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This is a strange problem that has been going on for 4 years now. It’s a little long and please don’t think I’ve lost my marbles. Here goes…
In the spring of the year (prior to May 1st), when we get a very warm day (70 or above) my 95 Econoline will not run 10 miles before it quits. I’ve talk to the local Ford shop and they tell me it is due to the ‘winter blend of gas’.
‘Let your van sit for a while then go fill up with gas’.
Whenever the local stations switch over to the summer blend of gas my problems go away.
From all my research I’ve found out that the winter blend has a higher vapor pressure and the summer blend has a lower one. I’m sure there are other differences but the vapor pressure thing is the biggest.
Anyway, it starts out just missing real bad and sometimes will back fire.
It really acts like its not getting any gas.
If I leave it sit for about an hour, it starts right up and runs fine. It runs fine in the morning when it’s cool outside.
Nobody seems to have a good answer.
The Ford guys tell me it happens a lot but very few people I talk to has heard of this problem.
Has anyone got any ideas? I really need some help
95 Econoline
5.0 HO w/mass air
This is why I hate new auto's. You know, anything newer than 1973! Ha.
Um, vapor lock? Fuel pressure? fuel filter? Is there anyway you can pour some fuel down it's throat when it has failed to confirm it is fuel starvation?
I hate it when the dealership says "it happens alot", but they don't offer a mechanical solution to the problem, which in this case, according to them, it's a design problem and not a fuel problem.
I wish I could help you.
BDV
The pre-pump in your fuel tank which operates at low pressure is there to prevent exactly this condition from occuring. If it isn't working, then the high pressure pump in the engine compartment will draw vacuum in the fuel line and cause the fuel to flash into vapor on an especially warm day--induced vapor lock! Check the terminal connections to the pump for corrosion and also it's fuse. Hope this helps...