96 5.0 fuel issue?

[laybac]

1996 5.0 limited

Ive searched around but couldn't find what im looking for, so maybe you guys can help.

this morning i go out as any other day and start my explorer. it started right up but didnt start as it normally would. the idle was really low - about to die. when i pressed on the gas it felt like it was flooding, drowning, or bogging up on me. the more i pressed on the gas the worse it got and then would die. once it did die it would repeat the same process, never a solid start and run. it will fully crank over and start, just wont stay running for longer than a minute. i changed out the fuel pump over last summer, dont think it would be that. fuel filter maybe? voltage is good. my explorer is stranded down the road! any ideas on what this issue may be?

thank in advance!

 

[2000StreetRod]

fuel filter replacement

Replacing the fuel filter if its been more than 30,000 miles since the last time could prevent you from having to replace the fuel pump again. A clogged fuel filter can create all kinds of engine related problems. I suggest that you change it even if it isn't the cause of your problem. See my thread Why change fuel filter?

You may also want to look at my Engine No Start Procedure

 

[laybac]

awesome thanks! where is the fuel pressure release valve on this model?

 

[my pos mounty]

Im pretty sure theres a fuel cutout switch on the front passenger side, behind a kick panel. From what I understand you unplug it, attempt to start the vehicle. This will relieve fuel pressure in the system. I also remember hearing that theres also a schrader valve on the fuel rail, but I may be mistaken??

 

[laybac]

ok so i found the pressure release valve, utilized it. replaced the fuel filter. after everything is put back to normal i attempted to start the explorer. it turns over as usual but still no start and run. the first few starts it almost felt like it wanted to run with a few putters and then died. then i tried again and nothing. im now at the point where all it does is crank, no start or run. any ideas??? this is killing me!

 

[my pos mounty]

Did you check the fuel cutoff switch? It might have popped on you.
Maybe your problem is the fuel pump and not your filter???

 

[laybac]

Did you check the fuel cutoff switch? It might have popped on you.
Maybe your problem is the fuel pump and not your filter???

the fuel cutoff switch is down, not popped. i replaced the fuel pump a lil before this last summer. you think it went bad already? when i turn the ignition key i can hear the fuel pump "prime", so im not sure if thats it...

 

[my pos mounty]

Check the schrader valve for pressure?

 

[laybac]

Check the schrader valve for pressure?

i dont have a gauge to check the pressure. how can i fuel pressure without it?

 

[my pos mounty]

i dont have a gauge to check the pressure. how can i fuel pressure without it?

Good question! You are probably gonna need one.

I would at least try the schrader valve, open it to see if theres any pressure, that will tell you something at least (take necessary precautions when dealing with gasoline, no fires please). If theres none, its either a blockage somewhere or your fuel pump.

 

[laybac]

Good question! You are probably gonna need one.

I would at least try the schrader valve, open it to see if theres any pressure, that will tell you something at least (take necessary precautions when dealing with gasoline, no fires please). If theres none, its either a blockage somewhere or your fuel pump.

ok it seems i have no fuel pressure. how do i fix this? where is the fuel pressure regulator located?

 

[2000StreetRod]

on the rail

I'm not very familiar with the V8 but I believe that you have a return fuel system with the fuel pressure regulator mounted on the fuel rail. It is cylindrical with a vacuum line attached to it. It should look like the one in the photo below.

However, before you replace it I would test your fuel pressure. You can get an inexpensive fuel injection gauge at Harbor Freight for $20. See my Fuel pressure test procedure