2000 4.6 will not start

[designit]

4.6 motor 2000yr

runs on gas down the air intake for 30 seconds +/- then dies when used up.
PATS fine, key fine.
Fuel reset (button?) feels like it's locked in the depressed position... (Don't know), I didn't feel anything to press down. (assume that's fine or I would have felt a button that was able to be pressed down, right?)

Key to 'on' position, - No noise whatsoever coming from the gas tank. tapped tank with rubber mallet, - and nothing.

Can you 'for sure' hear the pump motor come on for a couple seconds when key is @ on position? -- Meaning it's not such a faint noise you almost need a steathoscope to hear...

I can't check for pressure right this second, no gauge... Although I assume if the pump is dead there would NOT be fuel coming out @ the motor anyway, yes?

 

[Interceptor]

Sounds like you have two of the three basic things for ignition, spark and air - especially since it tries to run with fuel down the throat. In light of the lack of fuel pressure gauge off the fuel rail test port, you could ear up to the tank and have someone turn on the key. You should ear a pump run time of about 2 seconds while it pressurizes the system, once the key is moved to the on position.

 

[designit]

I did this... wife turned the key, on (hold for a few seconds) > back off for 10 seconds > back 'on' etc... for a few minutes...

I was down at the ground listening for the pump > and even tapping with a mallet...

I heard nothing... Not a peep... My question is I should have heard something... And not as if I would need a stethoscope to hear it either... The noise should have been very clear. (yes?)

Thanks Interceptor

 

[Interceptor]

With your ear close enough to the tank, yes you should clearly hear the pump whine for about 2 seconds while it pressurizes the system. Especially in older models with the original pumps - older pumps tend to make a little more noise than newer ones. The only real world thing that I can think of to compare the sound level to, is a little less than the sound of a XBOX 360. You will not need a stethoscope to hear one. =)

But keep in mind that if you have been monkeying with the key, your system may hold pressure and the pump won't run when you turn the key. Let it sit for a while in between tries. That's my whole complaint about putting the pump in the tanks.

Another thought comes to mind - there is likely a fuel pump relay that engages any time the fuel pump is supposed to run. If you have a volt meter, perhaps you could check to see if the relay is working, and if voltage is present on the input and output side of the contacts. (I'm saying this with the disclaimer that I'm not 100% sure if the 2000 has a relay or where it's located).

Short of the pressure gauge route, perhaps someone else out there has some other suggestions. I've pretty much hit the end of my shade tree mechanic abilities.

Just throwing some ideas out there.

 

[designit]

relays good... etc...

Going in for fuel pump / filter replace tomorrow.

 

[walnuts4x4]

probably pump... I can hear mine whenever I turn the key on....

 

[Lane24]

Here's hoping it's the pump. Like I said on the slow site, Keep us posted. Then it sounds like you'll have a nice truck of your own.

 

[designit]

Should know in a few hours..

Got a P0230 yesterday. "Fuel pump primary circuit malfunction"

Which I assume is the pump motor on the pump itself.

Oh, and this morning I notice I may have a leak in the windshield? Carpet wet around the right / pass side kick panel... I assume that's coming from the top of the windshield around the roof gutter channel over the passenger side. Will need to get the windshield taken out / cleaned and reset I suppose... Prob. a good idea to peel back some carpet & check for rust over there...

 

[99 Expy]

How'd you turn out with the fuel pump? Hope all works out well for you.

 

[designit]

What a freaking pain that was... (just to take the darn thing out)

Pump is replaced but when doing the fuel filter at the same time we discovered some freaking genius crimped the connectors on the fuel filter...

Now I have to replace both runs of fuel line from tank to filter and filter to motor...

So I want to get that done before I install the tank...

 

[Interceptor]

some freaking genius crimped the connectors on the fuel filter...

Glad to hear you made some progress anyway. I remember doing a tank/filter/pump for a 97 Mustang and yes, a pain.

Ouch, I wonder why someone would go to all the trouble to crimp?! Do the connections look something like the attached picture? You may already know this, so apologies if so.. but it takes a special tool to pull 'em... though when I did my f150 I remember having to do some creative work with some shims instead of getting a tool.

 

[designit]

Maybe I won't do the fuel lines... too much for me to deal with right now...

Plan on hooking up electrical in the morning to see if the pump runs...

As far as the connectors... Yeah, they look similar to your picture except mine are a little more oval shape instead of round (someone put pliers on it and squeezed a little hard...) likely the last time someone installed a fliter... I may need to get another tool... Mine just doesn't want to slide in (due to the 'now' oval-ish shape)

 

[designit]

Ahh, the sweet sound of a fuel pump....

Now I have no stinking idea what I'm going to do about the fuel lines (quick connectors) at the fuel filter... Someone crimped them so that the business end of the lines are more oval shaped than round... And the little spring mechanism inside the connector is - well -- sprung it seems...

Anyone ever tried to splice the flex end of the fuel lines with good connectors... You'd obviously want something of a splice like that to handle at least 100 lbs of pressure with no issues...

Only asking on the splice because the forward run to the engine looks like it snakes all over the place = what a major pain that would be... (the rear run <tank to filter> is pretty easy... Only problem is that I can't get either connector off the filter (neither can the mech)... If I have to cut the filter out, = filter needs to be replaced = I'll have to cut the forward connector too... Arggg!

 

[designit]

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Can anyone tell me how my story goes?

 

[99 Expy]

I take it you got her running? So shall I say congrats for becoming a new expy owner?

 

[Interceptor]

Congratz on the progress - sorry I don't have any experience with splicing high pressure lines. I'm still shaking my head at the noodle-brain that tried to manhandle the connectors for the filter.

 

[designit]

Going to scan for more codes soon... Check engine light is solid on... Leaking wiper fluid and wiper light on dash is on... Will do a full service if computer looks good... Engine sounds really super smooth! A bit loud inside the car... Wonder if some performance stuff was put on prior?... Doesn't sound as loud 'outside'... Maybe an undercoating will fix that a little...

(I didn't do the gas lines) My gut said put the tank in and start it... A couple on / off cycles to charge the fuel lines and wala! 1st time... It's alive! And it's mine now!

Manual says if check engine light is on... Fill the tank? (of course I only put 2 gallons in - on a bone dry fuel system...?? Thoughts?

It's happy hour now...

 

[Interceptor]

Good news - don't forget that unless you get someone to clear your codes, it takes two or three "drive cycles" for the codes to clear on their own - or pull the battery for a bit. Either way, it sounds like good progress.

 

[99 Expy]

Of course you'd better fill the tank or else you won't make it 2 blocks with these gas hogs lol, but pull disconnect your battery for about 10 minutes then see if the check light comes back on to see if any codes come back on. Since you don't know much of the previous life of the truck, I'd do a full service and enjoy your new ride!!

 

[designit]

Thanks all...


ran around the corner to put a little gas in.. Seemed to run rough -- The check engine light was on -- Went out a little bit ago to check the air filter & some fluid levels & noticed the Air temp sensor on the intake housing was not connected... Check engine light is off now. Hope that was why it was running rough (for that short period)...

Only one more light to get off the dash... The wiper light? What the?