Possible Fuel Pump Problem??

[Rayz2000Sport]

I was on the site awhile ago, and last time I checked in my truck was not running well. It had started to shudder/hesitate when going up a hill or when it should shift into overdrive. After being really frustrated with this and basically writing the truck off, I figured I would give it another shot at fixing it.

Now, I am thinking. Could this possibly be a fuel pump related issue? Clogged fuel filter? Would this kind of problem show up if I got a local auto parts store to scan my truck???

Any Help is always appreciated.

Rayz

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Here is the link to what I had said about the issue before

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Any thoughts?

 

[aldive]

How old is fuel filter?

Have you checked the fuel pressure?

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

How old is fuel filter?

Have you checked the fuel pressure?

Honestly, I have no clue how old it is! Car was bought used by my mother. It had one owner before her, and she did not take great care of it herself! Had to put a good bit of work into getting her up and running well thats why this problem is really irritating. So, to answer how old it is, probably the original! haha Is there a special tool I need to removed the old filter? Anything special I should know about changing it out for a new one??

How do I check fuel pressure?

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

What do I need to do in order to change the fuel filter? I would think I would need to jack up the front end (on stands) so that the gas in the lines would drain back towards the tank. I also have heard something about having to relieve the pressure in the lines and the inertia switch? Not too sure on all this. I know that I will need a special tool, and I have seen that there are quite a few variations of that tool, any suggestions of whats best??? Any help is always greatly appreciated!

 

[Lloyd10977]

Owners manuals and even the Haynes Repair Manual state that periodic replacement is not required. But we all know better than that. So it is likely that your vehicles fuel filter was never even seen, never mind replaced. The filter is located on the inside of the frame rail under your X, almost directly under the driver's seat. You must relieve fuel pressure before attempting to open the line and you should be able to do that by looking for what looks like a tire valve on the fuel rail on top of the engine and depressing it until fuel stops flowing. Remove any clips you may see installed at each end of the filter. You may also have a bracket around the filter that should be unbolted from the frame. Using a fuel line disconnect tool, push the tool into the fuel line at the filter to disconnect the line. Have a golf tee handy to push into the line to prevent siphoning from the tank. Remove the filter. Clean the fittings on the lines. Pay attention to the direction of flow and install the new filter in the bracket, reassemble the lines and bolt the bracket back on the frame. ALL DONE. Total time should be about 20 minutes.

 

[aldive]

Is there a special tool I need to removed the old filter?

Yes, you will need a fuel line disconnect tool.

How do I check fuel pressure?

You will need a fuel pressure gauge. Attachet it to the Schrader valve on the fuel rail.

Good luck ...

 

[Cobraguy]

Owners manuals and even the Haynes Repair Manual state that periodic replacement is not required.

What??? For a fuel filter??? Where does it state this? In my owner's manual for a 99, it expressly tells you to replace the fuel filter according to the scheduled maintenance guide.

I realize Haynes manuals are a joke in some respects, but if they truly state that, you can bet I'll make sure to do everything I can to lobby against anyone ever using them for anything.

Rayz...if you don't want to screw around changing the filter, (it can be kind of messy) you can take it to a number of different shops and have it changed. Just get a high quality filter such as a Wix (NAPA Gold, Carquest Gold) or a Motorcraft. I would just try that and see if your problem doesn't go away. But change it as soon as you can. If it is plugged, you will wear out a pump in a hurry.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Got the new filter and the metal tool thing. Think I will go the disconnect the inertia switch and let it run to get the pressure out method. Any last minute tips??

 

[aldive]

Wear safety glasses.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

haha Yea thats a good point! Thats the first thing I thought when I got a good look at it. "I am going to get gas in my face," my exact thought!

 

[drumming1monkey]

Got the new filter and the metal tool thing. Think I will go the disconnect the inertia switch and let it run to get the pressure out method. Any last minute tips??

you can also just pull out the fuel pump relay and then crank over the motor. it may start for a second then die, then just crank it again. Thats what I did with mine and it worked fine. And the fuel line disconnect tool can sometimes be a pain you just really need push them in and wiggle it around a bit to get it all to pop loose. I've had some pop right out but the majority of the lines I've taken off were pretty well on.

 

[aldive]

Also be sure to bleed from the Schrader valve on the fuel rail.

 

[drumming1monkey]

hey, I just read through your other post and I have been having what seems to be the same problem. I had originally taken it to my uncles shop and they figured it was the tranny like you did and did the complete service on that and the problem seemed to go away for awhile and them came back again. Then I figured it was fuel related, so did my fuel pump like your doing and again it went away for awhile but now comes back once in awhile. Also now the check engine light also blinks as it does it and has stayed on twice after it blinked showing a code for cylinder 1 miss fire. I haven't had a chance to check the injectors or coil packs but I figure the issue may be one of them which I guess will be the next thing I need to do over.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Gave it hell and could not get it out! Did not want to mess with it too much since the fuel system is way over my head! Got a Mr. Tire across the street, they said about 50 bucks labor and will use the parts I have. Sound like its worth it??

 

[aldive]

$50 for a less than 10 minute job? Is it worth it? I say no.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

hey, I just read through your other post and I have been having what seems to be the same problem. I had originally taken it to my uncles shop and they figured it was the tranny like you did and did the complete service on that and the problem seemed to go away for awhile and them came back again. Then I figured it was fuel related, so did my fuel pump like your doing and again it went away for awhile but now comes back once in awhile. Also now the check engine light also blinks as it does it and has stayed on twice after it blinked showing a code for cylinder 1 miss fire. I haven't had a chance to check the injectors or coil packs but I figure the issue may be one of them which I guess will be the next thing I need to do over.

Just wondering how your problem started? Mine, was on a night when it was downpouring and I was out after a wet vac to suck the water out of my room(basement). Did you issue start with any excessive moisture?

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Yea, thats about what I thought Al. The problem is, that I am not sure that I can get this done myself lying on my back. I am not quite the ideal body type for working under a truck in tight spaces (6ft tall around 270, semi pro football player) haha. Not sure what to do at this point.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Here a the link to the thread from which this problem started. Possible transmission problem

I then flushed/filled my trans case and was headed for the rear diff. I ended up not doing the rear diff because something else came up.