No start frustration

[Sprinklerdr]

So I went to sign some papers for my ex-wife and the truck ran great (it is a 2001 4.0 Mountaineer, 81k miles) finished and went to start it. Tried to run but sputtered and felt like no more than 500rpm at any given time. Then eventually nothing. I have been trolling here for the last few days trying to get info on wth is going on.

I didn't hear the fuel pump whine so I checked fuses, relays, and the inertia switch before calling the flatbed for another joyous trip (she (The Mountaineer) loves the flatbed trucks, I think it's an obsession). No help. So I decided that on the off chance the fuel level gauge was off it might be out of gas. Still nothing. Turns over like a champ, PATS is working fine, just no start. This one has me baffled: I am a car guy..and have worked on everything from turboing my Focus in 2000 to Pintos to Capris to F-650 dump trucks. What I'm saying is that it shouldn't be so elusive. I dropped the tank and installed a fuel pump I had from my Mustang when I did the 225lph swap. Pump happily runs but still no start. I disconnected the fuel line before the fuel filter and fuel runs out, but cycling the key doesn't make it squirt out into the catch can...just dribbles. So now where am I in this mess?
It is possible that I reversed the polarity on the spade plugs when I changed the pump? It is just a 12v DC pump, so it could, in theory, run backwards, right? What else could I look into to make sure this is a fuel issue and not an electrical issue? I have not tried the ether trick into the intake yet, but that is next. I am open to ideas and willing to try whatever at this point

Thanks
Jim

 

[2000StreetRod]

SOHC or OHV V6?

If the SOHC V6 this thread may give you some ideas: Ford Explorer Engine No Start Procedure

 

[Sprinklerdr]

Thanks! I hadn't seen that thread for some reason. No codes either. Thing is jerking my chain. If I hadn't bought it from my uncle's estate I would have burned it by now.

 

[koda2000]

Thanks! I hadn't seen that thread for some reason. No codes either. Thing is jerking my chain. If I hadn't bought it from my uncle's estate I would have burned it by now.

i don't know about your comment that the fuel just trickles out. at 60-65 psi it should be squirting pretty good. are you sure somethings not clogging the line? that aside, are you sure you have spark? the crank position sensor, if not making a good connection, can cause you to loose spark.

 

[Sprinklerdr]

I may drop the tank tomorrow and check a few things. I tried the starting fluid trick, and it tried Tried is the best so far. I pulled the plug off the crank sensor and it looked good. Since the truck is from NJ close to the ocean I may replace the sensor anyway.


I also tested the secondaries on the coil. Speck is less than 12 max but this coil is above 12, ranging from 12.6-13 So it's high. What does that mean?

 

[96eb96]

Check for good 12V at the inertia switch (I believe by the passenger right foot area under the dash) and also by the fuel pump. Are your realys working - does the check engine light prove out? The light should come on with the key and go out while you crank, that means there is a crank signal.

 

[Sprinklerdr]

So here's the end result: The stock fuel pump for a 93 5.0 Mustang is not the same flow rate as the one for the 01 Mountaineer. End of story...Swapped Mustang FP for a BOSCH pump and filter and all is well.

On a lighter note, I can completely drop the tank in about 15 minutes! LOL Thanks for all the input folks, I appreciate it! I will be lurking, see you all soon.