Fuel Fiasco
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Trailering
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Fuel Fiasco
Hey all, the past week or so I have had a mess of fuel problems.
The truck is a 94 7.3idi with a new ip, new injectors and return lines ~30k km ago
I changed my fuel filter about a week ago and was having an issue where the truck would fire right up, die after about 5 seconds, then struggle to fire up again.
I found that my fuel heater plug was leaking so I removed the hearing element and plugged the hole.
Now the truck fires right up and no longer dies, but is lacking power and has the occasional surge. The fuel filter light also comes on under heavy load up hills.
I assume I still have some air intrusion but I'm not sure if that would explain the fuel filter light.
Going to be doing some troubleshooting and work on the truck tomorrow but any ideas to what would be causing these issues would be much appreciated.
The truck is a 94 7.3idi with a new ip, new injectors and return lines ~30k km ago
I changed my fuel filter about a week ago and was having an issue where the truck would fire right up, die after about 5 seconds, then struggle to fire up again.
I found that my fuel heater plug was leaking so I removed the hearing element and plugged the hole.
Now the truck fires right up and no longer dies, but is lacking power and has the occasional surge. The fuel filter light also comes on under heavy load up hills.
I assume I still have some air intrusion but I'm not sure if that would explain the fuel filter light.
Going to be doing some troubleshooting and work on the truck tomorrow but any ideas to what would be causing these issues would be much appreciated.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 35
From: Virginia
Taken from this website:https://www.justanswer.com/ford/1xmd...rs-knocks.html
"1997 F250 7.3 Powerstroke, Fuel filter light comes on when accel. flickers, knocks out ccuise control,- then goes out after getting up to speed..."
"...The fuel bowl has a pressure sensor that is triggering your fuel filter light. The low pressure side of your pump is the problem b/c it can't keep up with the high side, causing you to lose pressure in the fuel bowl. If the high side of the pump goes first, you will lose power but the fuel filter light will not come on...."
"1997 F250 7.3 Powerstroke, Fuel filter light comes on when accel. flickers, knocks out ccuise control,- then goes out after getting up to speed..."
"...The fuel bowl has a pressure sensor that is triggering your fuel filter light. The low pressure side of your pump is the problem b/c it can't keep up with the high side, causing you to lose pressure in the fuel bowl. If the high side of the pump goes first, you will lose power but the fuel filter light will not come on...."
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,737
Likes: 179
From: Western Mass
Taken from this website:https://www.justanswer.com/ford/1xmd...rs-knocks.html
"1997 F250 7.3 Powerstroke, Fuel filter light comes on when accel. flickers, knocks out ccuise control,- then goes out after getting up to speed..."
"...The fuel bowl has a pressure sensor that is triggering your fuel filter light. The low pressure side of your pump is the problem b/c it can't keep up with the high side, causing you to lose pressure in the fuel bowl. If the high side of the pump goes first, you will lose power but the fuel filter light will not come on...."
"1997 F250 7.3 Powerstroke, Fuel filter light comes on when accel. flickers, knocks out ccuise control,- then goes out after getting up to speed..."
"...The fuel bowl has a pressure sensor that is triggering your fuel filter light. The low pressure side of your pump is the problem b/c it can't keep up with the high side, causing you to lose pressure in the fuel bowl. If the high side of the pump goes first, you will lose power but the fuel filter light will not come on...."
However you are correct, the low side, aka lift pump, will cause the fuel filter light to come on if it isn't pushing enough fuel. Mine started doing that a few days before it crapped out altogether.
Replace the mechanical lift pump and it should fix the problem. If it doesn't fix the problem, there is a restriction somewhere in the lines coming from the tank to the lift pump. (or possibly from lift pump to filter)
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
So I performed all the pressure/flow tests and checked lines for restrictions. Got 0psi at the Schrader and about a shotglass forth of fuel from the return fitting in 30secs. Looks like I'm making the electronic pump upgrade.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 35
From: Virginia
I read somewhere online that some pumps located far from the tank can cause air/oxygen from the fuel if it draws too much fuel from the originally sized fuel line.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 35
From: Virginia
Yeah, the fuel has a percentage of dissolved air from the factory, delivery and vehicle movement. The temprature and vacuum difference, especially at suction filters (or water separators?) can release this air where it starts to accumulate.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 247
Likes: 29
For your electronic upgrade I'd go with either the Facet or Holley Black. Might as well redo the whole fuel system if it's stock. It'll be failing anyway soon because of the age.
I recommend this kit:
https://classicdieseldesigns.com/pro...da977bd5&_ss=r
Pricey up front? Yes, but when price compared it'll actually save you about $100 than if you bought everything individually. 3 stage filter, IP hard line upgrade, fuel Guage & regulator. Good deal. You can also add a tank sump while you're at it.
I recommend this kit:
https://classicdieseldesigns.com/pro...da977bd5&_ss=r
Pricey up front? Yes, but when price compared it'll actually save you about $100 than if you bought everything individually. 3 stage filter, IP hard line upgrade, fuel Guage & regulator. Good deal. You can also add a tank sump while you're at it.
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