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1987 E350 hard start

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Old Sep 26, 2009 | 08:17 AM
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Thumbs down 1987 E350 hard start

Hi.
I'm new to the fourm and hope to obtain some help. I have a 1987 E350 460CI engine RV with a carb. My problem is this:
If I let the RV sit for, say a week, I have to pump the gas pedal many, many times and grind on the starter 7 or more times (about 15 seconds each time) to get the engine to start. Once started, I have no problems. It will start right away next time, unless I let it sit for a couple of days. Then I have go through the same ritual again.
I don't have the vehicle available at this time so I don't know if it has an engine mounted fuel pump or not. I do have 2 fuel line running under the vehicle so I may have an electric fuel pump.
Do carb. model engines have electric fuel pump?? Could I have both electric and engine fuel pumps ?? Please advise. Thanks.

Doc Paul
 
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Old Oct 1, 2009 | 09:43 AM
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From: Easton,Ks
You have a electric fuel pump in each tank and no you do not have a pump on the block.
The Ford part in most cases is one year older than the title and the home part so I will guess you have a 1986 E350.
What you say is about the way it works. The fuel pumps come on when the starter solenoid is engaged and with a dry bowl in the carb with dry lines it can take a few cranks.
After the engine starts the oil pressure switch keeps the fuel relays in to run the engine.

The only way around your problem is to put a push button switch on the dash that gives power to the selected pump to prime the carb. This switch with fuse in line from the battery side of the starter solenoid to the fuel pump point on the starter solenoid should do the trick.

How the system is wired:


/
 
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Old Oct 1, 2009 | 10:42 AM
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My '82 RV does the same thing. It's a long way back to the gas tank(s). All that cranking is necessary to get the carb fuel lines primed. I wouldn't consider it "a problem."

I would guess it takes me about 15 seconds one time to get it going. Maybe your hot fuel return 'device' lets too much gas go back to the tank?
 
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Old Oct 3, 2009 | 07:33 PM
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Thanks for the info

Thanks to subford and spikedog for their replies to my question. I will install a 'prime' push button to provide +12 to the pump after a long idle period Thanks again.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2009 | 09:52 AM
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One other question - do you park your RV on an incline? I do, and I think that's part of why the fuel lines drain back.
 
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Old Oct 6, 2009 | 07:45 AM
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I park the RV mostly on level ground.
 
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