So I'm going down the interstate in my 1998.5 24v and noticed 0 (zero) fuel pressure. Pulled over as soon as I could and shut down. My FASS usually makes noise. Now it is silent. It's dead. Here is what I know:

 

- Its getting electrical current. Upon bumping the starter, the test light (at the lead that goes into the pump motor) turn on for a bit and then goes off. So the wire to the pump it hot.

- It's not a fuel line clog. The truck does run after all. In fact, I didn't notice anything wrong such as lack of power or stumbling. And I'm towing a largeish RV. The gage was the only thing to indicate problems.

- Tried the loosing of the three bolts at the 'T". Nope. Nope. Nope. No debris binding things up. It's still dead.

I'm reasonably sure that I need a new pump motor.

 

So I'm in a bad place right now. On the road between one place and another. I have about 1000 miles to go before I arrive at my destination and can order parts. In the mean time, why can't I just reconnect the factory lift pump and be on my way? I already went to Orielly's and got a new replacement for the Carter pump that is still attached to the frame rail. So here is what I'm thinking:

- Replace the Carter pump that lives on the frame rail. It's still there, but disconnected. Well the wires are still attached but I'm assuming these were disconnected at the harness when the FASS was installed. I got a new one because who knows if it even works. I bought the truck with the FASS installed and I'm pretty sure its been there for quite some time. The old pump has opened to the air without fuel lines attached.

- Cut the wire that goes to the FASS (between the disconnect plug and the pump motor) and runs these wires the the "new" factory pump.

- Cut the FASS rubber fuel line and attach it to the new pump. Will the FASS rubber fuel line fit the nipples on the factory pump? Will this pump draw fuel from the tank and through the broken FASS? Again, fuel seems to be getting to the VP44 as the truck does run.

- I've had this truck for less than a year and as far as I can tell, the factory fuel heater/filter/water separator had been deleted. I've traced the rubber fuel line from the VP44 to the FASS and I'm not seeing any of this stuff.

Is a good idea or really bad idea? The fuel pressure sending unit seems to be attached to the FASS, so I would have no way of telling for sure if any of this is working.

This way I can get to where I'm going and deal with the FASS repair when I'm not on the side of the road and parked somewhere I'm not supposed to be. Either I fix this in the morning or call a tow truck.

 

Other questions:

- I can't say for sure how long I was driving without fuel pressure. By the time I noticed the gage, I'd say less than 4 miles. Maybe I another 4 before that, but my fuel pressure gage is not in a place where I can keep a close eye on it. I can't say *for sure* how long I drove it like that. Did I fry my VP44?

- As stated above, the truck still runs, drives and pulls, but I'm in a really bad place to be dealing with this. If I'm unable to get the factory replacement pump going, there is an RV park about 1.5 miles away. If I were to tow my trailer there, would I fry the VP44? What about to a RV park 10 miles away (no hills, 45MPH county back roads) where it would be more easy to deal with?

- Is there ANYWAY to tell the condition of the VP44 now that it's been driven without fuel pressure?

- If the VP44 did end up getting damaged, what happens next? Would it give any indication of impending doom, or am I going to be on the side of the road with no warning? No doubt in the middle of nowhere, or in a really bad place, with a toy hauler in tow.

 

Summary: My FASS pump is dead. I would like to reconnect the stock lift pump and be on my way rather than spend the next week in Utah waiting for a new FASS pump motor. However, if this means frying my injector pump (or attempting with one that is dead and doesn't know it yet) and not making it to Oregon for work next Wednesday, I don't want to do that. I'm more than willing to admit defeat and attempt the journey next weekend.

 

What would you do?

IBM, I know you got internet while on the road. I may have to finally join the human race after all and do something about it.