My 89 7.3 acts as though I need to replace the fuel return lines. It starts, runs for about 3 seconds and dies. After cranking for 30 to 45 seconds, it will start. This happens after the truck sets overnight. The local mechanic, does not know much about diesels, said that a local rancher had the same problem, and he added a mechical fuel pump. This corrected the return fuel problem his was having.

I looked at replacing the return fuel lines, and I was confussed as to all and which lines I must replace. I searched here for instructions, but I did not find much help. I went to Auto Zone, thinking that I could buy a kit and was told that I just needed to buy the hose and clamps I needed and make the kit. I thought a kit would help me find the hose I would need to replace.

So - add a mechical fuel pump or take it to a diesel mechanic and let him replace the fuel return lines?

Thanks in advance.

 

What the problem probably is is the retun lines between the injectors and the O rings under the return caps on the injectors.

www.mwfi.com has IDI return line kits that have the O rings, return tees, clamps and fuel line for under 40 dollars.

It is not hard to do, it just takes a bit of time to do it.

 

i just did my return lines and it was one of the easiest things to do...took me about 30 minutes. i think it took me longer to change my glowplugs haha.

you can buy a kit....it comes with a good length of hose. copper washers for under the injectors, orings for the injectors, plastic tees for ontop of the injectors and hose clamps.

i bought my kit from NAPA for 80$ CDN. i could have got it for much less off ebay but i needed it ASAP.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/6-9-6-9L-7-3-7-3L-Ford-injector-return-line-kit_W0QQitemZ260186752589QQihZ016QQcategoryZ33555Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

EDIT- You beat me too it Dave...i guess i type too slow!

 

I got a return line kit from Autozone a couple of years ago for about $35. Maybe just ask someone different behind the counter...

 

1957F100 never paid over $54 cdn next time try a Stanadyne diesel shop or IH.

VALLEY FUEL INJECTION LTD. ABBOTSFORD BC Service Dealer X
C.R. DIESEL AND TURBO CAMPBELL RIVER BC Service Dealer
KOOTENAY FUEL INJECTION INC. CRANBROOK BC Service Dealer X
NORTHERN DIESEL SERVICES, LTD. DAWSON CREEK BC Service Dealer X
KAMLOOPS FUEL INJECTION LTD. KAMLOOPS BC Service Dealer
THOMPSON VALLEY DIESEL INJECTION KAMLOOPS BC Service Dealer
DYNAMIC FUEL INJECTION & TURBO LTD. LANGLEY BC Service Dealer
ACTION FUEL INJECTION NANAIMO BC Service Dealer
NECHAKO DIESEL FUEL INJECTION LTD. PRINCE GEORGE BC Service Dealer
FRED-HOLMES FUEL INJECTION PRINCE GEORGE BC Service Dealer
FRED-HOLMES FUEL INJECTION RICHMOND BC Service Dealer
N.W. FUEL INJECTION SERVICE, LTD. SURREY BC Service Dealer X
OKANAGAN DIESEL INJECTION VERNON BC Service Dealer X

 

Thanks to everyone for your help. It all makes since now. I was looking to replace lines from the injector pump back to the tank, plus the line between the injectors. Thanks Dave, I knew you could help me out. And thanks to 1957F100 for the Ebay link, I just ordered my kit. Now if I can do it.

 

It already has a mechanical pump anyway

 

My thought exactly, adding an electric pump has been done though.

 

Im sure you can do it. This is how i did mine

1. unscrew metal line going to injector. slightly pull it away just enough to get the platic tee off. do not bend the lines.
2. remove plastic tee and old o ring

when i did mine i loosened all 4 metal lines on one side of the engine and pulled off all 4 plastic tees at once when they were still attached by the hose. i then used that to cut the new hose to the proper lengths.

3. replace old o rings with new o rings.
4. replace plastic tees.
5. tighten down metal lines.
6. start the truck. any air in the lines is going to be worked out once started so it might idle alittle funny at first.

be sure to check for leaks after the truck has been driven for awhile.