E350 Fuel System

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Jan 16, 2003 | 08:43 PM

2fishes

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From: lakeside us

E350 Fuel System

I am having problems with my Econoline E350 Cutaway (RV). I recently had the primary gas tank fixed (the previous owner stored it empty, and the sending unit was completely rusted). Now the auxillary tank fills the primary tank when I flip a switch on the dash. Here's my problem, when I drive the vehicle a couple of miles the exhaust turn really black, and it does not want to run. If I drive it far enough the pressure builds up so much in the system that it leaks out under the passenger side. I am going to start by checking all hoses that lead to and from the charcoal filter (as I have been told). Am I going the right direction?

Thanks, Frank

Jan 16, 2003 | 08:45 PM

EPNCSU2006

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From: Concord, NC

E350 Fuel System

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-16-03 AT 09:46 PM (EST)]What year is it? It could be the selector valve or a check valve in the sending unit if there is not selector valve.

Jan 16, 2003 | 08:46 PM

2fishes

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From: lakeside us

E350 Fuel System

1987

Jan 16, 2003 | 08:47 PM

2fishes

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From: lakeside us

E350 Fuel System

I just got a new sending unit from my local Ford Dealer ($400), new fuel lines from the tank to the engine. Didn't have them change the return lines. Also, this is a carburated engine.

Jan 16, 2003 | 08:51 PM

EPNCSU2006

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From: Concord, NC

E350 Fuel System

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-16-03 AT 10:06 PM (EST)]Check the selector valve. I'm gonna guess you have a motor big enough to be carburetted this year, and I'm not sure about that setup, but I would look at that valve first and foremost. Do the tanks have pumps in them? I'm guessing not, but again, I don't know for sure what the setup is in that vehicle, as I have an '87 EFI 150. I hope this is a little help.

Just saw your reply while I was posting this. I wasn't aware of return lines on carburetted vehicles, but there may be. I'm not sure how this would happen if it were just drawing off the tanks with an engine mounted mechanical fuel pump. But I didn't know there were electric fuel pumps in carburetted vehicles either, but I learn something new everyday, so if there are, I'm glad to learn it. I have heard of carburetted vehicles pulling fuel out of both tanks simultaneously, but not from one and into the other.

Jan 16, 2003 | 08:55 PM

2fishes

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From: lakeside us

E350 Fuel System

Thanks, the primary tank has the fuel pump in the tank as part of the sending unit. The other tank only pumps into the primary tank, and it's pump is outside the tank. It's a 460 engine, only 24,000 miles on it.

Jan 16, 2003 | 09:09 PM

EPNCSU2006

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From: Concord, NC

E350 Fuel System

I completely misread your original post, and I apologize. You sound correct with the possibility of the return lines being clogged. Also check the fuel pressure regulator if there is one, and possibly the float, but I'm leaning away from the carburetor since it runs ok for the first little bit.