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

Lowering fuel pressure when starting

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 12, 2011 | 01:58 PM
  #1  
RIKIL's Avatar
RIKIL
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 2
Lowering fuel pressure when starting

This is fora 1992 F150, MASS AIr (converted), 351W, EFI


When I try to start my new motor, I am getting a fuel pressure that is at 34 psi. with the key just being on to below 28 when I try to start the motor. As soon as I start it, the pressure lowers one psi at a second until it gets to at least 28. The digital gauge flashes when the pressure goes below 28. The last time I checked there were no codes from the PCM.

Is there a secondary circuit that supplies more power to the system? I am not sure.
 
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2011 | 02:21 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 EFI computer has absolutely no control over fuel pressure, your pressure is low.. should be 40psi without engine vacuum, and that's either because of a weak pump, low voltage at the pump, a partially clogged filter, a leaking regulator, or a leak between tanks on dual tank trucks.
 
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2011 | 03:19 PM
  #3  
RIKIL's Avatar
RIKIL
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 2
I removed the fuel filter and the gas in there has a yellow tinge to it. The gas is a year and a half old. I put some stabilizer in the tank but it never got in the lines. I'm not sure how much resistance the filter should have but it has some so I'll replace it.
 
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2011 | 04:59 PM
  #4  
Slip ford man's Avatar
Slip ford man
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
From: Calverton
Pull the vacuum line off of the fuel regulator, you are looking for any sign of fuel in that line. If found, replace the reg
 
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2011 | 05:23 PM
  #5  
RIKIL's Avatar
RIKIL
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 2
i replaced the fuel filter and am now getting code 95.
 
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2011 | 05:45 PM
  #6  
RIKIL's Avatar
RIKIL
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 2
No fuel in the vacuum line. Code 95 is gone.

If I put a vacuum to the input shouldn't the openings in the other side open?
 
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2011 | 10:27 AM
  #7  
RIKIL's Avatar
RIKIL
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 2
I believe that the fuel filter was restriced and so was a fuel pump I had mounted on the fuel rail for my supercharger. When I blow through each, there is a good bit of restriction and I don't think it should be that high. Both are probably bad from the fuel.

The fuel pressure regulator and fuel rail seem OK and I think they are. I disconnected them a while ago so the fuel didn't stay in there that long. Besides, the fuel pressure regulator seems to pass the tests I have been doing.

I think I need to replace the in-tank fuel pump next. I bet it is gunked up.

I was also going to test the fuel relay for voltage. Have any idea what I should read from each connection?
 
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 11:59 AM
  #8  
RIKIL's Avatar
RIKIL
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 2
I replaced the fuel filter and the in-tank pump. When I had the fuel filter installed and the in-tank pump out, I blew through the lines and they seemed to be clear all the way up to the fuel rail. I am getting about 36 psi with KOEO and it doesn't drop nearly as much when I try to start, it stays in the 30s but still not starting.

There were two codes: 21 & 24. From what I found on line, I am not sure they would prevent the motor from starting.

To this point I haven't replace the fuel pressure regulator or the fuel rail and I am using some old, used 19# injectors. The fuel pressure regulator checks out (no leaking fuel past diaphram). I am fairly confident that the fuel rail is clean. I was trying to get it running with the stock injectors just to change as little as possible but now I am thinking I might switch to the new, 30# injectors I have because they are new and clean.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-7

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 12:25 PM
  #9  
lew52's Avatar
lew52
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,558
Likes: 2
I would keep the 19# injectors in till you get it to run , when you put in the 30# you will need a computer tune or a mass air meter thats set for 30# injectors , with 36 psi it should start then the fuel pressure will come up to around 40-43 , are you sure you have the timing right , TDC on the compression stroke , it could be 180 out ??.....Lew
 
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 01:16 PM
  #10  
RIKIL's Avatar
RIKIL
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by lew52
I would keep the 19# injectors in till you get it to run , when you put in the 30# you will need a computer tune or a mass air meter thats set for 30# injectors , with 36 psi it should start then the fuel pressure will come up to around 40-43 , are you sure you have the timing right , TDC on the compression stroke , it could be 180 out ??.....Lew
Before I put the 19# injectors in the fuel rail, I did a BASIC test where I gave each one power and blew through the top, I got fuel and then air out of each.

I do have all the calibration needed for the 30# injectors but would still like to get it running with 19# injectors first.

As for the timing, I am getting occasional detonation so I am pretty sure I am on the compression stroke, but wouldn't be too much trouble to change it. When I put the distributor in and the crank is at 0 deg (TDC), the rotor in the distributor is pointing to the right (3 o'clock) when looking from the front to back of the truck. I am looking for a final timing of 14-16 BTDC so I am rotating the distributor a little clockwise and then trying to start the engine.
 
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 01:33 PM
  #11  
Slip ford man's Avatar
Slip ford man
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
From: Calverton
Originally Posted by RIKIL
B When I put the distributor in and the crank is at 0 deg (TDC), the rotor in the distributor is pointing to the right (3 o'clock) when looking from the front to back of the truck. I am looking for a final timing of 14-16 BTDC so I am rotating the distributor a little clockwise and then trying to start the engine.

3 o'clock is not correct for #1 @TDC, most likely timing being your problem
 
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 01:58 PM
  #12  
RIKIL's Avatar
RIKIL
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by Slip ford man
3 o'clock is not correct for #1 @TDC, most likely timing being your problem
I've got a mark on the distributor where the wire goes for the #1 cylinder and I have rotated the distributor to where that mark is at when I put it in. So when I put the rotor in, it is pointing to 3 o'clock. When I put the cap on, the #1 wire is at the 3 o'clock position and the wires are attached according to the stock firing order.

That's not right?
 
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 02:11 PM
  #13  
Slip ford man's Avatar
Slip ford man
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
From: Calverton
As long as you can turn her both ways for adjustment, that would be ok. Usually if #1 is not at the 12:30-1:30 o'clock position, you then would have issues with the loss of adjusting rotation movement, and also the electrical lead becoming to short to reach the connector.
 
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 02:34 PM
  #14  
Slip ford man's Avatar
Slip ford man
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
From: Calverton
Originally Posted by RIKIL
When I put the cap on, the #1 wire is at the 3 o'clock position and the wires are attached according to the stock firing order.

That's not right?

Let me ask you this, is your #1 wire on the cap at the factory embossed #1 mark on the top of the cap?
 
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 03:03 PM
  #15  
RIKIL's Avatar
RIKIL
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by Slip ford man
Let me ask you this, is your #1 wire on the cap at the factory embossed #1 mark on the top of the cap?

It is. I can tell you this because I just got the truck running. I ran it for about 5 min and realized that I needed more coolant so I got to go get some.

There was a good amount of smoke coming out of the exhaust. Not sure how long that should last for but everything seemed OK. The oil pressure was normal and it was idling fine at 2300 RPM. No strange bangs or noises. I am just not sure what to expect. It's my first motor I installed, let alone put together. I am surprised I got it to start.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:27 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic 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 | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
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-4
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-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

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


VIEW MORE
story-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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