Check / Replace Fuel Return Overflow Valve
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The Bosch VP44 Injection Pump Overflow Valve is located on the side of the Cummins injection pump. It is also used to connect the fuel return line (banjo fitting) to the fuel injection pump.
Bosch VP44 Injection Pump Symptoms
- Low RPM miss/instability
- White smoke
- Hard starting
- Engine dies at idle
- Low power
- Fuel filter cracking
Fuel volume from the fuel transfer (lift) pump will always provide more fuel than the fuel injection pump requires. The overflow valve (a check valve) is used to route excess fuel through the fuel return line and back to the fuel tank. Approximately 70% of supplied fuel is returned to the fuel tank. The valve opens at approximately 97 kPa (14 psi). If the check valve within the assembly is sticking open, fuel drainage of the injection pump could cause hard starting. If a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) has been stored for decreased engine performance due to high injection pump fuel temperature, the overflow valve may be stuck in closed position.
Overflow Valve Diagnosis And Testing
A rubber tipped blow gun with regulated air line pressure is needed for this test.
1. Clean area around overflow valve and fuel return line at injection pump before removal.
2. Remove valve from pump and banjo fitting.
3. Discard old sealing gaskets.
4. Set regulated air pressure to approximately 97kPa (14 psi).
5. Using blow gun, apply pressure to overflow valve inlet end (end that goes into injection pump).
6. Internal check valve should release, and air should pass through valve at 97 kPa (14 psi). If not, replace valve.
7. Reduce regulated air pressure to 10 psi and observe valve. Valve should stay shut. If not, replace valve.
8. Install new sealing gaskets to valve.
9. Install valve through banjo fitting and into pump.
10. Tighten to 32 N.m (24 ft. lbs.) torque.
Overflow Valve Removal
The overflow valve (pressure relief valve) is located at the outside of fuel injection pump. It connects the fuel return line (banjo fitting) to the pump. The valve has no internal serviceable parts and must be replaced as an assembly. Two sealing gaskets are used. One gasket is located between pump and banjo fitting. The other is located between the banjo fitting and end of valve.
1. Clean area around overflow valve and fuel return line at injection pump before removal.
2. Remove valve from pump and banjo fitting.
3. Discard old sealing gaskets.
Overflow Valve Installation
The overflow valve (pressure relief valve) is located at the outside of fuel injection pump. It connects the fuel return line (banjo fitting) to the pump. The valve has no internal serviceable parts and must be replaced as an assembly. Two sealing gaskets are used. One gasket is located between pump and banjo fitting. The other is located between the banjo fitting and end of valve.
- Install new sealing gaskets to valve.
- Install valve through banjo fitting and into pump.
- Tighten to 32 N.m (24 ft. lbs.) torque.
For more on Cummins diesel engines check out our guide on Cummins diesel engine service.
I recently experienced a problem with no power in my 2018 Tiffin RV – Cummins I6 Diesel Pusher. Apparently, the fuel check valve was faulty and stuck in the closed position. My mechanic noticed that the replacement part (PN 4933571) was slightly different than the part pulled from the engine. My question is, has the fuel check valve gone through design changes over time due to it being a known problem? As the fuel starvation issue I experienced was significant (I could only go 5-20 mph), my concern is whether or not Cummins had ever had a recall or not. Any input here would be very helpful.