Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (2024)

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sargentrs
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (2)
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed!

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Postby sargentrs »

'87 F150 XLT Lariat. 5.0 EFI dual tank setup. Truck just quit driving down the road yesterday. Got it towed to the house. Have about 8 hrs to get it running to get to work tomorrow. Need help guys! I know it's a fuel problem. Tested power to solenoid, distributor, etc and all good. Checked valve stem on fuel rail and getting no fuel. Sprayed ether in throttle body and she tries to start. PO had installed aftermarket electric fuel selector valve via toggle switch on dashboard.

Variables:
Fuel pump relay
Selector valve
Toggle switch
Fuel pumps (2?) and sending units in tanks
Fuel pump on frame rail

Observations:
Tries to run spraying ether in throttle body
Gas gauges work via original toggle switch on dash
Have fuel in both tanks.
Hear both fuel pumps run with key on.

Game plan:
Test relay
Test for power to selector switch
Test for power to frame fuel pump (how do I do this?)
Test for fuel by removing fuel lines from selector valve

Solutions:
Replace relay
Bypass toggle switch to selector valve
Hot wire frame fuel pump
Replace frame fuel pump (already ordered, won't be here until 5:30 pm)

Where/What else? Any and all input is greatly appreciated!

Last edited by sargentrs on Mon Mar 09, 2020 3:58 am, edited 1 time in total.

Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.

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DuckRyder
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (4)
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Re: Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem

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Postby DuckRyder »

It has in tank pumps AND a frame mounted pump?

How many wires on the frame mounted pump? 2? Power and ground?

Robert
1972 F100 Ranger XLT (445/C6/9” 3.50 Truetrac)

"An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." -- Jeff Cooper

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The Bandit
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (6)
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Re: Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem

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Postby The Bandit »

How about the fuel filter? change it recently?

"Don't believe everything you see and read on the internet." Abe Lincoln
1972 F100 custom SWB 302/C4 Auto PS No AC Wimbledon white and rusty..

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sargentrs
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (8)
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Re: Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem

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Postby sargentrs »

Never changed fuel filter, Bandit. It's on the list.

Duck. 2 wires on the frame fuel pump. I have already verified fuel pump relay is sending power to both tank pumps related to position of toggle switch, up for front tank, down for rear tank. Frame pump is not turning on in any position or key on. Should frame pump also engage with key on or just start position?

Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.

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sargentrs
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (10)
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Re: Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem

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Postby sargentrs »

Located fuel pump inertia switch. Red button not popped. Pulled hot wire from frame pump. Tested in start, only got 8v? Connected fuel pump hot terminal to battery, no noise from fuel pump. Gotta be frame fuel pump?

Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.

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DuckRyder
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (12)
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Re: Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem

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Postby DuckRyder »

Why only eight volts?

Grounds?

Robert
1972 F100 Ranger XLT (445/C6/9” 3.50 Truetrac)

"An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." -- Jeff Cooper

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sargentrs
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (14)
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Re: Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem

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Postby sargentrs »

Back up and regroup. Got the pump out and took it up to the battery. Connected staight to battery and fuel pump works. Going to connect a wire under the truck to a good ground and hook the pump back up to the original pwer feed and test again.

Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.

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DuckRyder
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (16)
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Re: Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem

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Postby DuckRyder »

A wise man (well at least he had his moments) once told me with any electrical problems, first thing check the fuses, check the grounds.

Clean the ground if you can find it, make a new one if you have to. Worse domes to worse make some jumpers and wire it directly to B+ and see if it runs...

Robert
1972 F100 Ranger XLT (445/C6/9” 3.50 Truetrac)

"An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." -- Jeff Cooper

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sargentrs
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (18)
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Re: Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem

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Postby sargentrs »

Made some jumpers to hook straight to battery. Connected fuel line to rear of pump. Turned on key and can hear tank pump run. Connected jumpers to frame pump and it runs. No fuel coming out of frame pump. When I remove rear line from frame pump, not a heavy stream comes out of line even with tank pump running. Should it be a good heavy stream? It's probably not much more than than a few psi coming out of that line.

Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.

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sargentrs
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (20)
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Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2007 9:30 am
Location: Georgia, Jasper

Re: Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem

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Postby sargentrs »

Is there some kind of valve inside the frame pump? If only 5 psi goes in but 45 psi is supposed to come out, it seems like it would suck itself dry in a second. Therefore, not only does it push the fuel out, once the fuel from the tanks reaches the frame pump, it sucks it in as hard and fast as it pushes it back out. If I can hear/feel it running, but nothings coming out, it obviously has a blockage internally, i.e. bad check valve in the frame pump?

Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.

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The Bandit
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (22)
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Location: Salisbury NC

Re: Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem

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Postby The Bandit »

I'm not to knowledgeable on these but my thinking is that maybe a check valve somewhere close to the tanks selector valve is stuck close. If it doesnt have some sort of check valve them the full tank will just pump the fuel to the empty tank when it builds up a little pressure.

"Don't believe everything you see and read on the internet." Abe Lincoln
1972 F100 custom SWB 302/C4 Auto PS No AC Wimbledon white and rusty..

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DuckRyder
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (24)
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Re: Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem

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Postby DuckRyder »

The Bandit wrote:I'm not to knowledgeable on these but my thinking is that maybe a check valve somewhere close to the tanks selector valve is stuck close. If it doesnt have some sort of check valve them the full tank will just pump the fuel to the empty tank when it builds up a little pressure.

I’m not either, but my guess is that the in tank pump are just lift pumps since it has a frame pump as well...

I am pretty sure the switching valve has the check valves in it. The frame mounted pump may as well, but never seen one cause a no start, just extended crank after sitting...

Robert
1972 F100 Ranger XLT (445/C6/9” 3.50 Truetrac)

"An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." -- Jeff Cooper

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sargentrs
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (26)
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Re: Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem

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Postby sargentrs »

Problem solved! It was the frame mounted pump. New pump came into the parts store at 5:30. Hooked it to the fuel line from the rear tanks selector valve and plugged in the original wiring. Left the output line off and set the end of the pump in a coffee can. Quick bump of the key to "start" and got a burst of fuel. Hooked up the outlet line and she fired right up. Mounted the fuel pump to the frame bracket and replaced the fuel filter. She cranked but didn't want to start. Crawled back under and found the positive terminal loose. Squeezed the terminal tighter and plugged it back in. Took a while for the fuel filter to fill up and fuel to make it to the injectors but she started up and ran great. Apparently the frame pump must have a valve in it or was stopped up to run but no fuel come out. Thanks for the help!

P.S. Sorry if I didn't make it clear, Robert but she was turning over just not starting and running.

Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.

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DuckRyder
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (28)
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Re: Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed!

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Postby DuckRyder »

Glad you got it going.

I thought later about possible confusion of the “truck runs” vs “fuel pump runs”.

I vaguely recall something about these pumps (usually made by walbro i think) having plastic parts that can fail, so the pump motor running may not directly equal pumping fuel...

Robert
1972 F100 Ranger XLT (445/C6/9” 3.50 Truetrac)

"An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." -- Jeff Cooper

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sargentrs
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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (30)
Posts: 9866
Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2007 9:30 am
Location: Georgia, Jasper

Re: Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed!

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Postby sargentrs »

Thanks, Robert!

Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.

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Emergency help needed - '87 F150 fuel problem. Fixed! (2024)

FAQs

Where is the fuel pump relay on a 1987 Ford f150? ›

The Fuel Pump Relay is located under the plastic shield at the air cleaner support bracket. It will be the green one.

Where is the fuel pump relay on a 1986 Ford f150? ›

LH Side Of Engine Compartment, On Relay Bracket. Fuel pump relay is next to the EEC Relay.

What is the Ford fuel system problem? ›

Faulty Fuel Pump

Ford vehicles may experience fuel pump failures, manifesting as issues with starting or maintaining power. Symptoms: Whining noise from the fuel tank, engine sputtering at high speeds, loss of power under stress, and the engine not starting.

Where is my fuel reset switch? ›

A: Depending on the platform and the year model, the fuel shut off switch may be under a side panel located next to the driver's door or the footrest area or it can also be under the carpet. For SUVs, a common location is in the luggage compartment under an access panel.

How to do a hard reset on a Ford f150? ›

Performing a System Reset

Vehicles equipped with a Power button: Press and hold both the Power button (center of the volume knob) and the Seek Right button for 10 seconds. Vehicles not equipped with a Power button: Press and hold both the Volume Down and Seek Right buttons on the steering wheel controls for 10 seconds.

What relay controls the fuel? ›

What does the fuel pump relay do? The fuel pump relay plays an integral role in getting fuel to your engine for combustion. Powered by the ignition and/or powertrain control module (PCM), the fuel pump relay's main function is to provide the fuel pump with enough power.

Where is the inertia switch on a 1986 Ford f150? ›

The inertia switch is located below the heater duct on the right hand side under the dash.

Does the fuel pump relay turn on the fuel pump? ›

The current flowing through the coil creates a magnetic field that pulls the relay's contacts closed. Current then travels across the contacts to the electric fuel pump, causing the pump to turn on.

How do I know if my fuel control module is bad? ›

Common Failure Symptoms
  1. No start.
  2. Rough idle.
  3. Loss of power.
  4. Hesitant acceleration.
  5. Intermittent engine performance.

Where is the fuel pump reset button on a Ford? ›

Once the vehicle determines the systems are safe, then the vehicle allows you to restart. The fuel pump shut-off switch is located behind an access panel on the right side of the luggage compartment. The fuel pump shut-off switch has a red reset button on top of it.

How do you diagnose a fuel system problem? ›

Misfires, loss in power, and clicking or whining sounds when idle are symptoms you may notice when the fuel pump is going bad. A variety of other fuel system issues can arise. Some vehicles have transfer pumps, which can go bad and aren't able to transfer to the main tank.

How do I reset my fuel indicator? ›

Turn on the car and push the "Trip/Odo" button to put the odometer into "ODO" mode. Turn the car off, then press and hold the "Trip/Odo" button and turn the car back on. Press and release the button 3 times, holding it down for 4 to 5 seconds the third time.

What does fuel reset do? ›

An activated inertia switch keeps fuel from being pumped into the system to minimize the risk of fire in case the system has developed a leak. Once it is triggered, it must be reset manually by pushing a button on top of the device which restores current to the fuel pump.

Does a fuel pump have a reset button? ›

Many cars did (and some still do) have a crash sensor that cuts off the fuel pump and those DO have a reset switch. Typically in the trunk area, sometimes marked with a sticker. Your owners manual will tell you exactly where it is and how to reset it. It's not difficult to do.

Where is the fuel shut off switch on a 2013 Ford f150? ›

The F-150's pump can be reactivated by resetting the cut-off button to enable start again. The inertia switch for a ford f150 is located on the front part of the passenger door, behind the footwell cover, which is underneath the glove box.

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