Fuel filter replaced, now to check the pump.

[kenya]

My 2000 explorer (V8) was chugging the other day, then would not start at all. Not knowing the problem, I thought I would start with the filter. I removed it & while the old one was off, I turned the key on to see if any fuel would come through the line from the pump..... nothing. My question is, would this be a way of actually checking the pump? Since owning the ex, I've never heard the pump whine when the key is first turned on. New filter didn't solve the problem.
Thanks for the help.

 

[koda2000]

you don't say how many miles you have on your truck/fuel pump... if no fuel sprayed out with the key on and filter removed, the pump isn't running (really dangerous way to test by the way). that could mean the pump is shot, or the fuel pump relay isn't kicking it on, or it could be a wiring problem. you can try swapping the fuel pump relay under the hood with another one (there's a bunch of them there that are the same) and/or banging on the bottom of the tank with a rubber mallet. sometimes that will get a pump to run, but it's no fix. most likey the pump has crapped out, but you might as well check the easy/cheap stuff first.

 

[kenya]

Almost 300,000 miles and I bought it used a couple of years ago, so I don't know the repair history.
Yes, I should have said. I did check the relay first. Since there were 3 of the same, I tried switching them.... didn't work. Checked the switch on the passenger floorboard, it was o.k. That lead me to the filter next. I figured it wasn't the best way to check, but since my husband had his open heart surgery, I didn't want him under there. I'm in an area where unfortunately there are a lot of cons and money is a big concern. I just want to figure out the problem, so I'm not taken again. The garage that worked on our van said that he had to drop the fuel tank to diagnose a fuel pump problem- which he did before even getting my o.k. to start work.

 

[koda2000]

well, if that fuel pump is the original at 300k, it's probably time for a new one. the only other thing i'd check before replacing the pump is to make sure it's getting power with the key on. there is an alternative to dropping the tank and that's to cut a hole in the floor. i wouldn't do it that way, but it can be easier that dropping the tank especially if you've got rust issues. if you're interested in that method search the forum for posts on where to cut.

 

[kenya]

Thanks.... I appreciate the help.

 

[koda2000]

Thanks.... I appreciate the help.

no problem. hears the info on cutting an access panel. good luck.

Sticky = "Gas Tank Access Panel"