I have an 02 250 5.4. 103,000 miles. My truck at random times will not start in below freezing temps. Turns over just fine but Acts as if a frozen fuel line. I can get it running by pouring hot water on the fuel rail or a shot of starting fluid or sometimes both. It's been going on about 3 or 4 weeks now and I have ran through 4 bottles of dry gas with about 15 gallons each time. Also have replaced fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator. I'm 99.9% positive the pump is working and there are no leaks in the lines or holes in tank that I can see. My next step is to drop the tank and clean it out but trying to avoid that. Anyone have any ideas

 

Welcome to FTE Zant.

What is your fuel pressure at idle?

 

I have no idea. But once it is started and warmed up and running it runs perfectly fine. If the temp is above 40 I have no issues. Below 40, after the pump cycles there is what sounds like a pressure release blow off sound by the fuel rail, but I can't tell exactly where this sound comes from

 

Also I do not have a gauge/tester. Will a tire pressure gauge work?

 

Sorry but no you cant use a tire pressure gauge to test your fuel pressure.. Go to your local auto parts store and you can rent a tester.. They only run about 20 bucks.. Redford asks because he wants to see what the pressure is when the key is on and when its running to see if you have bleed bye..

 

one more question.. when you hear that "blow off" sound does the engine bay smell like fuel.. is so check your "O" rings on the injectors.. also look for fuel pooling or squiriting while the truck is running

 

There are no leaks at all anywhere in the fuel system that I can see. And no smell of gas. I will have to go get a gauge so I can read the pressure.

 

Update on the blow off sound. Since it warmed up today I was able to get someone to turn the key while I listened and that sound actually seems to be coming from the (fuel vapor canister) between the air box and fender. And I no longer think it is a blow off it sounds more like a vibrating inhale gasp. Almost like a short fast snore. Still have not yet gotten a gauge to check pressure. my wife is spending all the money on Xmas.

 

Try repeating that test with the gas cap removed and see if the sound goes away. Just a hunch, but you may have a fuel tank venting issue.

 

Tried it with the gas cap off and still getting the exact same noise.

 

I used to get the purge noise all the time with my 2001v10, never paid no never mind.
Sounds like a sticky IAC on the starting issue.
Next time it does it give it some gas when it doesn't want to start, if it starts and starts to idle after a while if it's an Idle Air Control(IAC) valve.
You can take them off and try cleaning it.

 

It hasn't been starting for 4 days now. Any combination of pushing the gas pedal has no effect. When it sets for a little while it will start up for about 3 seconds and then stalls. Then it will not refire no matter how much cranking or cycling the pump. Let it sit and it fires up for another 3 seconds.

 

Ok just got the pressure checked. Zero across the board at the rail. But you can still hear the pump run in the tank

 

Sounds like a clogged fuel filter or bad pump..just because the pump runs doesn't mean it's getting the needed pressure to run..

 

Replaced the pump and every thing seams to be fixed.