Fuel Pump Mystery

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Jul 22, 2011 | 05:42 PM

bradshaw6243

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From: Central Mississippi

Fuel Pump Mystery

1995 F150, 351, dual tanks.
Driving along 70 mph, using front tank truck started surging, thought it was cruise control problem but started loosing power. Pulled over, truck died. Checked engine, oil etc. Would not start. Switched to rear tank started fine.
Got home, next morning tried front tank, everything fine for 2 weeks, then while turning a corner, running on front tank, truck died. Switched to rear pump, good to go again.
Next morning front tank worked fine and has for 1 week.

Does a pump do like this when failing, I would think it would fail all at once.

I have been prepared to replace front pump twice but do not want to unless I have to of course.

Any input?

Jul 22, 2011 | 07:11 PM

imabaka

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Joined: Jul 2009

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From: North Platte NE

The wires to the pump ok? If u can replicate the problem and then immediately put a fuel gauge on the fuel rail and see if you are actually losing pressure.

Jul 22, 2011 | 07:21 PM

Volvo92906

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From: Toledo, Ohio

A lot of time fuel pumps tend to have problems when hot when they are failing. When they cool down the vehicle will usually start again. Verify and replace them to fix the problem.

Jul 22, 2011 | 07:24 PM

subford

Fleet Owner

Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Easton,Ks

That is the way both of my fuel pumps failed a year apart.
But if not the pump I would look at the selector switch on the dash.

Jul 23, 2011 | 06:44 AM

bradshaw6243

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Old, but not too old

Joined: Mar 2006

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From: Central Mississippi

10-4, thanks for the advice. Since I do have the second tank and pump, I will go ahead and run the pump to failure or until it is not functioning and will check wiring or switch problems at that point. I will update on this thread when something else occurs with this pump. I was thinking about the overheating also, although I had at least half a tank each of the 2 times that time it failed. That does not mean that is was not overheating though. One of the many mysteries that our rides often throw at us.

Jul 23, 2011 | 07:54 AM

Volvo92906

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From: Toledo, Ohio

Now.. I didnt say overheating. They do get hot from working... Explain it like a motor (not an engine) that his been sitting to one that has been on. But... just keep an eye on it.

Jul 27, 2011 | 03:46 PM

Slip ford man

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From: Calverton

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volvo92906

A lot of time fuel pumps tend to have problems when hot when they are failing. When they cool down the vehicle will usually start again. Verify and replace them to fix the problem.

I got the same problem, keeping the tanks full seems to help not getting stuck by the side of the road.