Fuel pump question

[DonM]

I seem to be having a pesky Fuel Pump problem? I checked the pressure twice over night. Im checking for possible bleeding off. Each time is was fine.

Ive been having starting problems for some time now, mostly after the Ex has been sitting overnight! I learned about the priming tip. Which ive been doing and it's the only way I can get the damn thing started. I had hoped it was the relay, so I changed it yesterday. After work this a.m. I found out the relay didnt help. Problem comes and goes. One day it's fine, the next day it might or might not start.

Ive read just about every fuel pump thread out there! I spent hours reading them and not one of them mentioned one small detail...

My pump doesnt run when I turn the ignition off. But when I stick the key in the ignition and the pump runs longer then 2-3 sec I know it's going to give me starting problems. This morning the pump ran for about 15 sec and then I turned the key to the off position. Then I primed the pump by switching the key on and off. Then it started right up. Which leads me to believe it's the Check valve?

Does the fuel pump running longer then the normal 2-3 sec mean the fuel had blead off, making the fuel pump run longer to pressure up? Or maybe somthing else?

Btw, the Pump never runs when the ignition is in the off position.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Think it may be time to R&R the pump. 15secs is not normal. Even if it's the check valve, pump should only run for 2-3 secs. That's why On/Off sequence to prime the lines. Only other thing I could think of besides bad pump is something blocking the pickup line in the tank.

 

[94expo]

I would have to lean towards the FPR (fuel pressure regulator) Maybe sticking open at times.

 

[Opera House]

The FPR can do wierd things

An injector can also cause leakdown. Some people have taken the easy way out with a manual switch to run the pump till the engine has started. I never could understand the 2-3 seconds. Just seems a 5-7 second turn on would be better as the vehicles age. Since the regulator is high bypass, a worn regulator can function normally once the engine is running. Adding a couple of seconds wouldn't change the safety issue. About all you can do is take a chance with a $60 regulator.

 

[DonM]

Thanks for the reply guys.

The reason im leaning toward the Fuel Pump is the way I have to prime it, in order to get the engine started.

After reading threw all the past posts on this, the Check Valve comes to mind right away.

FPR could be the problem, but again, it just doesnt sound like the FPR.

 

[jcar302]

Dom, have someone turn the to the on position, while you hold the relay, if you feel it click in your hand, it's probably fine.

 

[DonM]

jcar, im sure the relay is fine(brand new) and i heard it clicking.

Im also sure the old relay was fine also. I was just hoping a $5 relay was the problem, and not a fuel pump or FPR.

 

[jcar302]

I've been there.

 

[xploda01]

have you tried replacing the fuel filter, sounds to me as thought there is a block in the line inbetween the tank and engine, maybe theres some trash in the line or the filter is clogged, but then if that was the case, then it wouldnt run right when it is cranked, i dont know but that may be a solution

 

[DonM]

No, Fuel filter is about a month old. Plus the engine runs fine when i get it started. It's just the initial few cranks.

Engine must be primed first, then it will start.

 

[xploda01]

yeah that makes sense, how much power did your apten, intake and exhaust give you?, was it quite noticible?

 

[94expo]

Check your system for any codes. Even know the CEL is not on when the truck is running, it is on during the starting cycle. and this is when your having the problem. Maybe they'll be a code stored that could shed some light on this and save you some cash.

 

[DonM]

Checked for codes, there are none! If I had codes, this would be alot easyer to fix.

 

[DonM]

Originally posted by xploda01
yeah that makes sense, how much power did your apten, intake and exhaust give you?, was it quite noticible?

I noticed the most gains from the chip, overall im happy. But i could use alittle better acceleration and HP.