The fuel injection pump (VP44) is an electronic rotary distributor pump. The pump performs four basic functions:

1. Producing the high fuel pressure required for injection


2. Metering the exact amount of fuel for each injection cycle


3. Distributing the high-pressure, metered fuel to each cylinder at the precise time


4. Varying the timing relative to engine speed.

A cam ring with three plungers, a rotor, and an electronically controlled fueling solenoid valve is used to develop and distribute the high pressure required for injection.

A worn or damaged internal transfer pump, plunger, or fueling valve can affect the pressure and amount of fuel injected, thus reducing the power from the engine. Generally, if the fuel injection pump is injecting fuel from one outlet, it will deliver from all outlets.

VP44 Timing Principles

Timing in the VP44 is controlled by an internal timing piston coupled to a cam ring inside the pump. The timing piston is moved by fuel pressure. The amount of fuel pressure in the timing piston assembly housing is controlled by an internal transfer pump and a pulsating timing solenoid valve.

As pump speed increases, the fuel pressure to the timing piston assembly also increases. Based on the inputs from the fuel pump control module (FPCM), the timing solenoid valve pulses to vary the pressure to move the timing piston, which results in the cam ring moving to the desired position to achieve the commanded timing.

The more pressure created by the internal transfer pump and timing solenoid valve, the more the timing will advance; therefore, timing range capability is increased at higher rpms.

•Disconnect the vacuum gauge plastic tubing from the cylinder head's drain line and connect it to the VP44 fuel pump inlet line.

NOTE: All fuel must be drained from all fuel lines, if observed.

•Apply the vacuum test to the fuel system and check the vacuum gauge. The vacuum can not exceed 381 to 508 mm Hg [15 to 20 in Hg].

•If the system holds the vacuum (if the reading on the gauge does not reduce, the vacuum should not drop more than 2.54 mm Hg [0.1 in Hg] in a minute), then there is no leak in the fuel system.

NOTE: The vacuum test is completed if the fuel system holds vacuum for at least 5 minutes.

•If the system does not hold vacuum (the reading on the gauge does not hold and reduce to 0 mm Hg [0 in Hg], then there is a leak in the fuel system.

•Inspect the lines, fittings, washers, and VP44 fuel pump for any damage. Replace and install parts that are damaged.

•Contact an Authorized Cummins Repair Facility (MWFI) for replacement and installation of the VP44 fuel pump, if required.

It is recommended to bar the engine over so that the keyway on the gear is at the 12-o'clock position when removing the fuel pump. This position can be found by taking the oil fill or fuel pump gear access cap off, whichever applies, and aligning the keyway in the fuel pump gear to the top dead center (TDC) position on the front cover. In this position the line on the fuel pump gear will approximately be in the 7-o'clock position.

NOTE: Doing the above will help prevent the fuel pump key from falling into the housing if it is loose

17 mm

Disconnect the fuel return line. 

17 mm

Disconnect the fuel pump supply line. 

19 mm

Remove the high-pressure lines. 

Remove the 9-pin electrical connector from the fuel pump control module (FPCM).

10 mm

Remove the fuel pump support bracket

27 mm

Remove the crankcase breather and gear retaining nut and washer.

75-mm T-Bar

Pull the fuel injection pump drive gear loose from the pump driveshaft.

13 mm

NOTE: Do not drop the drive gear key when removing the pump.

Remove the four mounting nuts, and remove the fuel injection pump.

It is recommended to bar the engine over so that the keyway on the gear is at the 12-o'clock position when installing the fuel pump. This position can be found by taking the oil fill or fuel pump gear access cap off, whichever applies, and aligning the keyway in the fuel pump gear to the top dead center (TDC) position on the front cover. In this position the line on the fuel pump gear will approximately be in the 7-o'clock position.

NOTE: Doing the above will help prevent the fuel pump key from falling into the gear housing if it is loose.

The keyed gear and shaft allow for the fuel injection pump to be installed in any position, as long as the markings on the front gear train align and a gear has not slipped.

Use an evaporative cleanser (e.g., brake cleaner, isopropyl alcohol) to clean the pump shaft and gear bore.

NOTE: The fuel injection pump shaft has to be rotated to align with the keyway in the gear.

Install the pump. Make sure the key does not fall into the gear housing. Take care not to damage the pump mounting o-ring.

NOTE: When installing the fuel pump, the dowel in the back of the gear housing has to line up with the hole in the pump mounting flange, as well as the keyway in the gear.

NOTE: Barring the engine so the keyway is at the 12-o'clock position will aid in aligning the key into the keyway.

24 mm

Install the pump driveshaft nut and spring washer.

NOTE: Do not over tighten; this is not the final torque.

15 mm

Tighten the fuel injection pump mounting nuts.

Install the injection pump support bracket. Finger-tighten all cap screws before final tightening.

Tighten the brackets in the following sequence:

1. Bracket-to-fuel pump cap screws


2. Brace-to-block cap screws


3. Bracket-to-fuel pump brace cap screws

10 mm

Tighten all cap screws on the support bracket.

22 mm

Tighten the pump driveshaft retaining nut.

17 mm | Install the low-pressure fuel lines. 

17 mm | Install the fuel Inlet. 

17 mm | Install the fuel return lines. 

19 mm | Install the high-pressure line at the fuel pump. 

19 mm | Install a high-pressure line at the cylinder head.

Connect the 9-pin connector to the VP44 fuel pump.