My '86 has problems that started with a bad air intrusion problem from the water separator. It was a real hassle getting the air bled out to get the truck home, and then again after replacing the separator unit.

Just after installing a new filter/head with water separation the engine just died while going down the road. It was running real smooth then stopped really quietly - no hesitation, racing, or roughness like air usually causes. I was afraid it was my IP.

I then replaced the lift pump with an electrical Facet pump as I suspected my lift pump was not very good, didn't want to deal with the hassle of bleeding air out with the mechanical pump, and thought it may be responsible for the engine dying.

The Facet pump is rated at 4-6 psi, and 30gph. It doesn't seem to put out nearly as much pressure at the schrader valve as the mech pump did - the fuel only squirts out about 6-8 inches horizontially.

When I cracked the #1 injector line hardly any fuel came out after 20 seconds of cranking. I then loosened the nut all the way and watched the fuel come out of the line - it was only dripping out. This was after about 50-60 seconds of total cranking after having a good, solid line of fuel squirting out of the schrader valve.

Do you think my elec lift pump is not doing the job, my IP is bad, or I just haven't been patient enough in getting the air all pumped out.

Thanks, Steve

 

Drips are about all you will get out of the injection line while cranking the engine.
If you are getting fuel out of the line, tighten it and move to the next line.

 

Thanks for the info Dave. I will make sure the fuel filter is filled and will bleed out all the lines. I did test the fuel shutoff switch - it is getting 12v and clicking when I plug it in with the key on. Steve

 

What is the fuel level in the tank selected........ if near or at 1/4 switch to a higher level tank.... At 1/4 full the fuel pickup is known to break off so you can and will stallout at 1/4 tank....... continued cranking on that tank just wears down batteries and starters......$$$$$ There are fixes for the pickups/senders with problems so post back if you have those problem(s). PS only crank starters for max 20 seconds with at least a 2 minute cool off....... recycle GPs every start.

 

Here's an update. I fixed the problem last weekend. I just needed to fix some air leaks in the new line and filter setup (replaced O2 separator with 2nd see-through filter) and get good batteries in the truck. Thanks Dave for the info about the injector lines just dripping.

I put a Facet pump down on the frame about 3 feet forward of he front fuel tank. It is 4-6 psi and 30 gph, and I bought it at aircraftspruce.com. It is the recommended pump for use by a number of light aircraft kit builders, and it is only about $40 after shipping. Purging out air is sooo much easier than with the mechanical pump.