did an oil and filter change yesterday, along with both fuel filters and installed an updated drain plug at the HFCM. in order to get it out, i had to remove the plate that the drain plug screws in to to get the old plug out. this meant disconnecting the four fuel lines that go into it. that along with an axle u-joint took about 2.5 hours, so all went really well. i shoulda known better.

started the truck, fired right up and purred like a kitten.. for about a minute. i then noticed a lope at the tail pipe, which got worse and worse until the engine was bucking and then died. then it would not restart.

i am assuming the truck started and ran on what was still in the upper bowl, then that was it. we tried and tried to get fuel back up to the bowl, but it just won't do it. i get a little "glug" when you first turn the key over, thats it. so here are the facts:

- both fuel filters and oil filter replaced using Motorcraft parts
- HFCM side cover removed to replace drain plug (o-ring is in great shape on plate, drain plug is new)
- fuel lines were disconnected at HFCM to remove cover, verified to be reseated well
- cycled key a few times to purge air like i've succesfully done before w/ filter changes
- no fuel getting to top bowl
- after cycling key many times, opening water drain valve drops no fuel
- lower filter cap is on tight/fully seated (verified 4 times), new o-ring
- all oil-related numbers check out (fresh T6, good IPR/ICP values cranking)
- checked fuel pump trip switch in passenger footwell
- fuel pump fuse good
- no codes
- manually filled top bowl with fuel, still wont fire

i will update this list as questions are asked.

at this point i am convinced it's something in/around the HFCM area not letting fuel through, but everything seems to check out.

 

How much fuel is in the tank? If it's low it might not be picking up. Typically I'd say you were sucking air somewhere but it sounds like you checked for that.

 

Does the pump run as soon as the key is turned to the on position? It should run for approximately 20 seconds with the key in the on position. Did you get the cover plate tightened good when you reinstalled it? That cover may need a new gasket.

 

Fuel pump plugged in all the way. Connection could of got bumped. I would unplug it and make sure it has good connection. Can you hear the pump at all with key on?

 

1/4, as recommended by many when doing filters.

i hear a humming at the HFCM; should i hear something closer to the tank? i did tighten the cover plate, and disassembled it two more times to verify the o-ring was seating correctly. cleaned it all with brake cleaner the first time it was apart too.

i didn't disconnect or work near the tank, only the two plugs on the HFCM (which i thought were just the water sensor and the fuel heater).

 

Double-check your LOWER filter cap is fully seated.

Replaced my fuel filters yesterday too.
Afterwards no fuel pressure (luckily I have a FP gauge on my A-piller )
I spent about 30-minutes focused on the upper fuel filter - since it was so much easier, lots of air coming out after I loosened it each time, kept me thinking just lots of air to purge.

Finally, went back under (had to jack it up again, I'm 2wd )
and went to remove the lower filter when I realized it was coming off to easy, found I had NOT tightened it all the way, I had previously tightened it until it "felt snug" but it was just a false "snug", just hit a bind point I guess. Anyway tightened it quite a bit more until it seated.

cycled key and 69 PSI and THEN I tried to start and it fired right up.

BTW, got a new 3/8" flex-head ratchet fits PERFECTLY up there now no more hitting the transmission crossmember now. I use a 3/8 to 1/2 adaptor on my 36MM socket.

 

lower filter cap is definitely on tight, seated and reseated four times to verify. in the searching online i did most pointed to that, so that was my main focus.

 

Are all the fuel lines on tight?

 

on the lower filter subject, i am wondering about the nuts and bolts of that unit:

there is a barb on the diameter of the filter that looks like it catches a raised bar in the HFCM casting as the cap is turned, which keeps it from turning any further and lines the little fingers up in the filter to engage the female slots on the HFCM side, and as you tighten the filter cap that spring-loaded female side compresses, assumingly opening the fuel line to the secondary filter? i thought maybe it was something in the filter not doing that, but that doesn't make sense that the Motorcraft part wouldn't. also like i said above, opening the water drain after all this key cycling doesn't produce any fuel, so it's not even getting fuel to the upstream side of the filter in the HFCM (assuming thats how this thing works).

appreciate the responses guys.

 

they are those silly quick disconnects, which i did go back and remove/reinstall, all with positive "clicks" upon seating.

 

I would get some more fuel to put in the tank to at least eliminate low fuel being the problem. To me it sounds like you're not getting any fuel TO the pump, but of course sucking air wouldn't allow it to pick up either.

 

X2. Easiest and you can rule it out.

 

Almost sounds as if its not priming the pump. Maybe put some air pressure to the tank and help prime it when key is on.

 

looking at some HFCM pics on google it looks like the fuel pump plug harness is right behind the WIF sensor at the HFCM.. i will have to verify THAT didn't get bumped like you said. but as mentioned i DO hear a humming for just a few seconds at the HFCM when the key is cycled (along with some gurgling..), so i assume the pump is running.

gosh wouldn't that be a happy ending fix..

 

You hear gurgling? And the fuel bowl is not filling up? If thats the case I would put another 5 gallons of fuel in there as suggested before.