Stranded- Fuel Pump Relay?

[jchris36]

I have an 86 2.9. So I ran out of gas, I miscalculated mileage, I know, stupid. But when I poured in a gallon, the truck barely started, idled like crap and won't run right. Got it to the gas station barely, and filled it up, and same thing. It's 11pm and I am an hour away from home. I have fuel spraying out of the shrader valve when I test it, so I have pressure. But the two things weird are that when I turn the key to run, the fuel pump (the exterior one on the rail) makes a really loud and grinding type sound, not like normal.l, And also the fuel pump relay makes a clicking sound intermittently, which it hasn't done before. I think it's the relay, I searched this and read articles as best I could. Other people have had their fuel pump make a loud noise, replaced the pump, and then still have the problem. Which makes me think relay. The part is only $15 but like I said I'm stranded and oreillys won't open for 8 hours. Anyone got advice? Think that I'm right about the relay? Could it be that I wrecked the injectors running them dry?

 

[Bampity]

Order both.
Replace the relay.
If that does it, return the pump.
Doubting the injectors were fouled.

 

[TxGasRacer]

http://easyautodiagnostics.com/ford/4.9L-5.0L-5.8L/fuel-pump-relay-tests-1 http://easyautodiagnostics.com/misc-index/relay-bench-tests-1

 

[adsm08]

I also doubt the injectors are the issue. The pump noise is somewhat concerning, but I am wondering, since I can't hear it myself, if it is sucking air yet. Last time I ran my 87 out of fuel after I got some in it I had to hold the schrader open while my buddy cranked it over because I got the system air-locked.

Prime it a few more times then crank the engine with the pressure test port open and see if she straightens up.

If you really think the relay is at fault you can get a piece of wire and jumper the plug, just put power right to the pump for now. That will tell you for sure if the relay is the problem.

 

[jchris36]

Okay thanks I'll try cranking it with the shrader open, I hadn't tried that yet

 

[enjr44]

UP date??

 

[jchris36]

So I had left the truck overnight about 70 miles away from my house, and my dad and I got a tow dolly and went to go pick it up. When we got there it started up and ran completely fine, which was weird, and i decided to drive it home. 40 miles later it started acting up, the engine cut out and it acted like it was out of fuel. We towed it the rest of the way. I put in a new fuel pump relay when we got it home and it still runs like crap. I'm gonna get a fuel pressure tester today, I think it's probably the pump.

 

[Derf_the_Mule]

How long since the fuel filter was replaced?

 

[jchris36]

How long since the fuel filter was replaced?

At least a year and a half.

Update: This afternoon the truck started up completely fine, it runs normal when it's cold. I was able to drive around town and got back home fine, as long as it isn't hot it runs okay. I got a fuel pressure test and it shows 32psi while it's running good, and I'm currently trying to figure out how to get it to run crappy again so I can test the fuel pressure then. I drove it home from the auto parts store for about 2 miles and then sat in the driveway giving it gas for about 5 minutes trying to heat it up and make it act funny again, but it wouldn't do it. Would the MAP sensor be an issue? It wouldn't make sense that it's only when hot that it acts like this, normally vacuum leaks would affect it the other way around. Reading the tech article on the 2.9 it says that problems with the TFI would cause the truck to idle/die, run rough when hot, and not cold. Would this be an option?
How can all this be caused by running out of gas? If a fuel pump is done, they're normally just done right? They don't act fine until they heat up and then cut out? Would appreciate some help!