2001 Expy 5.4

[curtisr8]

I had very recently ran my Expy out of gas (I know very bad). I put gas in it but it wouldn't start afterwards. I towed it home and it sat over night. I tried to start it the next morning and it fired up right away. Now my problem is that the engine engine idles erratically it idles up to around 1000 and than back to 600rpm and everywhere in between. I put my stethoscope (Im an EMT not mechanic type stethoscope) to the fuel cap and i could hear the pump and it seems to change pitch along with the engine idling erratically. I am inclined to think that the pump got to hot and now its not operating properly. would the computer have any control of the pump and maybe causing it to do this erratic idling?

 

[Bedrck47]

how many miles on the expy?

Has the fuel pump ever been replaced?

Has the fuel filter ever been replaced?

Check fuel pressure.

 

[98EXPnSRQ]

Sounds like the fuel pump has gone bad.

 

[curtisr8]

how many miles on the expy?

Has the fuel pump ever been replaced?

Has the fuel filter ever been replaced?

Check fuel pressure.

178k miles. fuel filter replaced in Apr 2014, I have no idea if the pump has ever been replaced. Got this truck in Jan and didnt get a good history of it

 

[dcliff12]

Sounds like its on it ways out.
My fuel sender went out last month, so while it was still pumping fuel, the computer always interpreted the tank as empty.

Its a bit of a costly replacement. Was about $850 to get the fuel pump assembly replaced and installed.

 

[curtisr8]

Sounds like the fuel pump has gone bad.

Anyone know what the fuel pressure should be? Mine is between 30 and 40 psi. I have checked it several times. Sometimes the needle spiked up to 30 with just key on engine off but sometimes very slow movement. Same with when it's running. It only reached 40 psi once. Mostly was between 30 to 35.

Also when driving if I give it gas the idle smoothes out and it runs pretty good. But when stopped at light it does the rough idle again. It ran fine before the running out of fuel incident.

 

[Bedrck47]

copied from the 2001 service manual

General Specifications

Fuel Pressure
Engine Running kPa (psi) 193-310 (28-45)
Key On Engine Off kPa (psi) 242-310 (35-45)

 

[lve2wheel]

Is there a shreader (sp) valve on the fuel rail to check fuel pressure at the rail?

 

[curtisr8]

Is there a shreader (sp) valve on the fuel rail to check fuel pressure at the rail?

There is on the passenger side of the engine. I have the 5.4 not sure if that makes much difference but there is one. when i check the pressure at the rail the gauge rises slowly to 30psi with engine running. If i take a pressure reading with the key on engine off i have to cycle the key at least 5 times to get to a reasonable pressure. I have seen videos online that show the needle jump quickly to the right pressure just by turning the key on. I am afraid the pump is going to fail soon. Unfortunately i have a full tank of gas lol
I can get the gauge up to 30 Psi with regulator hose attached. and up to 40 to 45 it unattached. The slow building of pressure makes me suspect that the pump is weak. It holds the pressure just fine during a leakdown test though.

 

[lve2wheel]

start using it up! thats always when you have fuel issues, is right after you fill the tank. I never go over 3/4 full, never any fuel issues. lol

 

[curtisr8]

im gonna have to go on a long trip to get rid of this gas than

 

[Bedrck47]

I just replaced my fuel pump cost was about $155.00 for a Delphi pump from e-bay
plus my labor about 6 hours

 

[BIG GREEN FORD]

I just replaced my fuel pump cost was about $155.00 for a Delphi pump from e-bay
plus my labor about 6 hours

Is Delphi the best brand fuel pump for are trucks?

 

[curtisr8]

I just replaced my fuel pump cost was about $155.00 for a Delphi pump from e-bay
plus my labor about 6 hours

Do you remember how much the tank weighed when you dropped it? Was it difficult to get back into place? Any tips or suggestions for when I drop the tank?

 

[Kermit]

The Delphi isn't cheaper ($157 but with free shipping) here but a few different brands to consider http://www.partsgeek.com/ss/?ssq=fuel+pump&make=ford&year=1997&model=Expedition

 

[Bedrck47]

did not get the weight of the tank when I removed it. However itl had about 7 gals. of gas still in the tank. Used a floor jack to lower and raise the tank and skid plate.

You need a special tool to remove the fuel lines. which is available from most parts stores

the following was copied from the 2001 service manual

Tank

Special Tool(s) Fuel Line Disconnect Tool
310-052 (T93T-9550-AH)

Removal

WARNING: Do not smoke or carry lighted tobacco or open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel related component. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited, resulting in possible personal injury.

WARNING: Fuel in the fuel system remains under high pressure even when the engine is not running. Before servicing or disconnecting any of the fuel lines or fuel system components, the fuel system pressure must be relieved to prevent accidental spraying of fuel, causing personal injury or a fire hazard.

Relieve the fuel pressure. For additional information, refer to Section 310-00 .
Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301). For additional information, refer to Section 414-01 .
Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .
Drain the fuel from the fuel tank (9002). For additional information, refer to Section 310-00 .
Disconnect the fuel tank filler pipe vent hose from the fuel tank filler pipe (9034).

Disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector.

Position a suitable jack under the fuel tank.

If equipped, remove the fuel tank skid plate.
Remove the bolts.
Lower the fuel tank skid plate.

Remove the front fuel tank support strap.
Remove the bolts.
Remove the front fuel tank support strap (9092).

Remove the rear fuel tank support strap.
Remove the bolts.
Remove the rear fuel tank support strap.

Partially lower the fuel tank and disconnect the two Evaporative (EVAP) emissions hoses.

Disconnect the two safety clips from the fuel lines.

Use the Fuel Line Disconnect Tool to disconnect the fuel lines from the fuel pump (9350). For additional information, refer to Section 310-00 .

Lower the fuel tank.

Installation

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

 

[Bedrck47]

Is Delphi the best brand fuel pump for are trucks?

I wouldn't recommend which brand is best but I would look at reviews on the different makes of pumps and I would also stay away from Airtex as the reviews that I have read on that brand seem to be the worst of all.

Buts that's just my opinion and I am sure others will agree or disagree.
What works well for one person may not work well for the next person.

 

[curtisr8]

I wouldn't recommend which brand is best but I would look at reviews on the different makes of pumps and I would also stay away from Airtex as the reviews that I have read on that brand seem to be the worst of all.

Buts that's just my opinion and I am sure others will agree or disagree.
What works well for one person may not work well for the next person.

Thank you all for your help. My expy is going to the shop today and I'm going to have it checked out and maybe repaired there
I will update as soon as I know more.

 

[curtisr8]

I wouldn't recommend which brand is best but I would look at reviews on the different makes of pumps and I would also stay away from Airtex as the reviews that I have read on that brand seem to be the worst of all.

Buts that's just my opinion and I am sure others will agree or disagree.
What works well for one person may not work well for the next person.

So turns out the pump was bad for sure. also there was no clamp on breather hoses and it was sucking in extra air. The truck runs way better now. Still a slight rough idle (though i hear its normal for 5.4 to have a rough idle) but otherwise its back to awesome. thanks again for everyone answering my question.

 

[Bedrck47]

Thanks for the update.

What brand of pump did the shop install?