I'm having trouble locating the fuel pressure regulator on my 2003 Expedition 5.4L. I have found the fuel pressure damper on the driver side fuel rail near the rear. I can find no references with the location. The damper and the regulator have different part numbers, so I'm reasonably sure they aren't the same. Anyone know the answer? I have searched this site and the web with no helpful resultrs.

 

It's in the tank with the pump (i.e. returnless system).

 

Ahhh! No wonder I couldn't find it. I'll try to find a diagram of the pump assembly.

Thanks for the response.

 

You're thinking of the fuel tank pressure sensor.

 

It's at the end of the fuel rail on the passenger side, hidden under the upper intake manifold. There is a vacuum line going to it.

 

Thanks Alloro, that makes much more sense. I looked at a diagram of the fuel pump assembly and could find no pressure regulator. I'll take a look
on the passenger side. Doesn't show on any of the diagrams I have and doesn't show on the FordParts website. They seem to think it doesn't exist.

 

On a 2003 with a returnless fuel system??? There would have to be a return line coming from the regulator and there is not a return line on the 2003 fuel rail. There is a pressure dampener on the driver's side between the two banks, but that is all. Here is a link to the fuel pump...

 

Now I'm getting more confused. This truck was originally delivered in Canada, was manufactured late 2002, and I believe has a return fuel system. The fuel filter has two inlets and two outlets which I understand to indicate a return system.
If I am mistaken, the please enlighten me

 

Should only have 3 hoses to the fuel filter; 2002's only have 2 hoses.

 

Posted reply without looking at old filter. Dclack yor are correct, It has three lines, two on the supply side and one on the outlet side. These part numbers ( PR221, XR3E9C968AA, XR3E9C968AD, XR3E9C968AE, XR3Z9C968AA ) are listed as fitting a 2003 Expedition 5.4L. I originally bought the part to replace the old one due to hard starts. Now it looks like a fuel pump replacement.
Three steps forward, two steps back.

 

Are you positive it's the pump? $300+ is a lot of money to be guessing with.

 

No, I'm not sure it is the pump. I'll stop playing shade tree mechanic and take it to my local mechanic for troubleshooting before putting out money for a new pump. I realize it could be a number of minor things causing it to require cycling the ignition a couple of times before attempting a start. Sometimes it starts normally if it has only been shut down within 5 to 10 minutes. Otherwise the truck runs great. Just completed a 2400 mile trip from Arkansas to Washington state, through all kinds of weather and all altitudes from sea level to 8,000 ft. . It never missed a beat with the exception of the hard start which only happens if I get in a hurry and forget to cycle the ignition. Just rolled over 130,000 and is not using oil
or any indications of loss of power or misfiring. Tuneup was done at 80,000. I do have a minor oil leak that will get taken care of when I take it in to diagnose the start problem.
Thanks for the responses and information.

 

If it does turn out to be the pump, check the price on the exact same Airtex pump at www.rockauto.com. I ordered an Airtex for $133, and O'Reilly had the same exact for over $260.

 

Thanks for the info on the pump. If the fuel pressure regulator is integral to the pump, that might solve the starting issue. There is a Fuel Injection Pressure Damper on the driver side fuel rail. I'm not sure what the symptoms would be if it was failing. Currently the only problem I am experiencing is the hard start. Other postings on F150's lead me to consider the regulator. The fact that it is integral to the fuel pump on the Expy is disappointing, as I don't want to tackle changing the pump.

 

2003 FPR at RockAuto

Also see the attached PDF.