Hey guys,

I just bought a '96 F150 XLT tonight w/102k miles, body and interior in immaculate condition for dirt cheap. The owner kept pretty detailed records, but I've already had some issues with starting the truck. The switch was set to use fuel from the front tank. First turn of the key: starter works fine, tries to turn over but doesn't, I give it some gas and it kicks over, sudders a lot and then eventually sputters out. Second try: fires right up. I figured it was because the truck had been sitting for a while and kinda wrote it off.

I get to a wendys on my way home, stop, go in, come back out, same problem, except it tookk 2-3 "first times" before I could get it to start. It sounds like everything is working as far as the starter/solenoid and my thought was that the truck needs new plugs (last I have recorded was 2007). HOWEVER, I got home and tried it out again, same problems, but as soon as I switched to the rear gas tank it started the first try.

Any ideas on what might be the problem? Im thinking either a blockage in the fuel line, or a failing fuel pump in the front tank (if I understand correctly there's one in each?). I'd prefer to have some idea before I take it in... I'm at school and can't do the repairs myself so I want to know if i'm being bent over a barrel if they come at me for some crazy amount of money at the service place.

Thanks in advance for help!

 

I had a similar problem and it was the injectors. I replaced all of them.

 

What did that set you back? I don't have a set of tools with me here at school so I have to take it to a shop.. do you know what p+l might be?

Someone suggested to me that it might be the fuel filter as well for the front tank that's gunked up.. what do ya'll think?

Thanks!

 

If it starts/runs ok on the rear tank, and goofs up on the front tank,...
I'd investigate the front tank. Run on the rear till the money situation gears up, then drop the front tank, and check out the pick-up/filter, lines, etc. Bad injectors would act up no matter where the fuel was coming from.

 

If it truely is only an issue when running on the front tank then that fuel pump is probably going out.

My fuel inectors were 200 bucks, but I got Ford Racing injectors that are 19lb from Summit. Jegs has them too. I replaced them myself. It wasn't too bad. I had to removed the upper intake and the fuel rail. A shop would probably charge 100 bucks to change them out. If you do end up replacing the injectors do not go bigger with a stock or near stock motor.

 

Fuel pump was not the answer I was hoping for, but one that I had in the back of my head... blah. Thanks for the advice Texasguy... I've got the truck at the brakes shop right now getting new pads/rotor service. I'll have them give an opinion after they drive it just to see what one more person thinks!

 

Fuel pump gets my vote.

 

Definitely gonna vote for the fuel pump as well. I've got the EXACT same thing going on with my truck. If I do a cold start using the rear tank, sputter and die. Front tank, no problems at all.

Alternate cold starts (first start of the day) with the front and rear tanks. If one works when the other doesn't...well there 'ya go.

I would consider dropping your tank and replacing the pump yourself. It's not too bad of an operation and requires more grunt than brains. It's time consuming though, so replacing it at a shop will get pricey quick b/c of the amt of labor involved.

Also, spend the extra $$ and replace it with a motorcraft pump (abt. $200 for the pump alone). Anything else is an invitation for trouble.

 

definitely fuel pump issue. I am going through that with my front tank right now. the rear works great and the front spit spudder and dies or won't crank. im just waiting until I pull my bed off for painting so I don't have to drop the tank.. I did the rear one already and its not that bad.

 

I agree with these other guys, i have a 96 as well and it was my fuel pump. my clue was whenever i was using the rear tank it would flow fuel from the rear to the front somehow. i spent a couple hours and replaced the 150 dollar fuel pump and havent had a problem since. see if you notice any fuel transfer maybe that will help.

 

Change the fuel filter before you do anything man.
Then test your fuel pressure before buying a new pump as well.
Consider having your injector cleaned and rebuilt for only $18 each plus $10 shipping for all of them.
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