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So 3 years ago the bolts that hold the bracket for the alternator and smog pump broke off of my 90 f150 5.0 I've finally got everything put back together. What all do I need to check/change ie. Fluids, gaskets, filters? Before I turn the key. Thanks for any help. Can't wait to fire it up
Last edited by dhalbert; Jun 4, 2025 at 08:02 PM.
Reason: Forgot to mention the year
Would suggest to drain the fuel as best can and refill with fresh, then roll the key from Off to On several times so the fuel pump two-second prime sequence pushes the rest of the old fuel and any accumulated air out of the lines.
Opinion here for the rest of the story is that if the other fluids - oil, tranny fluid, diffy fluid, coolant, etc were considered OK when parked 3 years ago, probably OK to focus on getting things piped off and running regular and go from there, aside from ensuring levels of each are good. Further suggest an engine oil change in short order soon after confidence is restored.
My question for you is, When you turn the key from off to on do you hear the fuel pump run for a second? If you have 2 tanks try them both. If you still hear the fuel pump or pumps run you are lucky. The biggest enemy of fuel pumps is letting them set unused.
Turned the key this morning and it sure sounds like the pump is working. That had me worried. Now, what's the best way to drain the fuel? The rear tank never worked so the only concern is the front.
The easiest way is to remove the Schrader valve from the test port on the fuel rail and clamp a rubber hose on it. Then jumper the fuel pump test connection on the EEC IV test connector, connect a wire from the pump connecting to ground. It will run the pump continually until all the fuel is pumped out. I would then add a few gallons and pump it out too. You got lucky, I let one sit for a couple of years once and both pumps went bad.
I just watched a video of a guy doing exactly that. Seems like the best way to avoid getting any of that bad fuel through the injectors. Thanks again, this forum has really been a life line for me. I appreciate it.
Been sitting 3 years
