Troubleshooting tank problem (I think)

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Nov 1, 2004 | 07:33 PM

Dan Crummett

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Troubleshooting tank problem (I think)

I have a 1996 F-250, auto over drive transmission, 460 V8. 200K, solid, clean truck burns no oil and is very powerful. (Recently removed plugged up cat converter and replaced with three inch pipe, a turbo muffler and 3 inche pipe out the back...no backpressure problems.)

Problem: Pulling travel trailer (5000 lbs.) at highway speeds...on front tank loses power (won't get out of high gear and reshift to overdrive, lugs down to 55, pretty soon just pops, backfires and blubbers.) Now, if I let it set 30 minutes or so...more than likely it will run fine for a while on the front tank.

So, I switch to back tank...runs fine...switch back to front tank, blubber and bs!

Around town, or just driving without a load on the highway, no problem on either tank.

Now, I'm thinking I have a fuel strainer sock plugged up on the fuel pump of the front tank? What says anyone else?

(OH, and I do have "check engine light" but have no monitor to check trouble codes... where do I get such an animal?)

Any help would be appreciated.
Dan

Nov 1, 2004 | 08:00 PM

mociaz3

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From: Portsmouth, NH

Sounds like youre on the right track, fuel delivery or vapor lock in the front tank, something clogged perhaps. Bad pumps seem to draw too much current and blow fuses before they stop working. If you have an in-tank pump it may be that, not sure of the '96s.
You can get a code reader anywhere, google OBDII.

Nov 2, 2004 | 06:20 AM

SRD4X4

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From: Annapolis,MD.

I just put a pump in a buddy's 96 Ram 1500 last sat.Truck always ran great (for a mopar) until we hooked up the boat and drove for more than 1 hr.Acted like vapor-lock,let it (us) sit for 1/2 hr. or so would be fine.Happened 4-5 times since June,never had any codes.Since we changed pump he has been to NC.and Va. on 2 different trips with no problems.Can only assume pump was getting just hot enough to ruin a tournament day,and nothing else.Good luck, hope this helps.

Nov 2, 2004 | 08:20 AM

Crazz

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you can check your own codes with out a scan tool go here
http://fordfuelinjection.com/index.php?p=13

Nov 2, 2004 | 10:12 AM

Dan Crummett

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Troubleshooting Tank Problems

Thanks guys.. I appreciate it!

Dan

Nov 2, 2004 | 08:49 PM

midlf

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tank venting

Your problem could be plugged tank venting. After you run for a while the tank builds up a vacuum and the pump can't suck gas from the tank. One half hour later the gas vapors have relieved the pressure somewhat so it runs OK.

Try this. Run on the tank, when it starts acting up, stop and loosen the gas cap for that tank and get on the road again. If the problem goes away the tank venting is not working correctly.

Nov 2, 2004 | 10:10 PM

Dan Crummett

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Dear Midlf,

Thanks for the thought...I did try that and no change. It makes sense though.

Appreciate it.

Dan

Nov 3, 2004 | 12:44 AM

Popa Tim

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From: Central NY

If your bed is off, shouldn't you be able to replace the pump from the top without dropping the tank ???
Popa Tim

Nov 3, 2004 | 09:24 AM

#10

Dan Crummett

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same problem

I'm checking on a Carter/Federal Mogul pump from an e-bay vendor that is selling 97 model pumps for around $58.00 plus shipping...don't have the quote yet on the 96.

Thanks for the info...