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Starting issues below freezing

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Old Dec 18, 2013 | 06:44 AM
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Starting issues below freezing

I have an 02 250 5.4. 103,000 miles. My truck at random times will not start in below freezing temps. Turns over just fine but Acts as if a frozen fuel line. I can get it running by pouring hot water on the fuel rail or a shot of starting fluid or sometimes both. It's been going on about 3 or 4 weeks now and I have ran through 4 bottles of dry gas with about 15 gallons each time. Also have replaced fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator. I'm 99.9% positive the pump is working and there are no leaks in the lines or holes in tank that I can see. My next step is to drop the tank and clean it out but trying to avoid that. Anyone have any ideas
 
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Old Dec 18, 2013 | 06:48 AM
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Welcome to FTE Zant.

What is your fuel pressure at idle?
 
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Old Dec 18, 2013 | 07:15 AM
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I have no idea. But once it is started and warmed up and running it runs perfectly fine. If the temp is above 40 I have no issues. Below 40, after the pump cycles there is what sounds like a pressure release blow off sound by the fuel rail, but I can't tell exactly where this sound comes from
 
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Old Dec 18, 2013 | 07:33 AM
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Also I do not have a gauge/tester. Will a tire pressure gauge work?
 
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Old Dec 18, 2013 | 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Zant
Also I do not have a gauge/tester. Will a tire pressure gauge work?

Sorry but no you cant use a tire pressure gauge to test your fuel pressure.. Go to your local auto parts store and you can rent a tester.. They only run about 20 bucks.. Redford asks because he wants to see what the pressure is when the key is on and when its running to see if you have bleed bye..
 
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Old Dec 18, 2013 | 11:19 AM
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one more question.. when you hear that "blow off" sound does the engine bay smell like fuel.. is so check your "O" rings on the injectors.. also look for fuel pooling or squiriting while the truck is running
 
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Old Dec 18, 2013 | 12:27 PM
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There are no leaks at all anywhere in the fuel system that I can see. And no smell of gas. I will have to go get a gauge so I can read the pressure.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2013 | 04:16 PM
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Update on the blow off sound. Since it warmed up today I was able to get someone to turn the key while I listened and that sound actually seems to be coming from the (fuel vapor canister) between the air box and fender. And I no longer think it is a blow off it sounds more like a vibrating inhale gasp. Almost like a short fast snore. Still have not yet gotten a gauge to check pressure. my wife is spending all the money on Xmas.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2013 | 06:35 PM
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Try repeating that test with the gas cap removed and see if the sound goes away. Just a hunch, but you may have a fuel tank venting issue.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2013 | 08:10 PM
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Tried it with the gas cap off and still getting the exact same noise.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2013 | 08:57 PM
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I used to get the purge noise all the time with my 2001v10, never paid no never mind.
Sounds like a sticky IAC on the starting issue.
Next time it does it give it some gas when it doesn't want to start, if it starts and starts to idle after a while if it's an Idle Air Control(IAC) valve.
You can take them off and try cleaning it.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2013 | 05:58 AM
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It hasn't been starting for 4 days now. Any combination of pushing the gas pedal has no effect. When it sets for a little while it will start up for about 3 seconds and then stalls. Then it will not refire no matter how much cranking or cycling the pump. Let it sit and it fires up for another 3 seconds.
 
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Old Dec 28, 2013 | 03:07 PM
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Ok just got the pressure checked. Zero across the board at the rail. But you can still hear the pump run in the tank
 
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Old Dec 28, 2013 | 05:41 PM
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Sounds like a clogged fuel filter or bad pump..just because the pump runs doesn't mean it's getting the needed pressure to run..
 
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Old Jan 18, 2014 | 07:54 PM
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Replaced the pump and every thing seams to be fixed.
 
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