So I recently decided to jump aboard the ford train and picked up a 1999 F150 Xl with the v6 4.2. It was used by the company I work for so I knew to expect surprises as most of these guys don't care because they don't own them. I managed to buy it for a measly $200 figuring I could get about $400 for tires and $180 for the salvage yard. That WAS my plan because it was not in working order until I decided to give it a once over. Charged battery turned it over, spark but no fuel, checked fuses changed fuel pump fuse and voila, it started like a charm. Which brings me to my question.
The truck has fairly low mileage (160 280 KM) and when I started it I noticed a big fuel leak from under the intake. I can not tell if it is the injector itself or if it is coming from the fuel rail. Has anybody ever heard of the fuel rail leaking on these trucks? I am hoping it is just an injector.
Now the next thing is what procedure should I use to remove fuel rail and injector? Is it easier to remove the whole intake, and if I do should I have a new gasket handy?
I would hate to scrap it because for $200 I think it was a pretty good deal. Body wise the truck is in good condition.
Thanks in advance fellas
Joe

 

If you cycle the key a few times to pressurize the rail you may be able to visually find the leak. If an injector is stuck open it will run like crap-especially on startup.If it runs OK it may be just injector O-rings.

 

Thanks for the response, I'm hoping that it is just an o-ring. I am still guessing the easiest way to remove the injector to visually inspect is to remove intake and rail, correct? If so I might as well change plugs and intake gasket while everything is apart right?

 

Injectors can be removed without removing intake manifold. It's not easy but you need to remove the rail-or at least raise it.

 

Just to let you know, I discovered that the leak is coming from the fuel rail itself. Anybody here ever fix one without changing the whole rail? If so any pointers? I will be removing the whole intake, my hands are too big to get under there lol.

 

I'm a big ebay fan, if your rail is leaking might wanna replace the whole thing...

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...+rail&_sacat=0

 

If the rail is leaking I'd replace it. Not sure what a new one is worth but shouldn't be too hard to find used.

 

I worked on a 4.2L E-150 couple of weeks ago, same problem. The rail had rusted through right by the regulator. I got one from ford, I don't think it was all that bad for a price but you only paid $200 for the truck. I couldn't find one from a salvage yard. You may have better luck. You may also be looking a a fuel pump with a blown fuse. I would try to get it safe to drive as cheap as possible at this point. Who knows what else the truck will need! Rail is not too bad to replace, just lube up the injector orings well with vasoline. Install a new fuel filter as well.

 

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated guys. And yes after removing intake manifold I can clearly see the leak is coming from the rail itself and not injectors. So much for hoping it was o-rings. I called my local dealer as these fuel rails are not manufactured by any aftermarket companies and they quoted me at $360. The injectors are fine as far as I can see, no codes on the computer, the only other problems on this truck are, the Y pipe coming out of water pump is rusted through and leaking and 1 brake line is leaking. I will be changing plugs, intake manifold gasket, distributor, injector o-ring kit and plug wires. Everything else is in working order, as I said it runs like a charm. As a matter of fact the last thing done to this truck was all fuel lines are brand new and filter so no need to touch that. I am going to look at a fuel rail today, the guy wants $40 so I will probably get it.
While on here has anybody changed the steel pipe coming from the top of water pump? Any pointers on that job ?
As for what else could be wrong with it I talked to the owner, businessman type of guy who wouldn't even be able to tell you where washer fluid goes. He was told by Ford stealership that to get it back to safe road worthy conditions he was looking at around $2500 including time. I figure by the time I do everything I discussed I will have that and more done lol. Like I said, it only has 160 000 KM, I'd hate to scrap it after I've heard it run. Sorry for the long post, just want to paint a clear picture!
Joe