Hello All,
I have a '97 F150 that hasn't been started in about 3 years. I can take off the air boot, squirt some gas in it, and it'll run for a few seconds and then die. So obviously it's not getting gas. I'm assuming there's gas gelled up somewhere?
Thanks for any advice.

 

How much fuel does the Gauge indicate?

Do you hear the fuel pump cycle for a brief time when you initially turn the ignition to run?
If not make sure that the fuel pump relay is functioning.

If you hear the fuel pump cycle...
There should be a Schrader valve on your fuel rail... Try using a small straight edge screwdriver to see if fuel comes out when pressed.

If you do hear the fuel pump cycle briefly and no fuel is coming from the Schrader, you will likely want to begin by pulling the fuel filter, check the fuel condition once disconnected, if the fuel is jelled you will need to disconnect your fuel rail line at the firewall and put a container at the end to capture fuel, then purge the fuel line.
You will also need to purge the rail as well.

 

Appreciate the advice. I never would've known that. It'll be the weekend before I'll be able to give it a try. Thank you.

 

No problem.

I failed to mention that you will want to install a new fuel filter, especially if the fuel is jelled.

I am not sure if your year of truck also has a fuel return line, but if it does that will need to be purged as well, you will need to disconnect it at the firewall and at the fuel tank where you will place a container to catch purged fuel.

Likewise if jelling is present in the fuel feed and return lines, it is likely jelled in the fuel tank, you will need to drop the fuel tank so you can drain it, remove the fuel pump and clean it up too.

 

Autozone and others have loaner tools that include a fuel pressure gage. I would suggest that you get the fuel pressure gage, attach it to your Schrader valve and check your fuel pressure, I am not sure what a good value would be but probably around 30 psi should be observed indicating the fuel pump is working and bypass is not stuck open.

I would be concerned that the old gas may have absorbed moisture and you may have water in the gas tank but first check for pressure.

If you are not familiar with the connectors on your fuel filter then read up on how to disconnect them and avoid headaches. Some require special tools that you can get at auto parts stores or Harbor Freight.

 

Thank you Jimboy. More good advice. Looks like I'll be YouTubing a lot of things. I can turn wrenches and such, just don't have the knowledge of going through this particular process.

 

Agreed. Dump the old gas and check pressure.

 

I agree with the above check. Its more likely the fuel pump has gone bad. Gas breaks down if its sits for years and destroys the pump.

 

Thanks all for the replies, sorry for the delayed update. I checked fuel pressure last weekend and zero. So I'll check the relay next. Also need to check the Scrhader valve with a screwdriver. Last week it started for a few seconds after sitting all week, so it somehow got gas. Probably fuel pump gone bad with the gas so old. I'll keep you updated as I can only work on this with limited time on the weekends. Thanks!

 

I am curious
How did you check the fuel pressure?