and an in-tank pump used. If this is the case on your friends, there should be a fuel system mod sticker on the radiator support; the lift pump is on the drivers side mounted to the block near the firewall. I had to change my 2001 in-tank pump as well. It started to cut out after the pump heated up. If it hasn't been changed even with the miles, I would suggest doing so. I went ahead and modified my housing and put a new lift pump on the block. There is a pass through where the block mounted lift pump goes; a lift pump will bolt up in its place. I plan to eventually get a FASS system so I went this route until then. So far my VP44 is working fine after the lift pump install.

[sniper7]

Okay I'll let him know about that

[68Charger]

The dead pedal could actually be the lift or VP44 pump dying- when it throws the p0216 code, it's too late, you need a new VP44 pump.

There is tons of info out there on VP44 lift pump issues... here's a good place to start:
http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/98...p-problem.html

Depending on how much information does he want, there's a ton of info here:
http://articles.mopar1973man.com/2nd...njection-pumps

but he doesn't have to spend $4500 on an injection pump (if it needs replacing), a reputable diesel shop can swap it with a rebuilt unit.
if he's on Facebook, have him check out Colorado Diesel Crew page- lots of helpful people there, and good vendors that can help if he needs parts or a shop to take it to.

[Graves]

There are usually other symptoms for the lift pump going tits up (bucking, should show > 5 psi under load) and very seldom is it the direct cause for the VP to fail. As stated the vp44 is lubricated by fuel, if the fuel filter isn't too restrictive, and quality fuel is being used, it'd take a dead lift pump a long time to kill the injection pump. I've had a guy fk the wiring on one and splice the lift pump wiring BACKWARDS! The pump ran...but when polarity is reversed, like many other DC motors, it'll spin the opposite direction. He ran the truck like that for almost 12k mi. Truck still running stronger than ever 5 years later (has a few mods now).

[sniper7]

Awesome info guys I'll call him later

[SouthPaw]

FWIW, My hot rod cummins had the death code the VP44. My FASS pump had volume but not pressure. I fixed the fuel pressure issue, cleared the codes and the truck ran great. I had a friend that had the same issue. Once he figured out the low fuel pressure issue, his injection pump ran great, even with the VP44 death code. If he has the funds, steer him towards a good aftermarket lift pump if his injection pump needs to be replaced. It's expensive but if he plans on keeping the truck, it will be worth it.