I have a 1985, F150 with dual tanks and a 302 engine. Its been running great until a couple weeks ago as I could tell it wasnt getting enough fuel. Two days ago I was driving it, and it started sputtering really bad. Then a few seconds later, it completely died. It tried starting right after that, but evertime I pushed the gas, it would die, so I had to get towed home. Now it wont start at all!! From what I have gathered, its the fuel filter, but there is no inline filter? Ive followed the lines everywhere. Ive read that there is a filter in the fuel reservoir but some people say do not take it apart, and others say do take it apart. I just need some input on what to do. Its my only vehicle and Im stranded now, and I am no mechanic what so ever. Any help is highly appriciated. I need to know where the filter is, or what else can be causing this. Some say theres an inline filter right in front of the high pressure pump, but its not on mine. Im confused. Please help!! Thanx in advance

 

If there's not on infront of the high pressure pump that's not good. There's supposed to be one. There's strainers at the bottom of each fuel pump too. I take it your trucks fuel injected. On the curl rail in between cylinders 5 and 6 (drivers side of the truck) there is a schrader valve push it in with a knife or small screwdriver if it shoots out fuel you having good pressure and most likely good flow. If it just burps air then your not getting fuel to the injecters try that and see what happens if you have good pressure then check the cap and plugs for damage or wear.

 

Yes your filter is in the reservoir, and yes it's okay to uncrew it because you have to to change the filter. No you should not have the filter in front of the front pump, that is '87up.

 

does it do the same on both tanks? could be a bad pump.

 

As I remember from other posts here, some have the filter in front of the high pressure pump and some don't. My '86 302 EFI does have it and it appears to be factory or maybe dealer installed, but it is not shown in my '86 shop manual.

Also you may or may not have the schrader on the fuel rail.

There are many things which could cause your symptoms which may or may not be fuel system related. If your filter is plugged enough to cause a no start issue then you most likely have other issues as well.

I would try some starting fluid and see if it starts momentarily if so then you have a fuel system problem.

Some possible fuel system issues:
- Split or cracked fuel lines.
- Filter and/or fuel lines plugged.
- One or both of the in-tank pumps are not working. (note that BOTH in-tank pumps must work in order for the switching valve to work).

I have fuel system troubleshooting writeup - See link in my signature