Initial Start up Problem!

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Nov 8, 2023 | 10:49 PM

rickrick

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Nov 2023

Posts: 6

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Initial Start up Problem!

1988 F-150 4.9 Liter 6 cylinder
When I turn the key to the run position, I can hear the fuel pump running. If the engine is already warm, then the fuel pump runs for just a couple seconds and I am able to start the engine and it runs without any problems. But, first thing in the morning, the engine won't start right away. The fuel pump keeps running for 4 to 5 minutes. The engine won't start until after those 5 minutes and the pump has stopped running. Once I get the engine running, there are no problems and it runs good all day. I can stop and start many times. I saw the following threads
Fuel pump runs constantly - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
97 F 350, 351 Fuel pump/pumps keep running. No start. - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
Is my solution the same? Is it the PCM(computer) that is causing my problem? Or is it something else? My local mechanic replaced the fuel pressure regulator. It didn't help at all.

Last edited by rickrick; Nov 8, 2023 at 11:27 PM.

Nov 9, 2023 | 01:58 AM

Truckwardo

More Turbo

Joined: Oct 2023

Posts: 607

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From: Canada

Have you replaced the electrolytic capacitors inside the kickwell computer?

Nov 9, 2023 | 04:58 AM

manicmechanic007

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Joined: Jul 2020

Posts: 10,268

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From: Near Salt Lake City

Yes, your processor is on the fritz
Capacitors or replace

Nov 9, 2023 | 11:25 AM

rickrick

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Nov 2023

Posts: 6

Likes: 2

Thank you, Truckwardo and manicmechanic007, for your posts and your conformation.
I will take the computer out of my truck and examine the capacitors.

Nov 9, 2023 | 01:31 PM

rla2005

Fleet Owner

Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Kentucky

Do not be surprised if there is only one capacitor. Early EFI trucks have only one. Even if it looks good the symptoms point to a failing computer.

Nov 9, 2023 | 03:35 PM

rickrick

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Nov 2023

Posts: 6

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Thank you, rla2005, I will probably replace the computer.

Nov 10, 2023 | 05:32 PM

rickrick

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Nov 2023

Posts: 6

Likes: 2

I removed my truck's computer(Ford EEC IV). I found that all three electrolytic capacitors had been leaking. I saw this YouTube video

I am not as capable as that guy. I won't attempt to replace the capacitors. I am amazed that the truck was still running with all that circuit board damage. Also amazing is that when my truck was scanned, no error codes were emitted that described my computer problem. Here is a photo.

The capacitor that I pushed over only had one lead still attached.
Now, I will try to find the proper replacement. I inputted my details into napaonline.com and they listed several items. I just have to figure out which one to order. The price is about $225.

Last edited by rickrick; Nov 10, 2023 at 06:00 PM.