Hello all,
I have a 1989 Ford Econoline xl 5.0. It wouldn't start a couple months back on a camping trip. I waited a couple hours an it fired up only to sputter out on the way home. I changed out the shifter actuator and fuel filter after getting it towed home and it ran fine for a couple months only to not start again.i pulled the lines from both sides of the fuel filter, drained gas in lines an it started up again only to die while driving after about 20 miles. Disconnected fuel filter and reconnected again and it ran another 10 miles or so only to sputter out again.I again did same process and it fired up and the process keeps repeating. I got a new few filter today, so I'm hoping that will be a temp fix. The old filter didn't seem to clogged up. Any ideas on what's going on? I'm thinking maybe faulty fuel pressure reg or pump. Any advice would be much appreciated.
P.s. problems seem to have started after I had mechanic change fuel inlet line for filling up tank as the old one would leak gas on a full tank, and problems seem to arise at higher ambient temps.
Thanks-Chris

 

Verify proper fuel pressure. Ideally when the engine runs poorly. The spec is 30-45 psi.on the shrader valve located on the fuel rail.

 

WIlI do raski, thanks for info and specs brother,
I'll verify the psi on the shrader valve tomorrow, maybe even put the old fuel filter in to ensure failure after short distance as it seems to be the only control factor available at this point, and what's one more pricey gasoline shower after the last few days of panicked crawling under my van in mid stall on busy gridlocked streets to drain my fuel lines in the most liberal city in America😉.(working in san francisco by the way, yup they love me...) I'll let you know how it goes and let's go Brandon!

 

Don't waste your time putting the old filter back on and possibly opening a can of worms.. If you can blown through, it's not the problem.Throw out the old filter. Fuel filters do not cause intermittent problems like yours.
It would be best if you could connect the gauge, drive it and be able to monitor the pressure when the engine starts to stumble.

 

Roger that Raski, I'll give it a go and see how it turns out.
Thnx,
-Chris

 

First , if that is the original fuel pump in your vehicle, It's time to replace it. It is more than 30 years old and they usually don't last that long.

Second, you could verify a fuel supply problem connecting a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel line on the engine as was suggested and normally we would verify good power and ground supply before condemning a fuel pump, but time is not on your side if that is the original fuel pump. A good tech with a good scope could tell you quick enough if the pump is having internal problems.
Third, if the pump is able to provide the required amount of fuel ,until the ECA gets hot, and fails , that would be a consideration.

 

I would not replace anything until it is proven that a particuliar part is not working as it should. Changing something out just because it's old before finding the actual fault can potentially create two problems.
BTW- I have two 87 vehicles that have their original fuel pumps.

 

As we all know the amount of use can determine how long some pumps last..

If for instance a vehicle sits around and adding fuel from questionable gas containers , dirt plus other things manage to get into the tank.
If the sock filter is trapping that "stuff" it can plug the filter and starve the engine for fuel and the engine dies. After setting a while the particles fall off the filter sock and the vehicle starts fine. This condition could provide a false fuel pressure reading
.When the pump module is replaced most places don't make sure the inside of the tank is clean and this can do the same thing with a new pump. You might be able to replace the pump section of the fuel pump module , but unless the tank is lowered and insured to be clean , the problem can resurface.

 

Thnx for the reply hanky,
So I replaced the fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator, and so far so good on about 70 miles of driving. We will see what happens tho as it worked for a couple months last time I did the same minus fuel regulator replacement. Checked the shrader valve and I'm running a clean 40 psi on pump w drop to 38 after prime, but have not been able to duplicate conditions of previous malfunctions after work done.I will keep you up to date with any new incites I come across. One question is about the eca? Is that a electric control module or actuator of some sort as I am having a hard time finding the acronym online. Anyways thnx and always appreciate the help.
-ChrisP.s no fuel from containers besides gas pumps were entered into fuel tank to my knowledge.

 

Heya Raski,
So I replaced the fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator, and so far so good on about 70 miles of driving, but the same was true last time I replaced the fuel filter. I checked the shrader valve you suggested, and got specs from 40 on prime, to 38 or 36 at a standstill. It is running strong for now, but will look into it more once the problem arises again as you suggested, I will have my fuel pressure gauge ready n waiting. Do you think vapor lock is a possibility on an efi system?
anyways your expertise is always appreciated,
thnx,
Chris