123brandy

hey guys, need some direction. 1997 tuck, V8 (smaller one) 4x4 off road. Love my F150. She recetnly started a goofy thing --- so, I am a car dealer and I need my truck to do her thing for me. About a month ago, she was warmed to operating temp. Crank Crank Crank...no start. DAMN IT! Waiting a moment...crank crank...finally started! I assumed fuel pump. I did not mess around. Replaced it that same day. Seemed fine, it has started acting up again. More so when it is cold, but, can also happen when warm. I shoot some starting fluid up the intake. Boom, fires up and it's fine. No codes/no stupid lights on. OK, so, yea I know the fuel pump could be bad but I doubt it. Is there an external regulator? What should I try next?
thanks!

BlueO2

Fuel filter
Iac
Air filter
??

Next time it's acting up check the pressure at the fuel rail. Quick test on the fly: have someone turn it over while you press the valve stem looking thing on the fuel rail.. Guard your eyes.

Does pressing the gas while turning it over change anything?

Jbrew

Starting fluid can ruin a few components on the top end..not a good idea. The TPS electrical ribbon will be the first to go.

If you have fuel pressure, it's either the fuel pump relay ( if warm to the touch, it's bad) or the regulator IMO.

Could be a bad connect at the crank or cam sensor. The very best to do is troubleshoot things before replacing or having a mechanic replace...IF, you make the time lol.

123brandy

blue02, yes -- I follow you, that will tell me if I have fuel or not. OK, next question, (I have swapped the relay with the horn relay when it has been acting up to no avail) IS there an external fuel pressure reg on our trucks?

JBrew, what the regulator IMO? Not sure what IMO means, fuel pressure reg? Reason I ask is I had a Silverado that had some stupid problem I never solved but it did not have an external fuel pressure regualtor

JCR 56

IMO--in my opinion. The regulator Jbrew is referring to is on the fuel rail with a red vacuum line on top of it.

123brandy

I agree. That's my next step

Carcrazygts2

I had a similar issue and it was the regulator was bad. For safe measures replace the fuel pump relay.

123brandy

might as well, was your at random or more so when it was cold?

123brandy

ok guys --- UPDATE time...so...went to the junkyard and pulled a used regulator. The truck had been starting great, so, put the regulator and the tools I would need to swap it in the toolbox. Yesterday it would not start, swapped the part, and it took a minute but cranked up. I thought it was fixed. This morning, same thing...sprayed starting fluid: started up. Drove it, it say for a few hours, cranked up fine. Came home, sitting in the drive through line, and it died. First time it has EVER done that. Sprayed it: cranked right up. So.....based on this info....would you assume the new fuel pump I put in bad? Or, option #2, the used regulator is bad. Thoughts?

Jbrew

You have a 97 right, - switch your fuel relay with your horn relay..give that a shot. They are both next to each under the hood and in the power distribution box.

Before doing that, key the ignition to the run position, go ahead and attempt to start. IF it starts or not (just leave the key in the run position if not), feel the relay with your hand. If it's warm to touch, that relay is bad.

But yea switch them anyway when through, then attempt again.

What your doing is confirming whether the relay is getting flakey and causing the issue.
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Other than that and what should have been done by now is a fuel pressure test. That will tell what shape the pump is in. You can get a cheap pressure tester at auto zone or just borrow there's under the free loaner program and it won't cost you a dime. You can also check the regulator with that gauge. Pressure first, - and make sure the tester you borrow or buy has the Ford adapter. Post back