'94 4.0L Engine Vapor Lock

[matt462]

I have a "94 Explorer XLT with a 4.0L and 150,000 miles. Sometimes when the engine warms up and it is warm outside the engine seems to vapor lock, if I pour cold gas into the tank it starts right up. I am pretty sure this is from removing the heat shields cuz they were rattling. What is the best way to solve this problem?

 

[Jon_Herr]

In-Tank Fuel Pump

Fuel Injected engines really can't 'vapor lock' in the old sense.

However, Explorers have two fuel pumps: a low pressure pump in the fuel tank and a high pressure pump in the frame rail. If the pump in the tank starts to fail then the high pressure pump will 'cavitate' and quit pumping fuel.

By adding gas to the tank you're probably cooling off the in-tank fuel pump.

I would replace it.

You might 'explore' having a hole cut in the floor of the explorer to remove the pump from the top.

Being carefull not to cut the tank or heat it with a cutting torch...

Anyhow, you can get a complete pump assembly from Autozone for around $100

Jon

 

[matt462]

Hey thanks man, one of the pumps was replaced recently but Im not sure which one, now that you mention it, one of the pumps makes a loud noise when it is running, I'll have to check out what one it is.

 

[RFR2212]

Re: In-Tank Fuel Pump

Originally posted by Jon_Herr
You might 'explore' having a hole cut in the floor of the explorer to remove the pump from the top.

That is probly one of the craziest and most retarted ideas I have ever heard! Cut the cargo area floor so you can change a fuel pump!?!?!?! It'll take alot less work to run the truck nearly outta gas, and drop it... It really is easy to do.
Pete

 

[Jon_Herr]

Thanks for the flame - Ok

I'm not the first to suggest it, and I've done something simular with a Ranger by removing the bed.

It allowed me to change the pump with a full tank in less than 1/2 hour.

'Retarted' no.

Worth the effort in an Explorer? I dunno.

When the time comes for me to do it I'm going to consider all of the options.

I'm not too excited to get on my back for my truck.

Jon

 

[RFR2212]

As I go back and re-read my post, I said the idea retarted, not you. Um, it's the first time I've ever heard of that idea. More times than not, I've seen fuel pumps go slowly, and not instantly. So if one were aware, it's be very easy to run the tank down, or siphon the tank down. Seems to be a whole lot more work to remove a whole truck bed than to siphon or just use the vehicle till the tank is low. Dropping the tank is a ton easier than removing the bed, or cutting a hole in the cargo floor. Once I dropped my tank, it took me all of 15-30min to do the pump swap... I consider my options as well. Maybe it seems to be alot more common sense to me for my way instead of hacking, cause getting under my trucks is easy, and I could care less about getting on the creeper and rolling under.
Pete

 

[Jon_Herr]

No Problem

I guess I'm just miffed that Ford didn't take a second and put an access panel in the Explorer.

I've seen access plates on a couple of foreign cars for this purpose and it is sure easier than dropping the tank.

Pulling the Ranger bed is really, really easy - eight bolts in the bed, the screws that hold the fuel filler tube to the bed and one electrical connector - plus you don't have to work on your back or breath gas fumes.

The beds are lightweight so two ppl can remove / install.

But then again, that's a Ranger and not an Explorer.

Anyway, maybe I was too hostile. Sorry 'bout that.

I need to eat lunch before I post : )

Jon

 

[GR899V8]

Seems to me I'd pull the tank the first time I had to replace a pump, and while it's out mark and cut out the sheet metal to gain access for the NEXT time the pump fails. I'm sure removing the panel would be easier than trying to drain the gas and remove the tank. Just my .02 worth...