I'm pretty sure my fuel pump is dying (again). Last time I replaced it was only 3 years and 30,000 miles ago, and it is exibiting pretty much the same symptoms as last time, when I replaced it (the HFCM) with a new one from Ford. Are there any other good options out there? What about buying just the pump itself from from somewhere like eBay? I'm not thrilled to be doing this again, and am looking for better options. Suggestions??

Background: Excursion is an early '03 6.0 with 130,000 miles on it. It is currently running fine, but my Dashboss is telling me that the fuel pressure is doing strange things. Most of the time it runs about 57 to 58 PSI (with blue spring mod), but driving down the road I am suddenly seeing the fuel pressure bouncing around a bit like a ping-pong ball, often reading normal, but also often reading in the 20's to 30's, and occasionally reading -2 or -3 PSI (particularly on even very slight inclines)... all without a hiccup. This is NOT normal, and I do keep a regular eye on it. Also, on KOEO, prior to starting, the fuel pump under the front seat does not sound exactly like it usually does. I know this is a bit subjective, but last time it did ALL of this, the fuel pump went out. Also... because everyone will want to know... Yes, I DID change my fuel filters a couple of nights ago to see if it would correct the problem, which it did not. Also... I Always and only run Motorcraft fuel filters. And BTW: Could the fact that I recently pulled about 10,000 lbs of trailer almost 1500 miles have caused this?

Thanks to all!

Mike

 

From what I have read, replacing just the pump is an option. But 1st: have you verified that it isn't your fuel pressure gauge? Because you said it has the same symptoms as last time but then say it doesn't have any running issues, like even at negative fuel pressure?!

I'm thinking pressure sender issue, since others have reported That being a problem they've had....

 

Thanks Dan - Yea.... I thought about that... And it could be that, but the sender is only about 6 mos. old. For the record, it also ran fine last time it was showing this kind of pressure, right up until it actually quit (IIRC). Still... food for thought, and maybe I should change out the sender just in case. Thanks a million for the suggestion!!! Mike

 

I agree with Dan. I'd verify the drops in pressure with a mechanical pressure gauge hooked up. If it is bouncing around and dipping low in the readings I'd then check the fuel pressure relief valve behind the blue spring. It has a rubber seal that I've seen pop out and give wacky readings under high demands. Slow Sunday driving it would read 60. Hook a trailer to it or go full throttle and it would drop to 20-30's randomly. A new kit fixed it.

 

I run an AirDog 4G. Extremely quiet and does 75psi. They claim to remove air, give me two screw on filters... no more fuel baths and don't need the blue spring with lifetime warranty to the buyer. 2 micron filtering means you can skip the upper filter. And I'm hoping with the new pump design, they don't flood every 4-5 years

I do think it's an improvement over stock.

 

I would say to follow 87crewdually's suggestion, as there have been a few instances about this over the years. These HFCMs don't fail typically as your situation implies. I'm at 200k+ on my original.

 

Also check for any suction blockages in the tank.
If the pump can't suck it up. Your not going to
get any pressure that is for sure.



Sean <BR>

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