Hey all,
I need some help quick! Please. 1988 Ford F150 351 auto with dual tanks.Took my truck to the mechanic as it completely bogs down when the accelerator is pressed. It barley goes and sputters and pops. Mechanic called and said it was the fuel pump on the rail and possibly the regulator. Said it would cost $1175 to repair and that might fix it. Said fuel pressure was 8psi. Thoughts, ideas,?

 

Find a different mechanic.

The frame rail mounted pump is only about $60-75 depending on which one you get, and they're not very hard to change.

I'd start with the basics like changing out the fuel filters.

 

Lead Head,
Thank you for your help. I cleaned the iac, throttle body. I did learn to pull the codes first. I got
KOEO--33 EGR and 51 ECT Sensor which I replaced
CC 33 and 51
KOER 33, 51, 98-system in back up mode..I did not understand that one. I have never dealt with the fuel delivery system except for fuel filters. I will start learning now. Thank you very much for your time.

 

Just FYI fuel pressure at idle should be about 40 psi. If you have changed the fuel filter, and if it does not make any diff which tank you are on when this happens, then the external fuel pump is most likely the culprit. The regulator cannot cause low pressure, it causes high pressure if it fails. You might check your fuel lines to make sure you do not have one collapsed or kinked although that is very rare.

 

You should also post the name of the shop so no one goes there by accident!

 

I am going to go get a gauge to test fuel pressure. I don' t know much about fuel delivery, but I have been following posts for a long time. The mechanic told me there was 8psi at the rail. I asked him what it should be. He said 18. Having followed posts here and on fullsize bronco, I knew the number should be at the least in the 30's based off memory. Thank you, jass88. If you every head to Canton, Ga, let me know, I will make sure you don't go there.
The Ford Part for the Pump is 9c407 for $536! Wow
Anybody know a reliable after market pump?

 

Rockauto carries that pump (E7TZ9C407BA) for ~$304 USD). I have had good luck with Carter, Bosch and Standard Motor Product brands as well as Motorcraft.

 

this "mechanic" has quoted a considerably inflated price for the job ... then goes on to say that this "might" fix it ?

never go back there and tell everyone you know not to go there.

 

You can buy a Delphi external high pressure pump for $88 + shipping from rockauto,com. The in tank pumps are about the same. Stay away from Airtex & the economy pumps. I use Delphi pumps in everything I have to put a pump in. I have yet to have one fail prematurely.

 

rla2005--Thank you for checking that part and price

joey2fords--yes, I know every one has to make a living but...One job I have been putting off is fixing the ignition actuator, know how but just haven't wanted to tackle it yet--I asked them for a quote..wow.. I must have looked like an easy mark.

 

Thank you kermmydog.

 

You probably didn't need the ECT sensor. Those will throw codes every single time unless the engine is up to operating temp.

 

Did you replace the inline fuel pump yet? Im curious to see if this solved your problem because I have a 88 F250 351 and I am having the exact same problem. Starts fine and idles fine, give it gas and it spits and sputters and pops through the breather box.

 

I put the new in line pump on but it was still a no go. It got to where it would not idle for more than a minute. I put the new pump on and it was the same thing. I put her on a wrecker. I will let you know what the pros say. Different pros other than the $1175 ones.

 

I don't know if you checked it or not, but some of those trucks have a filter in the tank selector valve. It may say "Non-servicable, Do not open" on it. THEY LIE! I bought a new one and about a year later, my truck did just this very thing. I tried a bunch of stuff and nothing worked. My friend ask about the filter in there and I said "no it doesn't have one, it is a sealed unit." Well guess what! Took out that stupid filter, threw it as far as I could, and no more problems. BE CAREFUL with the o-ring! You cannot get one from Ford.