It,s been a real workhorse very reliable until the other day. Went to take off from a stop gave it some gas and it suddenly died. I cranked and cranked and it just wouldn't start it wanted to. I then shot some starting fluid in the intake and fired right up only to die once the prime ran out. It has a 302 with alot of miles on it. I could use some help on what to do first to get it running again. It has duel fuel tanks. So does that mean 2 fuel pumps and also a thing that looks like a fuel pump in the rail on the drivers side and a large canister type deal directly behind it. It's quite the deal. Anyway I could use some help on this one. Any advise or where to start would be appreciated

 

Does this sound like a jumped timing chain to anyone?

 

Sure reminds me of mine!

Simple test:

Timing Chain Slack Test

 

If it started with starting fluid, perhaps it is not getting fuel?
Did it seem to run smooth when it did start with the starting fluid?
If you have a helper to start the van for you, you can spray the starting fluid in a couple of times to see if you can keep it running. I have heard it is not good to do that very long though. But you could do it to see if it runs smooth.
If it does, that may rule out a timing chain.

Check the fuel pressure at the schrader valve on the fuel rail. i don’t have my cd manual at home with me right now so I don't remember where it is on the fuel rail. It may be on the back and you have to remove the doghouse cover.
You can quickly press the shrader valve to see if you have any pressure. That will only tell you if you have any pressure, not how much.
If you don’t have a fuel pressure gauge and can not get a loaner one from a parts store, get one of the cheap round tire pressure gauges from the parts store and use it.
Slime 5-60 PSI mini magnetic dial gauge with tire 20034- ReadReviews onSlime #20034
You can just press it down on the shrader valve and get a half way accurate reading while leaking gas.. Harbor Freight has a fuel pressure gauge for $20
Fuel Injection Pump Tester

If you don’t have any fuel pressure then it could be one of several things. Bad fuse, fuel pump relay, ECM, tank selector switch, one of the fuel pumps, or in the wiring.

You have 2 low pressure pumps, one in each tank and 1 high pressure pump on the frame rail. The canister looking thing is a fuel reservoir, not a filter. Do not try to take it apart because it may break.. It is my understanding that the reservoir is needed because at times with the gas peddle all the way to the floor, the low pressure pump may not be able to keep up with the fuel demand.
You also have a fuel filter somewhere in the general area.. you might want to change it too.

Prior to this problem, was it working fine both tanks? If so, if one tank pump has gone bad, you should be able to swap to the other and it should start. I am sure you already tried that.

The low pressure pump for which ever tank you have selected will always run along with the high pressure pump. The low pressure pump in the tank is sometimes hard to hear over the high pressure pump, that is why I ask about swapping tanks. Do you hear the pump kick in momentarily when you turn the ignition switch on? If not, check the fuse and relay first. If i remember correctly, the fuel pump relay on the 88 is mounted on the fender between the battery and AC evaporator box. I believe on mine it is green... Mine is original.

Here is a diagram to help you out if needed..

 

To me it sounds like a fuel delivery issue, especially since it started when you sprayed starting fluid in the intake while cranking and it started. I don't know a lot about the gasser setup, but if the setup is as annaleigh has said then I would think it is either the high pressure pump or the circuit providing it power. It is unlikely, though not impossible, that both low pressure in tank pumps quit at the same time. If tests show it is both, then I would think it was the circuit providing the power rather than the pump itself. For me, the first step would be to check for pressure at the fuel rails and then check power to the high and low pressure fuel pumps.

 

After reading your post Jayro88, I thought what if the pumps are working?
Now if I am correct a fuel pressure regulator can go bad and the pumps can pump all day but it will not build up enough pressure, It may still run though but not have enough fuel to pull under a load? In that case though it should still start, i would think..

Here is how to test the FPR
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post10946942

Also if he is getting duel pressure, then since it fires up with starting fluid, seems it would have to be in the injector circuit. I cant remember but it seems like there are a couple of parts that can cause the injectors not to activate..

But like you Jayro88, first would be to check the pressure and pumps...

 

If there is pressure at the rails, then the next step would be to check the actual fuel psi reading with a gauge. My bet would be either a fuse/electrical circuit issue affecting one of the fuel pump circuits. After that would be the single high pressure pump since I find it unlikely that both low pressure pumps would fail at exactly the same time........although I have seen stranger things happen.

 

Also check the MAP sensor.

 

sounds exactly like what just happened to me... if you're getting no pressure at the rails nor hearing the fuel pump turn on then go get a new fuel pump relay (green cube inside the passenger side fender, take it with you to ensure the plugs match up)

this don't cost to much and will not be terrible if that isn't what it is and you now have an extra relay for the future.

If it is what it is then great.

 

Crank faster/harder.

 

Pull your lip over your head and swallow!

 

you and I talked about this already didn't we?