I own a 1986 F-250, with 80,000 miles on it. It has dual gas tanks, that frequently are very hard to fill (fuel nozzle repeatedly shuts off).

I cannot get it started, even after spraying starting fluid in the air intake. The battery is fully charged and the starter works, but the engine won't quite turn over.

I read somewhere that there is a switch that may inadvertently shut off the fuel line. I no longer have an owner's manual that would help me locate the switch.

Does this sound like a fuel shutoff problem? If so, can anyone guide me through the correction process?

Thanks in advance.

 

Borrow a fuel line prssure testor from an auto parts store.

The system works like this.

When you turn the key to RUN position > the pumps cut in >if you don't try to start the engine >the pumps STOP

When you turn the key to start the pumps cut in > If the truck does not start and the key returns to RUN postion >the pumps shut down after about a second.


I think your problem is going to be ignition.


Dennis https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=1733&.jpg



Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions,
"I'm Saving My Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's"


78 F-150 429CJ,Silver, Explorer Pkg.
641/2-Mustang 260,Pre-World's Fair Car.
64-Fairlane500 S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang 289-Sunlit Gold 80,892Mi
78-Buick LeSabre 403 4V
84 Volvo DL Wagon

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 09-Mar-02 AT 05:23 PM (EST)]I had that same problem after a snow storm yesterday with my 86' f-150 4x4. Wound up workin on it for like 3 hours. I replaced the plugs(which were the worst i'de ever seen), and turns out the 3 wires going to my fuel regulator got unplugged somehow(the stretch was tight and it may have just been wiggled lose over time). But after doing that, it started and ran fine. You said it barely turned over? It could be a weak starter, or maybe your battery cables are bad or a bad connection..try removing them and cleaning with a wire brush and baking soda then replace. If still won't start, it may be your relay. You may also want to check for spark at the plugs and Ohm out your wires to see if they have resistance. there is alot u can do to trouble shot, but the best was would be leaving posts here explaining what u've done, and the symptoms. then u can work from there...or do what i do soemtimes is go to the microsoft chat pages and find chat rooms about cars and ask in there...i've gotten a lot of help there too. hope this works..i'll check back periodically for updates...laterz!!


Oh, and about the difficulty filling the tank..i talked to a mech. at a local garage, and he said that fords have a vapor line that simetimes gets blocked off or taken off...you can look on the nozel between the fuel door and the tank for a little vapor line leading off and see if it needs cleaning or something....that might be the problem with filling the tank...bye!

 

Thanks to both of you for your helpful comments. It turned out to be an ignition switch problem, it's up and running again. (Just in time for a big move this weekend.)

I'm going to look into the slow fueling problem next.
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Thank you again for helping me troubleshoot.