Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Fuel Pressure Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 14, 2008 | 11:11 PM
  #1  
cdiddy's Avatar
cdiddy
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: La Porte, TX
Question Fuel Pressure Question

I installed the fuel shim kit along with a pressure gauge about six mounths ago and got the pressure up to about 70psi. Now the pressure is down to 60 to 65 psi. I have even seen it as low as 55psi. I also notice that when I shut it off the pressure will drop to 0psi right a way. It used to hold about 40 to 50 psi after shut down. Is this a fuel pump issue or something else? I have already changed the fuel filter and I run diesel kleen through about every other tank.
 
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2008 | 11:15 PM
  #2  
Pocket's Avatar
Pocket
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
It's supposed to drop to zero after the engine is shut off.
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2008 | 08:54 PM
  #3  
cdiddy's Avatar
cdiddy
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: La Porte, TX
I forgot, I also have a hypertech programmer installed.
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2008 | 09:08 PM
  #4  
Tenn01PSD350's Avatar
Tenn01PSD350
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
Again, it is supposed to drop to zero when the pump isn't pumping any pressure. I don't know what was happening before. Where is your gauge tapped into the fuel system? I presume the gauge is mounted in the engine compartment?
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2008 | 09:15 PM
  #5  
bdrummonds's Avatar
bdrummonds
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,584
Likes: 0
From: Millbrook Alabama
see Curtis' answer above. Where is your FP guage mounted, can you view it under load ? the real question is how much fuel is your pump supplying under load? That is what will determine the health of your fuel pump. how long since last filter change?
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2008 | 09:18 PM
  #6  
cdiddy's Avatar
cdiddy
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: La Porte, TX
The gauge is taped into the fuel filter bowl. Im really trying to find out why im only getting 55 to 60 psi. With the shim kit it sould be around 70psi. Are there any tell tell signs for a fuel pump going out?
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2008 | 09:23 PM
  #7  
Tenn01PSD350's Avatar
Tenn01PSD350
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
Originally Posted by cdiddy
Are there any tell tell signs for a fuel pump going out?
Yep, fashion a length of hose with fittings long enough to go out the back of the hood and mount the gauge on the cowl by the wiper such that you can watch it while driving. Go out to the biggest hill nearby and make the most boost you can while accelerating up it. That will tell you what you need to know about your fuel supply health. If it drops more than 10 psi, problem.

From there, you need to isolate any potential problems and not just replace the pump.
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2008 | 10:42 PM
  #8  
99SevenPoint3's Avatar
99SevenPoint3
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 691
Likes: 0
From: Florida
what should a good fuel pump be putting out... i need to run a fuel guage because i think mine is also going down the drain... Any one have a part list to make one of these guauges? thanxs in advance
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jan 15, 2008 | 10:48 PM
  #9  
Tenn01PSD350's Avatar
Tenn01PSD350
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
I went to Rural king and got a $15 gauge and fabbed up some fuel hose and NPT fittings. Of course mine does not stay hooked up, rather I install it in my bleedable dead end home spun fuel system when I want to check it. Super easy, but parts depend on what you have and where you want to install it.

My gauge rides around in the truck with me in case I want to pull the 1/8" plug and put it in to check it.

Again, parts depend on what you want to do.
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2008 | 11:51 PM
  #10  
99SevenPoint3's Avatar
99SevenPoint3
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 691
Likes: 0
From: Florida
well if i can make it look nice enough i dont mind placing inside the truck to monitor it at all time ... but i dont have any type of ugprade fuel supply as of now its all stock. Ive read somewere on here u can just tap into the fuel bowl and get a reading from it but then agian im not certain of that ... if any member has pictures that would be great to take a look at
 
Reply
Old Jan 16, 2008 | 12:50 AM
  #11  
Tenn01PSD350's Avatar
Tenn01PSD350
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
Well, you don't want to put it in the cab because if it fails there will be fuel in the cab. You do not necessarily need to watch that "all of the time" if you can check it out from time to time, especially if you suspect a problem. Hard core folks watch it all of the time and it rarely changes.

If you want to watch it all the time, you will need a kit with an isolator or and electronic unit like the Danin. $$$$ Not really worth it for most. It is, however, a very useful gauge in any application but rarely changes. Look at it like an ICP or oil pressure gauge. Pretty much there telling you numbers that don't really matter much as when they do, you will know something is amiss even without the gauge.
 
Reply
Old Jan 16, 2008 | 06:27 AM
  #12  
bdrummonds's Avatar
bdrummonds
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,584
Likes: 0
From: Millbrook Alabama
Cdiddy, Zeus, here is a pic of my fuel guage

permanant


temporary, the hose
whistled at high speeds.

the whole thing was like $35 for guage and fittings and hose. Just remember it must be a 100PSI guage.
 

Last edited by bdrummonds; Jan 16, 2008 at 06:30 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 16, 2008 | 08:56 AM
  #13  
Kwikkordead's Avatar
Kwikkordead
Fleet Owner
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,112
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Nice setup Brandon.
I now have my next project!
 
Reply
Old Jan 16, 2008 | 09:12 AM
  #14  
99SevenPoint3's Avatar
99SevenPoint3
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 691
Likes: 0
From: Florida
yeah that kinda looks cool the way it sits there ... i dont consider myself hardcore in all of this but i would diffentely like to do this to monitor whats going on ... as ive stated i think my pump isnt doing its part as it was before so i wouldnt mine doing this just to figure out how low of psi im getting...
 
Reply
Old Jan 16, 2008 | 09:45 AM
  #15  
rbaker6336's Avatar
rbaker6336
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
you could install it like the tach on a '67 firebird,a little cluster on the hood
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:15 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE