is the pump the problem?

[HondaEater]

I've been trying to diagnose my extreme power loss problem forawhile now. Finally I decided to walk across the street and ask my neighbhor for a hand. He was a ford master tech for fifteen years. He pulled all the codes for me, poked around and fixed a few things. Then we did a fuel pressure check. At idle the truck had 8 to 9 psi but at wot it would not increase. Even more interstingly, upon shutdown the fuel pressure would drop in half within thirty seconds. He said if I replace the fuel pump it'll run like a champ. It idles fine its just terrible when it comes to acceleration and it won't go past 35-40mph right now. Check the ignition timing with a timing light and it was perfect. Cat isn't clogged. And when we pulled the codes one of them was a lean code. I just want to make sure the pump is the problem before I spend the money to replace it. Btw. The pump for the 2.8 is on the drivers side of the motor correct?? Thanks sorry for such a long post

 

[mn_smokeater]

yup your right drivers side.

pull er outta there replace and enjoy

 

[HondaEater]

How much is fuel pressure supposed to increase at wot? All the symptoms I speak of lead to the fuel pump? Is it a bitch to get the pump out??

 

[mn_smokeater]

How much is fuel pressure supposed to increase at wot? All the symptoms I speak of lead to the fuel pump? Is it a bitch to get the pump out??

well its not easy but doable.

ya gotta pull the tire off and the inner fender liner pull the oil press. sender off and get that outta the way.

then of course be sure not to lose the Rod that works the pump.

 

[HondaEater]

How are you so sure its the fuel pump just based upon the description? What points it directly to the fuel pump?

 

[adsm08]

How are you so sure its the fuel pump just based upon the description? What points it directly to the fuel pump?

The fact that it idles wonderfully but craps out under load or at high RPM.

The pump is getting weak and it's only a matter of time until it dies. It can produce the needed pressures at idle, which are relatively low. The fact that it bogs and sputters at higher RPM or load (as shown by the lack of increase in pressure when reved) points directly to the pump as sure as a big flashing neon arrow in Vegas points to a Casino.

 

[HondaEater]

So the fuel pressure at idle is fine? How high is the pressure supposed to be at WOT? BTW i love ford trucks now!! a 20 dollar fuel pump?! everything is so cheap. i love my rig!

 

[adsm08]

I don't know the exact specs for the 2.8, but most carbed 6-cyl take between 5 and 10 PSI at idle, maybe as high as 20 at WOT. Usually not much more.


Also, $20ish is about the norm for a mechanical pump. I think I paid $22 and change for the pump for my 78 Olds. That includes the 6% sales tax.

 

[HondaEater]

I just got into trucks and honestly i was always a ford hater (just when it comes to the drag strip, not too fond of mustangs, even though ive been day dreaming of a 302 in my b2 lately) but parts are so much cheaper then what im used to. tires are where the expensive side of the game is. i really like my rig though. i know this is off topic but as far the 2.8 goes does it have enough power in 4wheel to hold its own when muddin'?

 

[adsm08]

Sure, just don't let off the gas.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

The 2.8 and 2.9's aren't known for any kind of remarkable power, unless you dump a ton of cash in to them, but they are pretty incredible little motors. My dad's 2.9 has over 400k on it. Aside from heads, fule pump, and a water pump, it's all original. Pretty amazing if you ask me. If you know how to drive, it'll take you places off road that will scare you. Don't worry about it's capabilities.

Good luck with the fuel pump R&R.

 

[HondaEater]

302 seems like such a pricey headache. and im not fuel injected so the 4.0 swap seems like itll be just as much of a PITA. Thanks for all the help guys..most forums are just bitchy old men that never have any positive input to threads and dont want to help people, appreciate it!

 

[adsm08]

A 302 can be worthwhile, if you want to put the effort in. If you aren't doing anything crazy, just stick with your 2.8 until if finally gives up the ghost. Then worry about a 302 or 4.0.

 

[HondaEater]

Is it even worth it to do mild bolt ons to the 2.8 like a msd coil good plug wires a customer cat back exhaust and maybe a 350 two barrel

 

[adsm08]

No. Not really.

MSD won't give huge gains except on high performance engines. Usually not worth the cost. If you need a new coil, go ahead and do it, but I wouldn't replace a working coil with an MSD just to try and get power.

Good plug wires are always good, but re-read the part about the MSD coil.

Cat back exhaust can give some gains, but by itself will give you minimal gains. If you want a "decent" system, get the one from LMC and leave the resonators off (they weigh about 10 lbs each).

A bigger carb might make more power, but unless your engine can flow the air to support the fuel coming in, the engine will never run right. A good carb can be a great upgrade, but do your research, make sure you get the right one to give you the most bang for your buck.

Another interesting fact about carbs, if you spend a lot of time at idle, like stuck in traffic, a 4-barrel might give you better MPG because they have smaller primaries.