Fuel pump question
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Freshman User
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Fuel pump question
2001 F-150 7700 V8 80K miles
I've been having intermittent starting issues lately, and I think it's due to my fuel pump (the one that primes when the key is turned) being intermittent... Is that pump supposed to run each time the key is turned no matter what? Because many times when I just crank with no start, I don't hear the pump run beforehand, and when it does start I can hear the pump run... (Not very scientific troubleshooting, but it's what I've come up with so far...) When it hasn't been working, I've always been somewhere I couldn't attempt to shoot some starter fluid into the intake...
Next question is, how common are problems with these fuel pumps? Should it be no big surprise that a 9 year old vehicle would be having this problem?
Lastly changing that out involves dropping the tank if I'm not mistaken, and some other hassles, would this be a job better left to a pro?
Thanks for your time.
Aron
I've been having intermittent starting issues lately, and I think it's due to my fuel pump (the one that primes when the key is turned) being intermittent... Is that pump supposed to run each time the key is turned no matter what? Because many times when I just crank with no start, I don't hear the pump run beforehand, and when it does start I can hear the pump run... (Not very scientific troubleshooting, but it's what I've come up with so far...) When it hasn't been working, I've always been somewhere I couldn't attempt to shoot some starter fluid into the intake...
Next question is, how common are problems with these fuel pumps? Should it be no big surprise that a 9 year old vehicle would be having this problem?
Lastly changing that out involves dropping the tank if I'm not mistaken, and some other hassles, would this be a job better left to a pro?
Thanks for your time.
Aron
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Louisville, Kentucky
Before you go there, when it won't start, try pushing down the gas pedal slightly to open the throttle plate. If the truck starts, then you have a bad IAC valve. This is the air flow path for idle conditions. Good luck! 
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Hernando Ms
Yep... the pump is indeed in the tank..IF you determine that it is in fact the pump,unless you have a good amount of tools,patience,and room...not to mention time its better left to the pros.If memory serves,the pump assy itself isnt too bad cost wise..I purchase all my parts from www.rockauto.com
they know their stuff,and are really reasonable.
If you do plan to tackle it youreself,be sure you have good reference material such as a FSM(Factory Service Manual) or the equivalent.
Typically Haynes/Chiltons manuals will not have vehicle specific information.( alot of generalizations)..IF you can find a manual that covers youre truck at a local auto parts store,thumb through it and see if what youre attempting to do is covered to your satisfaction...
they know their stuff,and are really reasonable.
If you do plan to tackle it youreself,be sure you have good reference material such as a FSM(Factory Service Manual) or the equivalent.
Typically Haynes/Chiltons manuals will not have vehicle specific information.( alot of generalizations)..IF you can find a manual that covers youre truck at a local auto parts store,thumb through it and see if what youre attempting to do is covered to your satisfaction...
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 236
Likes: 1
From: Sparta NJ
i dropped my tank about a month ago and it wasnt that bad. just took off the skid plate, filler neck, the 2 tank straps, plug for the pump, fuel lines(needed a quick disconnect tool from advance for about $10), the 2 vents, and a sensor that was in the back of the tank that broke( $95, but the dealer had them in stock) and that was it. it took me about 2 1/2 hours to do it but i had te truck on a lift.
Last edited by DJPRacer58; Dec 18, 2008 at 12:11 AM. Reason: SP
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Freshman User
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Still having the same problem. Fuel pump intermittently inop. Always starts when the pump runs. The circuit troubleshooting says everything is working ok... I'm set on changing out the pump, what I'm wondering is, is it better to replace the whole unit, the quantity sender and pump together, or is it easy enough to change out just the pump once you've got the unit out of the tank? These run about 2 bills, so I'm eyeing the salvage yard, or ebay... Thanks...
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I'm right there with you flooder. Getting ready to do my 01 super crew with 150k on the 4.6 motor.
I've got a lot of info from this site. I'm cutting an access panel in my bed. It's under the bedliner and I use a hard top alot anyway. I'm convinced this is the method for me. (my truck is on sloped driveway and isn't running. I've also got a full tank of gas)
So, My question is: should I buy just the pump or the assembly too? Waiting on responses since I'm not super hard pressed to do this. It's a third vehicle but it sure would be nice to have it back in service here in the cold midwest!
BTW, don't forget to check your relays and fuel cutoff switch. This switch is behind the kick panel to the right of the glovebox.
I've got a lot of info from this site. I'm cutting an access panel in my bed. It's under the bedliner and I use a hard top alot anyway. I'm convinced this is the method for me. (my truck is on sloped driveway and isn't running. I've also got a full tank of gas)
So, My question is: should I buy just the pump or the assembly too? Waiting on responses since I'm not super hard pressed to do this. It's a third vehicle but it sure would be nice to have it back in service here in the cold midwest!
BTW, don't forget to check your relays and fuel cutoff switch. This switch is behind the kick panel to the right of the glovebox.
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CRAP...
Just finished preparing to take the bedliner out so I could cut this access panel over the fuel pump. When I took a closer look at the fuel lines from under the truck, it appears they end up just around the back seat and NOT BELOW THE BED, like other extended cap F150's. I thought I saw these lines located similar to the previous pictures on this site that show the fuel pump right near the front of the bed. The Super Crew is different. The tank must be dropped, no way around this one.
I really hate the idea of laying on a sloped driveway in the middle of winter to drop the tank. And I hate the idea of having it towed to a mechanic to do the job for me even more!!!
Is there any way I'm missing something? Anybody changed their fuel pump on a Super Crew?
Just finished preparing to take the bedliner out so I could cut this access panel over the fuel pump. When I took a closer look at the fuel lines from under the truck, it appears they end up just around the back seat and NOT BELOW THE BED, like other extended cap F150's. I thought I saw these lines located similar to the previous pictures on this site that show the fuel pump right near the front of the bed. The Super Crew is different. The tank must be dropped, no way around this one.
I really hate the idea of laying on a sloped driveway in the middle of winter to drop the tank. And I hate the idea of having it towed to a mechanic to do the job for me even more!!!
Is there any way I'm missing something? Anybody changed their fuel pump on a Super Crew?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: N. Fort Myers,FL
It isnt that big of a deal to drop the tank as long as the tank isnt full. I dropped the tank on a parts truck I bought and it was the 30 gallon tank with about 5 gallons in it, and when I did it I didnt even use a jack to lower the tank. I have never took a bed off before, but I believe that dropping the tank might be easier. You will need fuel line disconnect tools, 15mm(?) for tank straps, jack, and jack stands.
You will need to place the rear of the truck on jackstands. Then place the jack under the tank while you loosen the bolts, then lower the tank slightly so you can disconnect all the vents and hoses. Once all the stuff is disconnected you can lower the tank. It would probably be helpful to have someone hold the tank steady on the jack while you lower it.
You will need to place the rear of the truck on jackstands. Then place the jack under the tank while you loosen the bolts, then lower the tank slightly so you can disconnect all the vents and hoses. Once all the stuff is disconnected you can lower the tank. It would probably be helpful to have someone hold the tank steady on the jack while you lower it.
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Appreciate the advice. Remember though, my truck is parked on a sloped driveway so I can't really jack it up. I may have it towed to location where I could work on it. Or I may tow it to a shop. If I was really creative I could somehow get it up the driveway and into my own garage. Hmmm I'll have to think about that idea.
Posting Guru
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From: N. Fort Myers,FL
You could do it without jacking the truck up, just it would be more difficult to replace the pump.
The main reason I said to jack the truck up is because I am not sure you could slide the tank out from under the truck with it not jacked up. But even if you couldnt slide the tank out from under the truck, once you lowered it to the ground you could replace it while its under the truck.
The main reason I said to jack the truck up is because I am not sure you could slide the tank out from under the truck with it not jacked up. But even if you couldnt slide the tank out from under the truck, once you lowered it to the ground you could replace it while its under the truck.