Hello all

I'm new to this site and looking for some help on a problem I'm having with my 1989 ford f250 5.8. the truck will start but dies about 30 seconds after running. Acts like it's not getting gas. I have replaced the fuel pump the fuel filter, ignition control module, plugs wires, cap and rotor. Any help is appreciated.

Also the tank has been drained and new fresh gas put in.

Mike.

 

There are 2 approaches you might consider.
If you were to get hold of a fuel pressure gauge and hooked it up to the fuel rail, you would know right away if it dies due to loss of fuel.
If the pressure drops , you go from there.
The other approach would be to check for spark right when it shuts down. If no spark you go from there. If coil doesn't show any problem, look into the pick up coil inside the dist.. The original ign coils did have some internal problems and the quickest thing was to just replace it. They would open up internally when they became warm.

There is a way to determine which one could be the cause of the problem.
When the key is on there should be power to one side of the ignition coil . The ground signal to trigger the coil to fire can be easily verified when you connect a test lite to battery positive cable end and probe the other side of the coil when the engine is running . You should see the light flash as the ground is provided to fire the coil. If the light doesn't flash go after the pick up coil. If it does flash and you still have no spark, replace the ign coil.

 

If I get a fuel pressure gauge where on the fuel rail should i attach it? Right at the fuel pump or after the fuel filter?

 

There is a schrader valve fitting right on top of the fuel rail located on top of the engine. Some have a small black plastic cap on the fitting to keep out dirt. You just screw the gauge hose fitting onto the valve (looks like a tire valve) and just make sure it is tight and start the engine. Note the fuel pressure, and watch it , when the engine shuts down the fuel pressure should stay at pretty much the same reading. approx 35 lbs. If it dropped down and does not come back up when you turn the key off and then on again, that would confirm a fuel supply problem. Don't want to get too involved at this point if not necessary.

 

The only way I can get the truck to run is by spraying starter fluid in the throttle body. I don't think that would be enough time for it to register fuel pressure? Any other way I can determine fuel delivery without the truck running.

When I turn the key on I do hear the fuel pump priming and shuts off after a second or two like it's supposed to. I went ahead and replace the ignition coil and have power to it.

Il be running codes tonight to see if i get any.

 

I ran the test and got zero codes. I also did the fuel pressure test and got 31 psi. Any other ideas? I'm at a loss.

 

Did you figure out what was wrong? My 1989 F250 is doing the same thing seems like.

 

I ended up selling the truck for a much nicer 87 f150. Never did figure out what was wrong with it. Thank God my knew one is carburated.