Guys

First of all, what a great Forum....I already found a ton of helpful info.

I bough a 1990 F150 4x4 8 cylinder for use as a farm truck, just for the odd jobs. The truck was sitting for 2 years and without too much effort I got it going.

I then started it every day and let it idle for a while ....almost perfect!! Then suddenly it does not start any more....cant get it to fire!

I have a spark, the air lines are open, seems to be having fuel in the line!!!!

Any ideas?

 

Is the selected fuel pump and the frame fuel pump running for one second and quitting or do the fuel pumps run all the time the key is on with the engine not running?

 

I can hear them cme on but only for a few seconds. Definately not running all the time.

 

Try pulling codes using the method outlined here: Fuel Injection Technical Library » How To Run a Self-Test

You might also buy a code reader. They're about $30 depending on which parts store you go to. Much easier if you're terrible at counting, like me. This is what I have: Equus Innova 3145 - Digital Code Reader | O'Reilly Auto Parts

 

Then put a fuel pressure gauge on it.
Ground pin #6 of the self-test plug and turn on the key.
You should get from about 42-45psi.
You will have to have about 28psi for it even try to start.



/

 

Thanks Guys!

I will have time to play with this again on the weekend and will keep yo0u posted.

ps never done this before!

 

I have one question though, it was starting and running fine a few days ago and now it suddenly is dead!!???? Does this happen as quickly as a light bulb going ot?

 

It can.
I was thinking maybe the fuel filter plugged up from junk from the tank if it had been setting that long.
That is why I said to do a fuel pressure check.
You can rent a gauge from a lot of auto part stores.

 

I replaced the filter after it did it the first time, then it ran and stated fine and the next day it was dead, turning over good and everything but not firing!

Thanks for all the help!

 

You may need to clean out the tank, blow out the lines and replace the filter again.

 

Is there a way to check whether it is a fuel blockage/starvation?Maybe bypass the tank somehow?

 

That is why I suggested the fuel pressure gauge above.
Just hook it to the fuel rail and do what I posted above in post #5.

 

Hi Guys

I ran a few codes today and the codes I got was (engine off ignition on)

21
24
26
63

I also tested the fuel pressure on the rail, I got just over 40psi.

Still not starting - any ideas?

Thanks

 

Sounds like you have an open wire between the TPS and the computer or no +5VDC to the TPS.
The TPS could also be bad.

Codes 21, 24 & 26 are normal for a cold engine.

 

Thanks Subford,

I am going to see if I can find an open wire.

Any test that I can do for the TPS?