Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Fuel pressure regulator?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 2, 2010 | 11:45 AM
  #1  
732t37's Avatar
732t37
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 721
Likes: 1
From: Monmouth County, NJ
Fuel pressure regulator?

Hi all. I have a 91 F150 4.9. Woke up on Sunday morning about 100 miles from home, to find my fuel pump wouldn't turn on. Found the existing one to be defective so I replaced it. When I went to drive home, I found I could only apply about 1/8 throttle before the engine would sputter and buck and produce no torque. After driving home at 30 mph, I thought I'd start at the fuel filter. When I went to remove the old one, I found the return line fitting at the back of the block disconnected, and I fixed that, but there was no residual pressure in the fuel line when I disconnected the filter. I'm thinking that the regulator valve is stuck open, which killed the fuel pump by changing its duty cycle to 100%, and helped open the return line fitting which was already somewhat damaged, by allowing the full fuel pump pressure to continuously circulate through the return line. Any thoughts on what my problem might be?
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2010 | 12:10 PM
  #2  
Conanski's Avatar
Conanski
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
The fuel pump runs all the time anyway. What fuel pressure does the system build now? It should be 55-60psi with the engine running, any less and the motor will be down on power.
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2010 | 12:47 PM
  #3  
732t37's Avatar
732t37
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 721
Likes: 1
From: Monmouth County, NJ
I don't know what the pressure is now, as I don't have a gauge and am looking for something that will work. However, I did find the old fuel filter was perfectly fine and clear, so I doubt that was the problem. Anyways, with a good fuel filter I'm still getting very low pressure- barely enough for a smooth idle, certainly not enough to drive on. By the way I forgot to mention I have only one tank (rear), the truck came that way from the factory. I didn't realize the pump was always on, so is there some factor or event that would both fry a fuel pump and lead to low pressure after pump replacement? I've always had symptoms of low fuel pressure (limited RPM range, hesitation), but I attributed them to bad timing or worn ignition components and now I realize they may have been from a fuel issue.
 
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2010 | 05:55 PM
  #4  
732t37's Avatar
732t37
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 721
Likes: 1
From: Monmouth County, NJ
Update: Problem solved! I got some time today and worked on this problem a lil. Electrical tests on everything that could f*** with fuel delivery turned out good. New pressure regulator did not help, although apparently the old one was about to go (gas in vacuum system). I didn't use a gauge to test the fuel pressure, but I did poke the Schrader valve with KOEO, EEC fuel pump pin grounded, and nothing but a drip. Found a full 12v going to the pump when it should, so I did a volume test before the fuel filter. It failed miserably, putting out about 6 drops in 10 seconds. I reasoned that the pump was either defective or clogged and in either case I'd have to drop the tank, so I did that and found the supply line to be pinched between the tank and the underside of the bed. That was the issue, the engine runs perfectly now. I just have to wait until daylight to put the tank back in- it's full and I refuse to dump it or remove the bed, so I'd rather not do it by myself in the dark.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
pickenspolitics
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
18
May 31, 2014 09:15 PM
Benjitis
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
24
Oct 30, 2012 05:20 PM
94IDITurbo7.3
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
2
Feb 24, 2011 11:14 PM
corona
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
1
Jun 7, 2009 01:05 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:08 PM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE