Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

f450 fuel problem - need help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 25, 2012 | 08:48 PM
  #1  
jsheffield88's Avatar
jsheffield88
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
f450 fuel problem - need help

My 7.3 Diesel is fuel starved. It acts as though its running out of fuel. I tried dropping the tank to see if it was a pick up tube problem, saw a disintegrated screen, replaced it, but no better. I fill up the fuel filter res with fuel, start it up, and it will drive about a quarter mile before running out. Put in new fuel filter - no change. have good pressure in the outlet next to the fuel filter until it starts to starve. Thinking about the transfer switch for the tanks. thinking abut bypassing them, but don't know where to get the hoses and have been advised not to cut them. I don't want to replace the fuel pump unless I am sure that is the problem, besides, it seems a little out of my league. Any suggestions?
 
Reply
Old May 26, 2012 | 03:13 AM
  #2  
A/Ox4's Avatar
A/Ox4
9 ECHO 1
15 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
Club FTE Silver Member

Check fuel pressure. Replacing the pump isnt hard.
 
Reply
Old May 26, 2012 | 11:45 AM
  #3  
Kajtek1's Avatar
Kajtek1
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 2
From: CA Bay Area
What exactly did you replace on fuel tank pickup?
Those engines do have tank strainer, than fuel mixer with fine screens, that are common for clogging by fuel residue. Here are mine for comparison. The top would not let the fuel go. Notice there is no heavy dirt on it - just shellack like residue

 
Reply
Old May 27, 2012 | 09:43 AM
  #4  
jsheffield88's Avatar
jsheffield88
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Thanks for responding. The filter in you photo is on th side of the fuel filter assembly on the top of the engine. Mine seems fine. There is no air restriction when I blow thru it. The screen assembly that I replaced in the tank was a relatively simple part. There did not seem to be any secondary type screen in the tank. The only screen that seems possibly to be clogged was in an assemly that bolts to the side of the fuel filter housing. It is about the size of the thimble with a circiular screen a little smaller than a dime. This part has a very small hole in it. It is difficult for me to determine the purpose of this part or if is causing my issue. It is not available locally. Besides, I doubt that is my problem. I cleaned it out with no change in the motor's behavior.
 
Reply
Old May 27, 2012 | 09:52 AM
  #5  
jsheffield88's Avatar
jsheffield88
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by A/Ox4
Check fuel pressure. Replacing the pump isnt hard.
How do I check the fuel pressure?
 
Reply
Old May 27, 2012 | 10:43 AM
  #6  
Kajtek1's Avatar
Kajtek1
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 2
From: CA Bay Area
If you don't have the filters I pictured above in your tank, that means PO deleted them (quite common) and you should have aftermarket filter on the line somewhere.
How about a picture of the device you have on the side of the main filter?
Check the line before fuel pump for other filters.
 
Reply
Old May 27, 2012 | 10:49 AM
  #7  
jsheffield88's Avatar
jsheffield88
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I do have that filter, but it is located on the side of the assembly at the top of the motor. Is one possibility is the tank transfer switch? I am thinking about bypassing it. Your thoughts? I will try to post a photo.
 
Reply
Old May 27, 2012 | 10:53 AM
  #8  
jsheffield88's Avatar
jsheffield88
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I could not locate any other filters other than those I mentioned.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

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

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

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

 Brett Foote
story-5

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

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-9

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old May 27, 2012 | 11:08 AM
  #9  
A/Ox4's Avatar
A/Ox4
9 ECHO 1
15 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by jsheffield88
How do I check the fuel pressure?
7.3L PSD - How To: Measure Fuel Pressure - YouTube
 
Reply
Old May 27, 2012 | 11:28 AM
  #10  
jsheffield88's Avatar
jsheffield88
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Awesome video. Thanks. My truck has a schraeder valve installed. I don't have a gauge, but after I filled the filter bowl and started the engine, then stuck a punch in the end of the valve, ample fuel pumped out of the schraeder valve. The flow decreased as the engine became fuel starved again. If I fill up the filter bowl, the truck cranks with no problem, but it will only run for about a half mile. Is it possible my tank transfer switch has malfunctioned? The truck sat up for a couple of years before I recently put it back in service. I believe my truck has a mechanical fuel pump. I went to the dealership w/ my vin number and got a diagram showing a mechanical fuel pump located below and to the right of the fuel filter bowl assembly. In addition, I have not been able to locate an electric pump.
 
Reply
Old May 27, 2012 | 11:56 AM
  #11  
Kajtek1's Avatar
Kajtek1
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 2
From: CA Bay Area
So your 7.3 is older than 1999?
That is why we can and should put our trucks in the profile.
Go down to diesel section with your engine model for more precise help.
 
Reply
Old May 27, 2012 | 12:05 PM
  #12  
jsheffield88's Avatar
jsheffield88
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
yes. I have a 95 F450. I hate to start all over again in another section. I am somewhat new to this type of collaboration, and may have ended up in the wrong section. However, this problem should be diagnosable by someone with your knowledge. I feel like I am close to an answer and hate to start over.
 
Reply
Old May 27, 2012 | 12:09 PM
  #13  
A/Ox4's Avatar
A/Ox4
9 ECHO 1
15 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
Club FTE Silver Member

Can a moderator please move this to the correct forum.
 
Reply
Old May 28, 2012 | 12:45 PM
  #14  
powerstroke72's Avatar
powerstroke72
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
Moved to the correct forum.
 
Reply
Old May 28, 2012 | 01:33 PM
  #15  
fordpride's Avatar
fordpride
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 15,505
Likes: 18
From: Livoina,La
Does it do this on both tanks?
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:07 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