Wow, its nice to be back on FTE. I just started my summer job as a lighting tech and I am now living in MO which is cool, except for the fact that I only have internet in the office and I have no idea what there is to do around this god forsaken city of Joplin. Live music anyone?!

Anyways, I was driving down here from north-western IL and my baby started choking on a hair ball again. She would be going fine and then just not have power. I would push the pedal and there would be nothing... and then BAM, I would lurch forward when she got a second or two of power.

This has happened to me before so I knew what to do... I parked her on the side of the road for a while and shut her down and just took a little relaxation time. I dont mind this... I really dont. And I even halfway expected it. It was hot and a fairly long drive of 5 hours or so. but come on! I cant spend the rest of my life taking half hour naps on the side of the interstate only to be able to drive for another half hour before she needs another nap.

I know this has been a somewhat common problem for people. I also know that people have spent a butt load of money trying to fix this issue to no avail. But does anyone have a recommendation? Should I replace that intank pump? Could that be my problem?

Anyways, I gotta get outta here.

Its good to be back. [sarcasm] I am sure you all missed me. [/sarcasm]

Later,

McNabb

PS-> Forgot to mention that when I got here to Joplin I noticed that at some point my exhaust from my muffler back had rusted through and broken off. She was just hanging there! But I fixed her up right away with some jerry riggin down south style.

 

You didn't mention how much fuel was in your tank. Or how high the temperature was.
I have had the same experience with my E-150 Van but the tank was under 1/4 full and the temp.was 108 degrees. The guys at the Ford dealership told me that this is the same as vapor lock that we used to experience in the old days with the old style fuel pumps and carburetors. When the fuel gets too hot it percolates and the pump starts to pump air. Try changing the fuel filter and keep the tank at least 1/2full and see if that helps. Good luck.

 

Welcome back treehugger36,

I HAD the EXACT problem and it lasted for 3 years off an on. I would do the same thing, pull ober for about 30 minutes until things cooled down and then it would start like nothing was ever wrong.

I'll tell you in a short version what was done and then what finally corrected the problem. I hope it did anyway.

First off, I had some wiring problems on the driver side firewall going to the EEC Power Relay and the Fuel Pump Relay.

Next, my inline pump under the driver seat on the rail went out.

Lastly, I replaced the intank pump and tank. Got the tank from the Zone and the pump assy. from Ford.

I can't say for sure which pump was the actual culprit but I am suspecting the one under the seat. The reason I replaced the tank pump was that since my tank was leaking, I was NOT going to do all this work and put a used pump back in there.

Good luck with your repair,

 

first time the tank was about a 1/4 full.... then i thought filling up might fix the problem. I filled up and it happened two more times. the temp was about upper 80's low 90s. so not the 108 you experienced

I have heard the vapor lock thing as well. didnt know it could happen on EFI.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I might have to switch out both my pumps just in case.

thanks again guys.

McNabb