Melted Fuel Pump Connector, In-Tank

[cootersEL]

Check this out.

Saturday the Expedition wouldn't start. I flat-towed it home (got 99.9 MPG for a change!) after checking fuel pressure (none) all the fuses and relays; dropped the tank and pulled the pump to find this melted connector. Pump still powers fine, but I am wondering the effects of the compromised connection so I likely will pay the $300-$400 for a new pump assembly rather than fixing the connector.

Any opinions?

CootersEL

 

[01yellerCobra]

I would definitly get a new pump. Something got stuck and shorted. There's a chance the pump was stuck and when you pulled it out it got knocked loose.

 

[toms89]

I helped replace a fuel pump in my neighbors chevy truck. Similar issue... connector/wire plugged into the fuel pump was burning up. (inside the fuel tank)

Makes you wonder.... gas tank.. bad electrical connection ?!

If tank is full its not an issue as liquid gasoline will not burn, but when its near empty. Guess it never hits that air/fuel ratio necessary to support combustion?!

 

[toms89]

Oh... and generally a loose, corroded, bad connection is what causes that type of failure. Its a point of resistance and it heats up and this accelerates the issue until she burns clear.

If the pump was locked up or shorted I would suspect it would have blown fuse..

That said... while you there it would much easier to replace it now to be 100% certain..

 

[cootersEL]

I did indeed decide to get a new pump. Thanks for the replies. It is the newest vehicle at my house, and most needed, so it made sense to spend the money.

So, finding a Pump (Motorcraft PFS565) became a pain. I was all set to buy one from the dealership today, but apparently the initial quote I received yesterday was for some other pump. The EL Pump is tough to come by right now which makes me wonder, are the trucks too rare, is the need rare, or is there an issue happening with these pumps backordering them so severely (in that last case I probably would've seen several more with similar issues)? I wonder.

Anyways, the dealership put me in touch with a couple out of State dealerships as that looked to be the only way to get one. I sourced it online in the aftermarket though to save over $100 (including Ford Discount) for the same Motorcraft Assembly (I hope it pans out) seeing as I was already looking at a delay and shipping.

I'll post back if the new pump looks any different. If it looks the same I'll likely post back in 65,000 miles when it fails again!

******

 

[01yellerCobra]

I can't imagine the pumps between the EL and regular versions being any different. The engine and transmission is the same between the two models. It wouldn't make sense to have two different types of pumps. I would do some looking and see if the part numbers are the same between the models.

Edit: Did some looking and I did see a different part number for the EL and regular wheel base. According to the info there is a difference in sending units to give proper readings. I wonder if that's because the EL's have the 33 gallon tank standard? Isn't the 33 gallon an option with the HD towing package?

 

[tojohnso]

A co-worker who has a '01 Expedition said she was advised to keep her fuel above 1/2 tank to help keep the fuel pumps from wearing out. I had to replace my '99 Expedition fuel pump at around 120K. She's at 170K and still has the original fuel pump. I wonder if there is something to that? I'm debating doing that with my '11.

 

[01yellerCobra]

A co-worker who has a '01 Expedition said she was advised to keep her fuel above 1/2 tank to help keep the fuel pumps from wearing out. I had to replace my '99 Expedition fuel pump at around 120K. She's at 170K and still has the original fuel pump. I wonder if there is something to that? I'm debating doing that with my '11.

Our Mountaineer had 190K on the stock pump and it hit empty a lot over the years. My wife even ran it out of gas a couple times. I think pumps are a hit or miss kind of thing.

 

[tojohnso]

Interesting. Isn't it that way with a lot of parts? Something has got to help them last longer than they would otherwise though. I may not worry about it then. But, it is expensive paying someone to replace those things.

 

[stamp11127]

One thing that keeping the tank 1/2 full of gas does is help cool the fuel pump. Since the pump is above the strainer it would always be in contact with the fuel at that level. As the level drops towards empty the pump becomes"uncovered" and heats up.

I usually give a pump 150,000 miles then plan on a replacement when time/weather allows.

 

[tojohnso]

One thing that keeping the tank 1/2 full of gas does is help cool the fuel pump. Since the pump is above the strainer it would always be in contact with the fuel at that level. As the level drops towards empty the pump becomes"uncovered" and heats up.

I usually give a pump 150,000 miles then plan on a replacement when time allows.

Now THAT is great to know. Thanks!

 

[cootersEL]

New Pump

So, I thought I'd post back. Last week Wednesday I put the new pump in, and the Expedition runs fine now. The connector is of a slightly different design and appears to be of a totally different plastic.

Old Pump was 7L14-9H307-B, new pump is 7L1Z-9H307-FA.

A comparison photo is attached.

 

[the-car-guy]

cant find fuel pump

the fuel pump in my 2007 expedition el went south yesterday, dealer is telling me the fuel pump (motorcraft pfs565) is back ordered for months... will this motor craft fuel pump work in my expedition el??? as it did yours?
7L1Z-9H307-FA



Old Pump was 7L14-9H307-B, new pump is 7L1Z-9H307-FA

 

[the-car-guy]

cooterel -- see my post -- i need my vehicle working --- thanks

 

[cootersEL]

Backorder

The pump called for is the PFS-565 per motorcraft.com. Have your dealer check the National Database, that is what mine did. They found a pump in Maine and WV, but I thought why order from an out state dealer over the aftermarket, and was able to find one in the aftermarket for a lot cheaper.

I have a feeling a lot of these are failing, and hence the backorder. I have not heard back from the pump manufacturer yet, but Ford did send a nonspecific apology at least.

Good Luck.

Two other things I neglected to mention:

The removal and install is easy, but be careful with the little plastic clips, and note the Pump Cover (Metal Bracket above the fuel pump) orientation. Also, pay attention to the lines and electrical connectors when the tank is first being dropped, some need to be disconnected not too far from the chassis as they have short service lengths.

I'll never run the tank only down to 1/2. Part of the appeal of this vehicle is it's range, so F that 1/2 tank noise.