The Dreaded Lean Code

[Xjorgeypoox]

A. Do not just throw a fuel pump at it, it's not worth it without testing it. B. Unless you bought a ford pump your buying a peice of garbage that WILL fail.

I’ve been looking for a ford one but can’t seem to find... I purchased the spectra premium SP2263H.
Should I look into an oe ford one?
Reason I’m replacing is that previous owner didn’t seem to replace many parts at all, so if it is the original 20+ year old pump, I would imagine it won’t hurt to replace right?

 

[Dirtman]

A 20 year old ford pump is 100% better than a new spectre pump without question. Ford pumps can last forever which is why I don't reccomend replacing it unless it tests bad. It is not a wear item with a specific lifespan. If you replace it, you will most likely be reinstalling it within a few months when the "new" pump fails.

 

[Xjorgeypoox]

A 20 year old ford pump is 100% better than a new spectre pump without question. Ford pumps can last forever which is why I don't reccomend replacing it unless it tests bad. It is not a wear item with a specific lifespan. If you replace it, you will most likely be reinstalling it within a few months when the "new" pump fails.

Awesome stuff. How do I go about testing the pump? Would I have to get a fuel pressure tester at the fuel rail?

 

[Xjorgeypoox]

Quick update. Replace fuel filter today and clutch decided to take a poop. Dropped off at buddy’s shop and will hopefully have her back on the road today and see what the verdict is. Thanks for the input everyone. Will update soon

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Kemso 340lph pump, ebay, $35.

You wont have another lean code.

 

[Xjorgeypoox]

Kemso 340lph pump, ebay, $35.

You wont have another lean code.

Great that’s on my to do list. Hope that’s all there is to it. What’s the stock fuel pump rated at?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

110 I think? This is what fixed my 2011 with lean issues, as well as replacing all four O2 sensors.

Lean codes disappeared after pump change.

Changed O2s afterwards due to miles/age/tuner.

 

[Dirtman]

How did you get that pump to work in the existing assembly?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Dropped in without issue. I think there's a photo on my 2011 build thread. Or somewhere around here.

Cut old wiring out, soldered in new one with plastic tube slid over hot wire for insulation.

 

[Dirtman]

The in rank regulator still work properly and all that jazz? Still 65psi at the rail?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

The in rank regulator still work properly and all that jazz? Still 65psi at the rail?

As far as i know, yes. Didn't double check it, but no more lean issues since

 

[Dirtman]

As far as i know, yes. Didn't double check it, but no more lean issues since

Though I'm confident you had a bad pump and the new pump fixed the issue. The little voice in my head says there is also this small possibility that the new pump is too powerful and not "fixing" the issue but masking it. I.e, if you had a lean condition NOT caused by the pump, the fuel trim numbers would drop if you were to increase fuel pressure beyond factory spec with the new pump. (The computer relies on factory spec psi to make fuel trim adjustments). So you didn't solve the problem itself, you just confused the computer into thinking there is no more problem...

Again, doubt that's what's happening but I'd feel more confident in this replacement pump if you verified the fuel pressure.

 

[Xjorgeypoox]

Though I'm confident you had a bad pump and the new pump fixed the issue. The little voice in my head says there is also this small possibility that the new pump is too powerful and not "fixing" the issue but masking it. I.e, if you had a lean condition NOT caused by the pump, the fuel trim numbers would drop if you were to increase fuel pressure beyond factory spec with the new pump. (The computer relies on factory spec psi to make fuel trim adjustments). So you didn't solve the problem itself, you just confused the computer into thinking there is no more problem...

Again, doubt that's what's happening but I'd feel more confident in this replacement pump if you verified the fuel pressure.

Hmm all good ideas.... so if using an after market pump is ok in that situation, why does everyone rag on non ford complete assemblies?
I’m thinking I need a new one but I’ve been told go oe or don’t do it.

 

[Dirtman]

Hmm all good ideas.... so if using an after market pump is ok in that situation, why does everyone rag on non ford complete assemblies?
I’m thinking I need a new one but I’ve been told go oe or don’t do it.

Non ford complete fuel pump assemblies, which is the pump, regulator, EVERYTHING. Are known bad. It's a massively known common issue with replacing fuel pumps. Not even just a ford thing, any car. Fuel pumps are very precise items and Chinese crap does not work. It's very tempting to go cheap but that spectre pump will die within a year. As will any knock off crap brand. Not my opinion, its widely known to most people on this forum and mechanics. I'd sooner take my chance on a oem fuel pump assembly from a junkyard then buy a aftermarket unit.

What @PetroleumJunkie412 has suggested is a pump only, meaning you have to do some work to fit it into the OEM assembly. You re-use everything and only change the motor. He has found a MOTOR ONLY that works well if you fit it to the OEM system.

 

[RonD]

You wouldn't "mask" a problem with a higher flow pump, you would just churn the fuel in the tank a bit more

The 1998, and up, computer does base calculation assuming 55-65psi fuel pressure
But uses O2 sensor feed back to adjust to what ever the pressure is
If its low then Lean code, if its high then Rich code

On 2001 and up rangers the pressure regulator is in the gas tank
So higher flow pump just pushes more gas out the FPR, so churns the fuel in the tank a bit more
Doesn't mask anything

If you had a vacuum leak, failing injector or MAF issue you would still get the Lean code