I bought a 07 Expedition EL a few weeks ago, it has had rough starts the whole time. Always on the cold starts. Wasn't sure if it just took longer to crank over a 5.4L V8 compared to the 3.5L V6 in the minivan we used to drive. I ran two fuel injector cleaners through it in case it was a stuck injector. It will start fine if I go from Off to Run to Off to Run to Start. I borrowed a Fuel Pressure gauge and watched the fuel pressure go from 0 to 15 on one cycle of the key to 50 on the next cycle, runs at 60. I have no idle or hesitation issues. When I turn off the car the pressure drops down to 0 in about an hour, less than 20 in about 20 minutes. Because it starts with the priming of the pump I don't think it's injectors (no flooding issues). I am thinking its the check valve in the pump. I got the dealership I bought the car from to pay for the pump, and I can install it myself.

So now the question - what brand of pump should I buy/avoid. I am new to the Expy so I missed the whole pump crisis of a few years ago. The best prices I have found are from Rock Auto. I am usually a OEM part guy, but some of the other brands offer better warranty. The Delphi pump ($232) and Spectra ($245) both come with lifetime warranty, the Motorcraft ($246) only comes with 2 yr/12,000 mi warranty. I also find it interesting the EL pump is $100 more than the regular pump. I know the tank is bigger, but figured the pump would be the same. Also Filter - same question; any brand any better than the others? Motorcraft filter is $15, vs $4-$10 for other brands.

On a side note I am also having an issue where the tank will not fill. I get about 7/8 max. I tried putting in the pump upside down and that makes it spit gas and still only go 7/8 full. I will be taking off the filler tube and vent to make sure they are clean at the same time, and probably replace/empty the charcoal canister. I am curious to see if the arm on the fuel level sensor is bent, and I am really getting a full tank, the gauge just being off.

 

I have been advised by lots of mechanics to use factory parts in emission systems. I agree with that for the most part because sometimes aftermarket parts are not compatible enough.


Just recently a friend installed a new aftermarket EGR valve and his truck would not pass smog testing. When he put the old valve back on it passed.
Another friend installed an aftermarket fuel pump and the pressure was not compatible with his Ford system and it failed smog testing too.


If you need to remove the fuel tank to install a new pump in a car then I would use a factory pump assembly. That is one job you don't want to do over again.


My opinion,
Richard

 

That's what I was thinking too. Regardless of warranty I only want to do this once.

Thanks

 

When the replacement of said part is a major PITA, go with what you will feel would last the longest. I would say go with Motorcraft.