Start – Don’t Start – Start issues

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Dec 22, 2012 | 04:27 PM

0013

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Start – Don’t Start – Start issues

I’m wondering if any of y’all can help me troubleshoot…

I have a 2001 F-250 with the 6.8l V10 and 160k miles. It runs smooth and gets all the routine maintenance as scheduled. Thursday night I was out and on my way home stopped to top off the tank; parked at the pump, filled up, got back in to start her up. She fired up and stalled just about as fast – from then on it would just crank and crank and crank but would not fire up. I checked what I could at the station (you gotta love when they only sell gas and can’t actually help you with a problem) and finally gave in and called for a tow – fortunately it was only a couple miles home.

Fuses are all good
Battery is fully charged
From what I can tell, all the connections under the hood are okay
We are definitely getting sparks
No codes are being thrown (checking with an Actron 9185)

Today I was doing some cleanup outside and I decided that every so often I would try to start her. After quite a few times experiencing the same cranking and no starting as the other night I decided to quit. Cleaned up the tools and was pulling out the code reader and decided to try one last time – fired right up! Hooked the code reader back up and reran all the diagnostics – nothing. Kept it connected initiated ‘drive cycle mode’ and took off for a leisurely cruise – about 20 miles or so. Still no codes.

I’m baffled. Has anyone run into something like this before? I was thinking the fuel pump or the fuel relay, but since it started and actually ran really well, I’m confused.

Please help – Thanks, Jeff

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Dec 22, 2012 | 05:54 PM

wpnaes

FTE Chapter Leader

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 30,591

Likes: 1,236

From: N. IL

Hey Jeff, definitely check fuel pressure at the rail to see if it's gettin' enough gas.
A few posts searching on Fuel Pressure:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...o-restart.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-pressure.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-pressure.html

Dec 23, 2012 | 10:59 AM

0013

Thread Starter

Freshman User

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Thanks for the links Sean - I'll definitely check them out
- it's very frustrating, started right up again this morning.

Dec 23, 2012 | 06:00 PM

barthel

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Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 991

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From: Newberry Springs, CA

I'm gonna say fuel pump.

Mine did the exact same thing prior to the fuel pump going Tango Uniform.

Dec 23, 2012 | 11:54 PM

jerem0621

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Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 445

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Quote:

Originally Posted by barthel

I'm gonna say fuel pump.

Mine did the exact same thing prior to the fuel pump going Tango Uniform.

Could it be as simple as a fuel filter getting plugged up?

Dec 26, 2012 | 09:27 AM

0013

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Freshman User

Joined: Nov 2005

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Quote:

Originally Posted by barthel

I'm gonna say fuel pump.

Mine did the exact same thing prior to the fuel pump going Tango Uniform.

That is what I'm afraid of - anyone have the easy 1-2-3 instructions to replace a fuel pump?

Dec 26, 2012 | 09:28 AM

0013

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 42

Likes: 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerem0621

Could it be as simple as a fuel filter getting plugged up?

If it was the fuel filter wouldn't it run rough once getting it started? Once I got it running it ran smooth and great.

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Dec 27, 2012 | 06:00 PM

0013

Thread Starter

Freshman User

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Tried a new relay in the power distribution box under the hood with no change - still doesn't start. (admittedly, I'm not sure which of the three relay position is correct, but I tried the new relay in all three with similar results - none...)

Fuel filter replacement is next - once a little more snow melts (truck is dead in the street)

More to come...

Dec 31, 2012 | 05:00 PM

#10

0013

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UPDATE

Hi guys,

I changed out all 3 relays in the power distribution box and the fuel filter. Didn't start, but by this time battery was crapped out from trying to start it so many tomes. So, took it out, went to Sears, had it tested, tested bad, home with a new battery and it fired right up. Ran a couple short errands yesterday with no problems. Worked great going to work this morning. After work... nothing. Wouldn't start. Another call and tow courtesy of AAA.

Question: When they were dropping the truck from the flatbed, while still up on an angle, there was a not unsubstantial amount of fuel dripping from the back of the fuel tank. Is there some type of pressure release valve or something that would account for the fuel coming out of the tank while at that angle? Or am I screwed?

I'm hopeful I don't have to do anything with the fuel tank here - but am a bit concerned with what I saw dripping out today.

Also... found the new battery completely drained. Connected the charger for a short while and... fired right up. Looks like I'll be pulling the alternator and taking it to advance auto for testing tomorrow.