1995 351 starting trouble
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1995 351 starting trouble
Hey, Thanks in advance for the help. I've been driving me 1995 F-150 351 for a while with no trouble. First problem I had, the fuel pump on the front tank stopped working. I started using the rear tank with no trouble. About a month after, the truck would crank over for a while before it would start. I ignored the problem because it would always start in the end. Next it started stalling on the road, usually starting back up. Kept driving it until it started to stall and take a while to start back up, or it wouldn't start at all. I replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter on the front tank, hoping that would fix the problem. The problem persisted so I used fuel treatment hoping to fix a possible clog in the fuel line or injectors. No luck although it did seem to run a little smoother after.
By the way, the truck always runs excellent in between starting issues, or stalling randomly. I don't know how to go about diagnosing the problem, and I don't have a lot of money to throw parts at it or put it in a shop. Anybody have any ideas for me? Or can I do anything to gather more information about possible problems.
By the way, the truck always runs excellent in between starting issues, or stalling randomly. I don't know how to go about diagnosing the problem, and I don't have a lot of money to throw parts at it or put it in a shop. Anybody have any ideas for me? Or can I do anything to gather more information about possible problems.
Fleet Owner
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From: Easton,Ks
First check for spark when it dose not start. If the spark is OK then I would rent a fuel pressure gauge from an auto part store and check the fuel pressure by grounding pin #6 of the self-test plug. You should get 40psi on either tank.
If you do not have spark then I would change out the PIP sensor in the distributor or test it.
If you do not have spark then I would change out the PIP sensor in the distributor or test it.
Fleet Owner
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From: Easton,Ks
Rent the fuel pressure tester and check each tank when you have a problem as stated above.
Tuned
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From: Virginia Beach/Wisconsin
Also, one thing to check in addition to Sub's instructions would be "WHEN" it doesn't start/re-start make everything quiet, turn switch to run and listen to see if the fuel pump even comes on. Could be fuel pump relay acting up or a wiring problem also. Swapping fuel pump relay out with another is a quick check when it acts up. If no change, then ya know you need to dig farther. Just a thought.
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Sorry its taken me a little while to get back to here.
I wasn't able to get that fuel pressure tester, but I noticed when I am having trouble it also doesn't spray any fuel from the straighter valve when I push something into it. ( IDK if that is a legitimate way to test fuel pressure or not)
I also checked if the fuel pump was turning on, and was able to hear it. I also swapped the relays with a nearby relay and had no change.
I wasn't able to get that fuel pressure tester, but I noticed when I am having trouble it also doesn't spray any fuel from the straighter valve when I push something into it. ( IDK if that is a legitimate way to test fuel pressure or not)
I also checked if the fuel pump was turning on, and was able to hear it. I also swapped the relays with a nearby relay and had no change.
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Ok, now it doesn't want to start at all, even with starting fluid. When I was getting it to start with starting fluid it didn't really work as well the second time I tried. I would spray for 3 seconds, when I cranked it sounded like a diesel engine and hardly sputtered to a start after many tries. Now its not working at all, maybe a spark issue after all.
To test for spark, can I pull a plug wire and put an old spark plug in, ground that and turn the engine over? Is that an accurate method?
To test for spark, can I pull a plug wire and put an old spark plug in, ground that and turn the engine over? Is that an accurate method?
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I wasn't able to get spark using this method, is there a more legit method to test now that I can suspect this is the problem?
If the problem is spark, why was I able to have the truck running so well before?
If the problem is spark, why was I able to have the truck running so well before?
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From: Easton,Ks
Very doubtful with a black remote mounted ICM. Very seldom do they go bad.
More likely the PCM Computer is stopping the spark.
Try pulling the SPOUT shorting bar jumper out and see if spark returns.
More likely the PCM Computer is stopping the spark.
Try pulling the SPOUT shorting bar jumper out and see if spark returns.
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Ok, while trying a few other things I actually located the spout jumping bar. The truck still does not have spark after removing it. (I have a legit spark tester now too)
Ive also tested the ignition coil and believe that is ok.
Ive also tested the ignition coil and believe that is ok.