Fuel Pump help please

[TacticalTrucker]

Hello,

This is my first time posting, and I searched the threads for fuel pump issues, and came up with nothing.

I've got an '04 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6 with 130,000 miles on it.

Here's the problem: It cranks, but will not start. Not even a glimpse of starting, just cranks away.

I changed the fuel filter last month, and it ran fine until today. Also, I've never heard the fuel pump prime when I turned the key to the "on" position in the past, and I cannot hear it now, even with ear up to the fuel tank.

My wife drove it a few months back, and ran it dangerously low on gas. she stopped somewhere, and it wouldn't start. She got someone to bang on the fuel tank, and it started right up. This has happened twice. Was that the sign of my fuel pump slowly dying?

I have been looking for a schrader valve on or near the fuel rail, but I cannot find one. Does anyone know how to check fuel pressure on the '04?

Thanks in advance, and I apologize if this subject already has a thread, I just couldn't find it.

 

[name420420]

on my 02 4.6l the valve is on the drivers side fuel rail. as far as the hitting to get started. it might possible be your pump. I had an 89 escort that used to do the same till It finaly crapped out.

 

[chetrick87]

It probably is the pump. Usually running them low on gas makes the pump go bad. Especially fords.

 

[TacticalTrucker]

Thanks for the replies. I've looked everywhere for a Schrader valve, but came up empty handed. I'm just going to drop the tank, change the pump, and be done with it.

 

[TacticalTrucker]

Anyone know if I need special tools for removing the fuel pump? Line wrench etc.?

 

[FordFool2]

Same truck as you and replaced the fuel pump at about the same miles. I tested the leads going to the motor from the Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM) and it showed an open. You may want to do the same before dropping the tank. The module is located in the right rear quarter panel.

There is no Schrader valve on this fuel system. It is returnless and works to pulse the fuel pump motor to achieve the desired fuel pressure at all loads and rpms.

I hope your tank is low on fuel. There is a check type valve where the fill hose connects to the tank. This prevent syphoning the tank so you must remove the hose, stick a screwdriver in to prop it open and catch the fuel as it pours out. Use caution and do it outside your garage if possible so you don't burn up the truck, you and the house at all the same time.

The transmission/transfer case crossmember requires loosening but the bottom frame bolts are famous for snapping off.

There is a thread on pulling the pump without dropping the tank. This requires cuttiing an access hole in the floor pan just behind the front passenger seat. That is really all not that bad of a way to do it in hindsight. However I like to put things back the way I find them.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=322730&highlight=fuel+sender+tank+fix

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=403643&highlight=fuel+pump

 

[TacticalTrucker]

Thanks for all your help. I just got done replacing the pump. Luckily, I only had a few gallons of gas in there, so I didn't worry about draining it.

It was relatively easy after I got that rear bracket off. Pump went right in, took about 30 min to reassemble, and voila, it starts!

I should have made a video, but there would have been way too much profanity!