Hey, im new to the site and have a question about my newly aquired 1993 4x4 f-150 with a 4.9 straight six. It has the dual tanks and only the back is working, the front smells like old gas.
my problem is when i start it cranks for sometimes 8-10 seconds before start up. Is it not maintaining pressure or maybe the fuel pump isnt working properly?? it has an inconsistent idle as well but could be related to vaccum leak isues ive been dealing with


any advice is much appreciated Thank you

 

There is a good possibility the fuel pump in the front tank is not working and the gas has been in there quite a while. The reason the pump isn't working could be either electrical or the pump itself.
If you can get your hands on a fuel pressure gauge that would help confirm if the check valve in the working pump and pressure regulator is performing properly and would also allow you to check out the front pump.

 

it might be your losing pressure ! check the fuel regulator on the fuel rail ! there should be no gas in the vacuum hose going to the regulator ! maybe the switch on the dash is not switching it over to the other tank ! did you check for any gas leaks around the tank where you smell gas ?

 

the biggest reason for the delayed start up is the vaccum leaks that you have dealing with

 

thanks for all the input guys. the guy who owned it before left
bolts loose clamps not put on or put on loose so that I think has resolve vacuum issues. now from time to time is just completely loses power and I think its fuel related I've checked fuel pressure and even though slightly lower than spec I don't think that's my issue. the front gas tank is rusted through and I'll be changing that along with a new fuel pump just wondering if there's anything else I should consider. input appreciated thanks

 

all great points guys id like to add that it could be a clogged fuel filter aswell. i had a old bronco and a 91 s10 that had the same symptoms and it ended up being the fuel filter