So I picked up my grand dads old 1990 Ford f-250 last October. Its the XLT Lariat edition I believe. He hasnt been able to drive much for several years and it has just been sitting in his driveway. I was hoping to fix it up and make it a daily driver for a while. Well I drove it a good 45 miles home the day I picked it up. I Know it needs a few things before Ill be comfortable driving it. It only has 70k miles on it. I'll be doing the normal maintenance - oil change etc. also a lot of the rubber including tires has been sitting out in the sun for 5+ years. I got some new tires, will need new wipers, maybe some hoses as well. I'm sure I'll find more things as I go.

Anyways, I decided today since gas prices have dropped so low that I'd start it up and go down the block to fill it up. Maybe go get the new tires mounted etc. Well I started it up just fine, and let it run for 5 mins or so. Drove down the street oh about a block and a half maybe, pulled into the gas station and filled up one of the tanks.

When I got back in the truck I looked down to see that it still only read 1/4 tank full. It does have a 2 tank setup so I figured I'd just switch over to the other tank. (This might have proven to be the fatal mistake).
At this point it won't start. Cranking just fine but cant get it to turn over. tried for a while thinking the line didnt have fuel just yet. After a while it wouldn't start so I swapped back to the first tank... and still wouldn't start. Had to call a tow in to take me 1.5 blocks home. My question is, where would I start?

I have no idea the last time that tank was used, or what kind of garbage got pumped into the lines when I poured all that new gas in.

I'm no mechanic but I can typically do most things at home myself or with some help.
Any insights you can provide would be much appreciated.

woohoo 1st post.

 

First thing, what motor is in it?

Next, check your fuel pressure. Unplug the vacuum line from the regulator and turn on the key to ignition, do not start. Test the fuel pressure (find fitting on fuel rail). I'm thinking bad gas as a start and that filters need to be replaced...at the least. It sounds like you have at least one good fuel pump

Last, pull the codes and report back.

 

sorry, 5.8 EFI

 

When is the last time the fuel filter was replaced?


When you put it in the on position can you hear the fuel pumps? (these trucks have loud fuel pumps).


Other then that I would say do as RIKIL says.
Trav

 

Fuel filters... who knows. He bought the truck new in 1990 - put 70k miles on it and it has sat there in the sun for years. paint ain't great, and tires are sun rotted out. I'll add fuel filters to my list of tune up things to pick up.
Where are the filters located on this model?

Yes I can hear the fuel pumps kick on.

I wonder if the battery is going... by the time it stopped cranking it was only at about 8-10.
I threw a trickle charger on it as well while I'm at home for the day.
Could be battery was just low as I was trying to start it on a bad tank for too long. Will let it charge and try the tank that I know was working.

 

Below the cab on the frame rail. They have little clips make sure you get new ones as 9 times out of 10 they break when you pull them (should come with the new filter).


If it is an auto I would change the trans filter to be sure the trans doesn't get gunked up (not your problem of not starting but once running it is a good idea.)


If it wasn't slow cranking then I kinda doubt it was the battery however it is worth a shot.
Trav

 

k, so after trickle charging it back up and switching back to the tank I know was working before it starts up fine. If I switch over to the other tank it just cranks, maybe fired a little bit.

Did these dual tank setups come with 2 fuel pumps?

I still think it might just be bad gas, but I suppose the pressure could be low or the other fuel pump could be bad and not working.

I am glad that it will start up. I just need to get supplies to get it tuned up, probably spark plugs, wires, rotor cap, oil change, (it's manual tran, or I'd worry about tran fluid)

I've got a set of new (ish) tires that I will throw on.

I also know I need a valve cover gasket as it has a leak coming just out of the corner on driver's side.

Any other suggestions for the 1 tank not working or some maintenance tips for a truck that has been sitting probably for the better part of 8-12 years?

 

Your truck has 2 fuel pumps. Each tank has it's own high pressure fuel pump as part of the Fuel Delivery Module. It could be a bad pump or as you and many of us suspect, bad fuel.

For reference:



Fuel Delivery Module

courtesy of subford

 

To add to rla2005's post, the FDM's (sending unit and high pressure pumps) are located inside each tank. I have attached the maintenance schedule for '96 trucks. I assume it's the same for 1990. To start, I would definitely change all the fluids - fuel, oil, cooling, Transfer case (if 4X4), transmission (even though you said it's a manual), and rear axle. If you do have 4X4, one area of concern is the shift linkage under the truck. They fail quite often, so I would lube that up as well. If you like to, or plan on working on your truck often, I highly suggest getting the Ford Service Manual. Don't bother with the Haynes, or other cheap ones. Here is an example of one of the volumes (there are 2 volumes):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1990-Ford-Econoline-F-Series-Bronco-Truck-Shop-Manual-Book-Volume-2-Engine-/121519195621?pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item1c4b1bc5e5&vxp=mtr

 

Thanks!
It's not a 4x4 so that linkage shouldn't be a concern. I am glad you brought up the rear diff though.

 

My '96 manual says to only service the rear diff at 100,000 miles "or if is ever submerged under water". Don't know how hard grandpa rode it, but ya' never know! It can't hurt to do it.