Mr. Alligator
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- November 30, 2014
- Messages
- 1,297
- Reaction score
- 1,029
- City, State
- Tampa, Florida
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1997 XLT Explorer
1997 Ford Explorer SOHC. Return fuel system problem. I have been battling this for a few years, and replaced four or five fuel pumps in about four years. One of the fuel pumps had a bad check valve, allowing fuel to drain immediately back into the fuel tank. In the past, fuel pump replacement has always resolved the issue. a fuel pump access panel has helped greatly…
Here is the presenting problem: truck ran great yesterday, but today truck will not start. This may be good, as the issue is NOT currently intermittent.
No external fuel leaks, and no smell of fuel (until I get fuel sprayed all over me during attempts to test/repair).
Fuel tank is 3/4 full.
CHECKED FUEL PRESSURE AT RAIL: ZERO
As usual, I replaced the fuel pump… this time with new Walbro pump. Truck still does NOT start, and still has no fuel pressure at rail
I could hear the fuel pump run when I turn the ignition key to “on”. This should not be a wiring issue, as fuel pump engages immediately when the key is turned. Thus, inertia cut off switch should not be an issue. Only possible issue here would be if any electrical issue could command the system to dump all fuel back in the tank.
I disconnected fuel line above tank, and fuel shot out of the line. The new fuel pump is surely working fine.
Checked fuel filter, which was changed in past 20,000 miles. Fuel filter was oriented properly AND fuel tank is very clean. Disconnected filter and turned key… fuel shot everywhere. This does not look like a fuel filter issue.
A more telling test: had someone turn the key, while I monitored shraeder valve. Had gush of fuel for about two seconds, then system IMMEDIATELY returned to zero fuel pressure.
My current guess is fuel pressure regulator. I disconnected the vacuum line and nothing changed. Still no start and no fuel pressure. I have never changed fuel pressure regulator, and have no knowledge of this unit. Does this sound like valid part to replace? Do I need to remove intake manifold to get replace the fuel pressure regulator?
EDIT: fuel injectors are original with almost 600,000 miles. Could fuel injector(s) bleed off fuel pressure almost instantly?
Can anyone give me any great advice?
Great Forum has allowed me to keep this truck running.
Thank you all!
Here is the presenting problem: truck ran great yesterday, but today truck will not start. This may be good, as the issue is NOT currently intermittent.
No external fuel leaks, and no smell of fuel (until I get fuel sprayed all over me during attempts to test/repair).
Fuel tank is 3/4 full.
CHECKED FUEL PRESSURE AT RAIL: ZERO
As usual, I replaced the fuel pump… this time with new Walbro pump. Truck still does NOT start, and still has no fuel pressure at rail
I could hear the fuel pump run when I turn the ignition key to “on”. This should not be a wiring issue, as fuel pump engages immediately when the key is turned. Thus, inertia cut off switch should not be an issue. Only possible issue here would be if any electrical issue could command the system to dump all fuel back in the tank.
I disconnected fuel line above tank, and fuel shot out of the line. The new fuel pump is surely working fine.
Checked fuel filter, which was changed in past 20,000 miles. Fuel filter was oriented properly AND fuel tank is very clean. Disconnected filter and turned key… fuel shot everywhere. This does not look like a fuel filter issue.
A more telling test: had someone turn the key, while I monitored shraeder valve. Had gush of fuel for about two seconds, then system IMMEDIATELY returned to zero fuel pressure.
My current guess is fuel pressure regulator. I disconnected the vacuum line and nothing changed. Still no start and no fuel pressure. I have never changed fuel pressure regulator, and have no knowledge of this unit. Does this sound like valid part to replace? Do I need to remove intake manifold to get replace the fuel pressure regulator?
EDIT: fuel injectors are original with almost 600,000 miles. Could fuel injector(s) bleed off fuel pressure almost instantly?
Can anyone give me any great advice?
Great Forum has allowed me to keep this truck running.
Thank you all!