Went to mechanic today armed with Oregon Fuel Injection's RRD-VP44LK LED kit. Paperwork says for model year 98-2002, but earlier mechanic said it would work fine. Just to be sure I called Oregon Fuel and asked. Service dept. said I didn't need it because I had, "an in-line heavy," lift pump that ran at about 30 pounds. And if I used their LED, it could leak from high pressure and would probably never turn on under any event anyway.

So I guess I'll take the kit back.

Oregon also said if I lost my LP, it would NOT take out my injector pump, so I would be safe.

All this sound right?

I suppose I could install a fuel pressure gauge though, couldn't I?

Dennis....full of questions as I check out my new rig.

 

Well you've got a 12v in that '97 (unless you swapped in a 24v or something ), so you don't need to worry about fuel pressure. 12vs don't have the VP44s, they are all mechanical.

 

Hey Dennis,

You have very little to worry about with your injector pump. The P-7100 in your truck is referred to as the "Million Mile Pump" and its is rock solid compared to pretty much any of the pumps that are in any of the diesel pickups on the market today.

A fuel pressure guage is a nice troubleshooting tool for this pump but not totally necessary. Even if your lift pump fails, your injector pump will be alright because its oil lubricated. The main problem with the VP-44 pumps is that the pumps are cooled and lubed by the fuel. If the lift pump quits working, the VP-44 will overheat and take a dirt nap (of course this is a very simplified explanation).

There is lots of info here that will help you put a FP gauge on your truck (or you can PM me if you wish).