fuel pump nightmare
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
fuel pump nightmare
I have a 1999 ford F150 4x4 with 4.6 liter V8 and 180,000 miles on it. At about 120K i was having alot of engine problems ao I decided to install a new fuel pump, big mistake. It turned out being the spark plug wires instead and after installing the new fuel pump my fuel gauge never worked properly. At around 180,000 miles my engine starting to die after driving for about 20 to 30 miles. After leaving it sit for a couple hours it would start up and run fine for about 20 miles. I changed the fuel filter and that didnt help so I decided to change the fuel pump again even though it only had about 60K on it. That fixed the problem for about 3 months when the weather started getting hot. Now I noticed when my gas tank gets down to below 1/4 it starts to realy running rough, almost stalling at idle and coughing and surging during normal driving. When I fill the tank full the problem instantly goes away. Is this another bad fuel pump? If so, I'm getting really tired of dropping that fuel tank to replace fuel pumps, has anyone ever tried cutting an access hatch in the truck bed?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 268
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From: Shamokin PA.
It"s easy with a air chisel or cut off wheel. Then mig it back together and shot some primer on it and put you bed liner back in or clean the weld nice so you can paint it if you don't have a liner.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 395
Likes: 2
From: Arizona City AZ
What brand replacement did you use ? It might be time to put in a motorcraft sending unit with pump - ouch $$$$. I replaced mine with an airtex pump, no problems yet. I don't see a problem with cutting an access panel in the bed, make sure to patch it good when your done - especially if you use the bed a lot.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
The most recent replacement was a Carter brand from Pep Boys. it was the entire pump/hangar and sending unit all in one. I am also not getting any trouble codes either. I use Auto Enginuity software and an OBDII connecter to check it.
Last edited by Leelanterman; Jul 29, 2011 at 08:03 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 10
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From: Southern California
Don't forget to put either primer sealer or a coat of paint on it. Primer is porous and will allow the metal to rust if not sealed.
