Fuel Pump Madness

[Eddo Rogue]

I looked at the fuse and it seemed fine (no breakage or burning). Worth the $10 to replace it and the relay just to be sure.

Mine looked good too, until I looked closer. It was just slightly toasted in one corner, barely visible.

 

[ddjo]

Replaced the original fuel filter with oem filter and installed a new relay and fuse; it started. Put the old relay and fuse back in to see if the issue was the fuel filter; started once again.

Could an old fuel filter really be the issue? Do they become clogged?

I’ll still replace the fuel pump with the motorcraft I ordered.

 

[cbxer55]

You do know there is a mesh filter on the pump itself. On motorcycles, that is all there is. There is no inline filter to be found on any of the three in my signature. The one on the Honda CBR600RR can't even be changed. DUMB! I filter the fuel I put in my bikes to save myself having to change them, since they are a PITA to do.

Anyhow, on these trucks, I've often wondered why the inline filter is there, and why it needs to be changed since the pump has a filter on it to prevent anything damaging it. I rarely change the filter on the frame of my 98, twice in 185,000 miles. Last time was back over 10 years ago and around 124,000 miles. Never had any problems with starting difficulty that a changed filter fixed. Most all of the starting difficulties I've encountered were due to vacuum leaks. The last one being the EVAP system, all the hoses were rotted. I removed the hose for the EVAP where it attaches to the intake manifold, capped the fitting, no more starting difficulties. And getting better fuel mileage than it has in the 23 years I've owned it, over 20 mpg. The EGR valve is no good, so I made a solid metal gasket for it. Catalytic converter doesn't convert any more, I can tell by the smell in a garage. Old school hotrod smell. Man, it runs so sweet now!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Ive never seen a filter plug enough on EFI to keep it from running...but i could absolutly see it happening.

Glad you got it runnin

 

[Roert42]

I’ve had have issues with clogged filters, hard idle, no power, ect. Not any no start issues.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I'm also a fan of fuel filters. I've pulled out some gunkers. CA gas sucks.

 

[Roert42]

I changed the one on my F150 a while back. Turned it over and brown sludge poured out the inlet.

I think it was from when I got it, it had two tanks, but I guess the old owner only ran one. Whatever was settled in the bottom of that tank when I started using it filled up the fuel filter.

 

[ddjo]

Plot thickens. Drove to Costco, came back after ~30 minutes and it wouldn't start again.
After unplugging the MAF connector, it started just fine. Also idled fine as well. Drove a bit and there were pretty hard shifts from gear to gear.
Reattached the connector while the engine was running and drove home perfectly.

Any tips on how to test the sensor? FWIW, I think I'm also hearing a high pitch whine that becomes more pronounced on acceleration. Could be nothing other than my paranoia though

For those interested, I cut open the fuel filter to see how it looked (pics attached). Was probably worth replacing (it's the original) but definitely not the source of the issue.