Fuel Pressure Test Without Gauge

[nbates1]

Still in the middle of my problem with my fuel pump. I live in the middle of nowhere and the closest auto parts place that sells a fuel pressure test gauge is over 30 miles away.
My question is, on a 99 Ranger, 2.5 liter engine, if I push in the pin on the Schrader valve, how far up should gas shoot? I understand there should be 60 pounds of pressure. Seems to me it should shoot straight up easily 3 feet and hit the bottom of the hood with that kind of pressure. But with the key on, or cranking, it will shoot a very low pressure stream up maybe 3 inches, at best. I think even without a gauge, this would indicate inadequate fuel pressure.
We just put a new fuel pump in it. It ran fine for about a week. Now it wont start again.
When we put the new pump on, it was so quiet you couldnt even hear it run. Which seemed strange. But it was working. Now its fairly loud, and sounds like the gas may be just running back in the tank instead out the line under pressure as it should.
The old pump did the same, except it sounded like a faucet trickling into a metal bucket. In that case, the short rubber fuel line on top of the pump was busted. We did put the new line on last week with the new pump, of course.
Could it possibly be the fuel pressure regulator? O'reillys (the only parts place here) does not show this as an available part. Youd have to buy the entire pump "assembly".
I have 2 or 3 posts on this ongoing saga, I hope Im not breaking the rules. Thanks, Nathan

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

Yeah you should have a strong spray of fuel, but don't do that as a test. Very dangerous.

Would this happen to be a very cheap fuel pump?

 

[txgocartB3000]

When you open it up again, you will most likely find a loose hose or connection on the output side of the pump.

Ray

 

[nbates1]

Thats what I thought. Its just about like a drinking fountain, sprays up about maybe 3 inches high. I wouldnt normally let fuel spray like that, but under the circumstances... Hard to get stuff out here on the "frontier" (middle TN).
Yes, its a "Precision" brand pump from Oreilly's auto parts. $103 plus tax. Its probably not much.
But I agree, it sems like the gas is dumping back into the tank. So I think that hose may have come loose.
Been watching youtube videos. Some Fords have a "fuel pump control module". Dont know if a Ranger has such a thing or not.
Thanks

 

[txgocartB3000]

Precision pumps are not top of the line products but they are not bad for the money.

They will do the job well.

In our hurry to get the job done, sometimes we forget a step or two.

Go over it slowly and you will find the mistake.

My son works at O Reilly's and they stopped carrying Airtex and went with the Precision.

Ray

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

When you open it up again, you will most likely find a loose hose or connection on the output side of the pump.

Ray

This gets my vote.
I chased a problem on a new to me b-II. It ended up the PO used vacuum line on a replacement pump...it failed.

Richard

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

Airtex pumps now have a lifetime warranty. Anyone brave enough?

They claim to have made improvements in the reliability department

 

[black_demon69]

Airtex pumps now have a lifetime warranty. Anyone brave enough?

They claim to have made improvements in the reliability department

wouldn't touch an airtex EVER they are JUNK!!!!!!


picked up a carter from Pepboys for right around $100 and it works perfectly. it replaced an airtex that was only 2 months old

precision seem to be ok i believe they are made by federal mogel although not 100% sure

 

[adsm08]

Airtex pumps now have a lifetime warranty. Anyone brave enough?

They claim to have made improvements in the reliability department

I have been running an Airtex as my HP pump for about 6 years now, no problems. We will see how it stacks up in the long run, since it replaced the original unit.

 

[black_demon69]

I have been running an Airtex as my HP pump for about 6 years now, no problems. We will see how it stacks up in the long run, since it replaced the original unit.

i never had luck with them every one i have ever used was a piece of cr*p so previous statement was personal opinion.. if you have good luck with them more power to you

oreillys no longer carries them so im told anyway

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

I have been running an Airtex as my HP pump for about 6 years now, no problems. We will see how it stacks up in the long run, since it replaced the original unit.

Yeah I haven't seen much trouble from external pumps. Their in tank pumps seems to last anywhere from 24hrs to 6 months

 

[nbates1]

Resolution: The guy that helped put the pump on didnt tighten the clamps enough on the short rubber line right above the pump. It had come almost completely off on the pump end.
We tightened everything, silicone caulked and wrapped with aluminized duct tape the filler hose on the tank end where it had a small split in it, and got it back together and the truck is running.
Moral of this story: Take your time. The previous helper is real hyper and flies thru everything.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

For your future reference gasoline attacks silicone and turns it to mush