My 2002 MB with 49,000 miles turns over fine. The battery seems strong, but the motor will not start. It is full of fuel. Started fine a couple of weeks ago. A mechanic put his ear to the fuel tank while we turned it over and he said he could not hear the fuel pump. i got to think it is something else. Any thoughts. Replacing the fuel pump is a relatively big job.
Thank you,
Matt
A mechanic put his ear to the fuel tank while we turned it over and he said he could not hear the fuel pump. i got to think it is something else. Any thoughts. Replacing the fuel pump is a relatively big job.
Fuel pump failures are common. I wouldn't rule it out. Many of us have replaced the fuel pump on early 2000 rigs.
If you replace the fuel pump (after proper diagnosis), have the short section of fuel hose feeding the generator fuel line replaced as well. It commonly cracks and causes generator fuel supply issues.
Search the forum and you should find plenty on fuel pump replacement.
Rich
Six Signs of a Failing Fuel Pump | HEART Certified Auto Care (https://heartautocare.com/six-signs-of-a-failing-fuel-pump/#:~:text=Decreased%20Fuel%20Pressure,have%20a%20fuel%20pump%20failure).
Have your service facility do a 'pressure test' and a 'volume test'. (Presuming they have the proper tools.)
If you replace the fuel pump (after proper diagnosis), have the short section of fuel hose feeding the generator fuel line replaced as well. It commonly cracks and causes generator fuel supply issues.
Rich
I don't think replacing the generator fuel line at the same time as the fuel pump can be over stressed. Previous owners of our 2004 replaced the fuel pump, but not the line. 4 years later I had to have the line replaced for $400 to drop the tank. The hose replaced was less than 30 bucks.
Steve
A mechanic put his ear to the fuel tank while we turned it over and he said he could not hear the fuel pump. i got to think it is something else.
Fuel pump failures are common on older LDs.
If your mechanic doesn't have a fuel pressure tester, find a better mechanic.
It's a simple test to see if the pump is operational with a gauge in knowledgeable hands.
https://www.harborfreight.com/fuel-injection-pump-tester-58760.html
When the ignition key is turned to the run position, the pump should run for two seconds or so, then stop unless the engine starts.
A failing pump or bad pressure regulator may be temporarily overcome by repeatedly turning the ignition on for two seconds and then off, allowing enough pressure to build to start the engine.
Larry
Matt didn't mention any impacts that could have caused the Ford fuel cutoff switch to "trip," but would the symptoms be similar?
Jason
Yes, Jason caught that. If some other car clipped you while in storage, it could have upset the impact sensor and shut off the fuel pump. The first thing to check is that switch. That is quick and free to reset. You should know where it is anyway, even if it isn't the problem. RonB
Like me, Matt doesn't want to bite the bullet and replace the fuel pump. It's gotta be something else. I'm sure of the same thing on my 2001 MB, it's gotta be something else. And I filled the tank before putting the LD away. That's another reason why it can't be the fuel pump, the damn fuel tank is FULL.
Matt, when you figure out what the something else is let me know so I can blame that on why my LD won't start. I willing to blame anybody and anything on my failure to start.
Woe is me.
Go ahead and check the impact switch, it can't hurt but I have not seen this happen to undamaged vehicles.
In normal operations, our LDs and cars are subjected to big impacts all the time just driving through potholes.
Engines need two things to run...fuel and ignition. The basics can be tested with inexpensive tools.
The pump can be tested with a pressure gauge, as listed previously and the ignition tested with a wireless spark detector.
Calterm 66331 Tru-Spark Ignition Firing LED Indicator, Adjustable Sensitivity... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JFHMPC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
The spark detector needs to touch one of the ignition coils to work and adjust the sensitivity until the detector flashes.
If a spark is not detected, pursue this path.
I'm betting the pump is failing or has done so, it is a common failure.
Larry
A lot of good advice! Except for the the broken fuel pump part. If it is the fuel pump how do you deal with 55 gal. of fuel.
Much Thanks,
Matt
A lot of good advice! Except for the the broken fuel pump part. If it is the fuel pump how do you deal with 55 gal. of fuel.
The tank must be drained before dropping the tank to change the fuel pump. It is much too heavy, unstable and dangerous to drop when filled with fuel.
It is a challenge to find a shop capable of doing this job.
Larry
Would connecting an OBD II provide any insight?
Would connecting an OBD II provide any insight?
A 2002's OBDI system does not monitor the fuel pump or the fuel pressure.
Testing isn't difficult and would provide useful information instead of speculation.
Larry
The tank must be drained before dropping the tank to change the fuel pump. It is much too heavy, unstable and dangerous to drop when filled with fuel.
It is a challenge to find a shop capable of doing this job.
Larry
I know . . . I'll let it drain into the storm drain. Out of sight, out of mind. What a terrific idea.
There might be some slight disagreement with some of the more earth friendly people on this platform. But what the hell they don't know where I live. When the neighborhood drain system catches on fire, someone might figure out where I live. It might even make the national news. BULLETIN "A fire 3 miles long is burning under the streets of San Diego." I'll move in with my daughter until things blow over.
On a more realistic note, I was thinking of pumping the gas into my car and my daughter's cars. Or I can post a sign that says FREE GAS. I was thinking of one of those drill driven pumps, but my son in law said don't those have a spark inside them??? Damn kids always coming up with ideas that gum up the works. Well a siphon pump will have to do and since I'm on an incline, with the car behind the motor home, a lower exit point "might" be possible. I won't know until I try it. Somehow I need to get rid of 55 gallons of gas. I'll put it in my car first to prove to my son in law that the gas is still ok. I put a stabilizer in the gas awhile ago. It's just 4 year old gas. Damn. Do you know how much it costs for a 5 gallon gas can that I can take to the hazardous drop-off station. About $20. 11 cans times $20 is only $220. 11 cans takes up a lot of room in the back of my car. I still think the storm drain is the best way.
Woe is me.
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows my sorrow
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Glory, Hallelujah
Holy smokes, at first I thought you were serious about draining into the sewer. But now I think it’s was just in jest. I hope so😁
On a side note, what’s the best way to drain the gas? I would want to stick a hose down the inlet to siphon or pump it out. But I’m assuming anti siphoning measures built into the tank make that problematic.
Holy smokes, at first I thought you were serious about draining into the sewer. But now I think it’s was just in jest. I hope so😁
On a side note, what’s the best way to drain the gas? I would want to stick a hose down the inlet to siphon or pump it out. But I’m assuming anti-siphoning measures built into the tank make that problematic.
Bob had better be kidding, suggesting dangerous solutions will not be tolerated, we do not want anyone getting hurt or killed by doing something they read here.
Some E450 gas tanks have a drain plug, our 2003 does.
Siphoning is difficult or impossible due to the anti-siphon flap in the gas tank's inlet hose.
If the generator's fuel line is still intact, a small 12-volt, low-pressure fuel pump could be used to empty the tank.
Larry
Hi Matt, and Bob; A 5 gallon fuel 'can' isn't that expensive, and a 1 gallon can be used. (less expensive) Pull the fuel line off of the generator, and use that to siphon gas into the 'can'. If you have other vehicles, you can transfer it into them. Most other vehicles can handle regular, even if they are rated for premium. For Bob with 4 year old gas, better hope that stabilizer is working. Limit it to just a few gallons at a time. Be careful with it. No open flames. Don't spill it, etc. That will remove gas down to the 1/4 tank level.
Before all of that, check voltage to the pump. At the impact switch is a good place. Check the fuel pump fuse, under the hood, driver side, green 30A fuse. The Ford Owners manual will show which one it is. There are several identical relays in that box also. They just plug in. Swap the fuel pump relay with another one. They are tough to remove, but you can wiggle them around. Be on the lookout for rodent damaged wires. If you can, trace the wiring harness going to the fuel pump. Look for damage to that. In so. Cal and San Diego in particular, the rain has encouraged plants to grow, and the rats and mice have been a particularly bad problem, just the last year.
As many do, repair facilities will take care of it for a large fee.
And Matt, not being able to hear the fuel pump, doesn't tell you much, unless you can guarantee proper power is getting to the pump first. RonB
Our E450 98~MB has a drain plug which made it easier. Otherwise an electric fuel pump is a smart way to go. Shops that work on fuel tanks should have the capacity to handle 55 gallon fuel drain, then when finished the fuel can be returned to the tank. On our previous SOB, a 1984 itaska, we had a strike which caused a crack in the bottom of the tank. After the strike fuel was weeping out slightly. We repaired the tank a with Permatex like putty (snake oil) which was recommended and was done with the fuel in the tank. It worked for a while till it did not. Later we were in California in Sonoma area when we needed to repair the tank and found three shops that would drain the fuel and weld the tank, this was back in 2010.
Karen~Liam
98 ~ MB
NinA
Our 2002 MB also had a drain plug at the bottom of the fuel tank. It made it easier when I went to fix the generator fuel line and preemptively replace the in-tank fuel pump.
Art
I know . . . I'll let it drain into the storm drain. Out of sight, out of mind. What a terrific idea.
There might be some slight disagreement with some of the more earth friendly people on this platform. But what the hell they don't know where I live. When the neighborhood drain system catches on fire, someone might figure out where I live. It might even make the national news. BULLETIN "A fire 3 miles long is burning under the streets of San Diego." I'll move in with my daughter until things blow over.
On a more realistic note, I was thinking of pumping the gas into my car and my daughter's cars. Or I can post a sign that says FREE GAS. I was thinking of one of those drill driven pumps, but my son in law said don't those have a spark inside them??? Damn kids always coming up with ideas that gum up the works. Well a siphon pump will have to do and since I'm on an incline, with the car behind the motor home, a lower exit point "might" be possible. I won't know until I try it. Somehow I need to get rid of 55 gallons of gas. I'll put it in my car first to prove to my son in law that the gas is still ok. I put a stabilizer in the gas awhile ago. It's just 4 year old gas. Damn. Do you know how much it costs for a 5 gallon gas can that I can take to the hazardous drop-off station. About $20. 11 cans times $20 is only $220. 11 cans takes up a lot of room in the back of my car. I still think the storm drain is the best way.
Woe is me.
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows my sorrow
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Glory, Hallelujah
I thought my post REAKED of the absurd.
I guess tongue in cheek can be an unknown quantity in the first glance. Ridiculousness is a master quantity in my speech when speaking about the absurd. I do love speaking about the absurd, it provokes.
Just another idea. You can remove the inline fuel filter and feed it to a rubber fuel line and after market fuel pump. Provide 12 volts to the pump with no spark and pump it all out.
I have one permanently mounted on the frame with all fittings. All I have to do is tap into the fuel pump power line to drive off. I haven’t done that because I didn’t want to compromise the fuel pump power but the wire is there with connectors.
I posted pictures of it years ago. I did test that fuel could be pumped through an inoperative fuel pump.
Picture of fuel pump.
The fuel filter is in the background of the second picture.
If the generator's fuel line is still intact, a small 12-volt, low-pressure fuel pump could be used to empty the tank.
This would only take the level down to 1/4 tank, not to empty, right?
Nope, all the way. It uses the engine fuel line.
This would only take the level down to 1/4 tank, not to empty, right?
Using the generator fuel line would take it to 1/4. Using the fuel filter line would take it all the way to E.
When I replaced my fuel pump, I drove the rig until the fuel level was as low as I dared - not wanting to need extra fuel or a tow to get home. I dropped the tank and still siphoned 5 gallons out of the tank.
Drain plug, fuel line, generator pickup, drive the rig (if you can). Take your pick. None of it is fun.
Rich
"Using the generator fuel line would take it to 1/4."
Right. It's plumbed that way so that you can't run your fuel tank dry using the generator, leaving you out of gas and stranded.
Hi Matt, and others having starting issues; I had a problem getting my almost new motorhome to start about 18 years ago. Stuck at Live Oak group campground in Santa Barbara. SB Ford wouldn't help, so I got towed to Ventura Ford (now out of business). First thing they did was spray starting fluid into the air filter housing, while another technician cranked it over. It started right up. Only cost me $300 for the mostly full can. Towing to Ventura, and service call $$$. I didn't trust that... some intermittent failure? Restarted it several times, let it cool down not too far away, still in Ventura. Been fine ever since NOT. Nine years later in Doheny Beach, no start condition again. Same can of starting fluid, restored engine running again. No problem since 2014.
A friend needed a motorhome in 2017. Bought a 2001 'Apple' red and white Midbath with 56k miles for them, and refurbished it in my driveway for 3 months. During that time, maybe a month sitting while I worked on it. Same symptom of no-start. Restarted with that same can of starter fluid. I bought them a new can to take with them, and I still have a new can, and that first $300 can, about half full now.
Worth a try, If it works, a cheap fix. If it doesn't, well just out a few bucks. RonB
edited: found this humorous video with a very young Scottie Kilmer. might be useful. engine cranks but wont start, ether spray - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?q=engine+cranks+but+wont+start%2C+ether+spray&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS947US947&oq=engine+cranks+but+wont+start%2C+ether+spray&aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160l2.21194j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:31dfe31c,vid:064Ilsz8Fzg)
Ron, that sounds like an old "shade tree mechanic's trick" and I have seen it work many times! We are going to add that to our on-board tools and parts list we carry in our 98~MB just in case?
When we decided to change our fuel pump at 135K. We drove our 98~MB till we were as low as we thought we could go also carrying a 5 gallon spare gas tank in case we went over. When we drained the fuel from the tank drain at the bottom of the tank, there was still ten gallons of fuel left.
Karen~Liam
98 ~ MB
NinA
can
and a 1 gallon can ^ be used. (less expensive)
That's a great idea, now all I have to do is put 55 of those in the back of my car. I'm sure I can do it. How big can a 1 gallon gas can be??
In reality, I'm going to have to drain the gas tank thru the drain plug. Gotta get my son in law out here, he's my arms and legs nowadays. Gas in the cars or disposal station is an up in the air idea at the moment. I need to try some of that joy juice in my car first. I do like the FREE GAS sign instead of the disposal station cuz I would have to buy a bunch of 5 gallon cans. They won't accept gas unless it's in a 5 gal gas can. Not a can, a GAS can.
Did y'all see that San Diego State is in the final 4??? First time ever! Be still my heart. They beat #1 Alabama on their way to the final 4. Only 1% picked SDSU to be in the final 4. On their way to the Pac 12
Bob. You empty each gallon into another vehicle. So you only need one can.
Is that gas really 4 years old? Why don't you try running the generator to use up the gasoline. At least down to the 1/4 tank level. You can use the electricity to keep your house warm, and your refrigerator cold. The neighbors will complain if you run it at night. You have the same 4kw Onan Emerald I do. The Onan is a lot less picky about quality of gasoline btw.
You will still need to use up the last part of the tank. Open up the fuel rail and hook that to a hose. Gravity will allow gas to flow through the non operating engine pump. It will be filtered also. That might be a better gas to put in a car. One gallon at a time, or 5 gallons at a time. There are also 2 1/2 gallon cans. Use only plastic containers actually rated for gasoline, for everyone's safety. RonB
I just brought my 2004 MB into an auto shop with 1/3 of a tank. They dropped it with fuel as it was, replaced the hose & fuel pump without a problem. Strong guys and a hefty floor jack I guess!
Hi Steve; So which fuel pump did you have installed? Was this a pre-emptory planned maintenance? Or did you have symptoms of impending failure. RonB
The fuel tank was dropped to replace the generator hose - Larry & others correctly diagnosed the pin hole leak. As I thought I might have the fuel tank dropped in Mexico, I bought the Motorcraft fuel pump that Larry had recommended. 2022 FORD E-450 7.3L V8 Fuel Pump & Housing Assembly | RockAuto (https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2022,e-450,7.3l+v8,3448442,fuel+&+air,fuel+pump+&+housing+assembly,10147) 2022 FORD E-450 7.3L V8 Fuel Pump & Housing Assembly | RockAuto. I did not get up the nerve to do it down there. Vince had told me "if all goes well, great, but if it goes sideways, it could ruin you trip," The old fuel pump was working fine, but reading that some in the forum had had 3 replacements, I asked the mechanic & he said might as well as long as I already had the pump.
They had the rig 2 days, I'm sure they were working on other vehicles & they had to wait for me to run home on the first day to pick up the fuel pump. The cost was $400.
Old and new fuel pump id tag.
I just brought my 2004 MB into an auto shop with 1/3 of a tank. They dropped it with fuel as it was, replaced the hose & fuel pump without a problem. Strong guys and a hefty floor jack I guess!
They probably used a platform lift to support the whole tank. Handling a partially fill gas tank is very similar to a boat with a lot of water in the bilge, very unstable.
I used a transmission jack to lower and raise the tank, assisted with two HD ratchet straps, it would have been simpler with another set of hands.
Empty, the tank weighs over 150 lbs.
The fuel pump was changed as a preventative at about 100,000 miles. Many 2000-2005 era LDs have had fuel pump failures and I would rather change it at home instead of having to find someone on the road to do it.
Your replacement pump is an exact match, just from a newer production batch.
Larry
They probably used a platform lift to support the whole tank. Handling a partially fill gas tank is very similar to a boat with a lot of water in the bilge, very unstable.
I used a transmission jack to lower and raise the tank, assisted with two HD ratchet straps, it would have been simpler with another set of hands.
Empty, the tank weighs over 150 lbs.
The fuel pump was changed as a preventative at about 100,000 miles. Many 2000-2005 era LDs have had fuel pump failures and I would rather change it at home instead of having to find someone on the road to do it.
Your replacement pump is an exact match, just from a newer production batch.
Larry
It's a big shop with lots of employees and probably hidden tools. I dropped it off in the morning & when I came back that afternoon the tank was sitting on the ground by the rig. I dropped off the fuel pump & came by the next morning all was installed. Happy to get the work done with no drama! Also great that your recommendation for the pump was spot on!
"It's a big shop with lots of employees and probably hidden tools."
My tank has been lowered three (3) times, twice due to pump failures and once to replace the two inch hose for the generator. During that instance the entire plastic fuel line to the genny was replaced with stainless steel. And all three times I was just a spectator! ;D
"It's a big shop with lots of employees and probably hidden tools."
My tank has been lowered three (3) times, twice due to pump failures and once to replace the two inch hose for the generator. During that instance the entire plastic fuel line to the genny was replaced with stainless steel. And all three times I was just a spectator! ;D
I had remembered the ss replacement you described, but did not know what to ask for. Do you have any photos so I can be ready
IF there is a next time?
"Do you have any photos..."
Blush! Sorry, no photos. I do remember checking the RV Tech's work but it has been many years since that day. ::)
I had remembered the ss replacement you described, but did not know what to ask for. Do you have any photos so I can be ready IF there is a next time?
The Factory used a nylon fuel line between the fuel tank and the generator with short sections of rubber fuel line at the ends.
When I replaced our fuel pump and generator rubber lines, the nylon line was still in good shape and was reused.
Larry
The Factory used a nylon fuel line between the fuel tank and the generator with short sections of rubber fuel line at the ends.
When I replaced our fuel pump and generator rubber lines, the nylon line was still in good shape and was reused.
Larry
Thanks, ours was rubber, so someone probably replaced it along the way... if this happens again (or I'm sure it will happen to someone else), what type of connection is used to hookup a SS line to the metal pipe coming out of the tank?
"The Factory used a nylon fuel line between the fuel tank and the generator..."
Nylon or plastic, I didn't stop to analyze the material. All I know was that it was a dirty yellow color and I was glad to see that shiny SS in its place. Been there and working well for many years now! ??? 8)
"Your replacement pump is an exact match, just from a newer production batch."
You are so lucky now that we are apparently returning to the "New Normal". When we decided to change the fuel pump at 120+K we had less choice of replacement pump assemblys to choose from. I began looking in November of 2020, Bosch and Motorcraft were not available, we had to settle for Delphi from RockAuto in July of 2021. I tried to source from other sources with no luck.
Karen~Liam
98 ~ MB
NinA
Thanks, ours was rubber, so someone probably replaced it along the way... if this happens again (or I'm sure it will happen to someone else), what type of connection is used to hookup a SS line to the metal pipe coming out of the tank?
I have seen repairs where the nylon hard line was replaced with a long rubber hose, instead of two short rubber hoses, one on each end of the nylon hard line.
If I remember correctly the hose and hard line were 1/4" in diameter and used fuel-injection-type hose clamps.
Amazon.com: kimllier 10 Pieces 1/4 Inch (11-13 mm) Fuel Injection Gas Line... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2JYKZW9/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0B2JYKZW9&pd_rd_w=usWof&content-id=amzn1.sym.f734d1a2-0bf9-4a26-ad34-2e1b969a5a75&pf_rd_p=f734d1a2-0bf9-4a26-ad34-2e1b969a5a75&pf_rd_r=SJVPZ3B1QWEZJH7Y6ZDM&pd_rd_wg=Xj8RB&pd_rd_r=6da1fcd3-d821-4b29-be07-363059d0eaa7&s=industrial&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyQ1VRMFJFTVlVSjZHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzY3NjE1M0pETzdVMDVXWlcxRiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTI0NDg0MU9MNjhZWkVWNzAzSyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=)
Larry
Can it be that difficult to drain fuel? I have been hearing about that being a problem more and more even in campgrounds.
Asking for a friend.....Course my friend hangs around in some very interesting places.
I thought some may be interested in knowing that the reason the rig would not start was a failed fuel pump. I had to drain the tank down to 1/4 before the shop would take in the rig for repair. I hand pumped out the fuel at the generator into to a 5 gallon can and filled all the family cars. The new fuel pump was $400.oo and the labor was another $600.00. When the rig was towed the drive shaft was disconnected. On the way home from the shop the driver side electric window stopped working, the AC would only blow out the defroster and the windshield sprayer stopped working. Hmmm! This old rig is getting expensive. But its almost summer and I hope to use it!
Matt
the AC would only blow out the defroster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZA9I98aKjc&ab_channel=JNLafferty
The Lazy Daze Companion: Cab AC - Air Flow Cuts Off Under Acceleration (https://lazydazearticles.blogspot.com/2017/12/cab-ac-air-flow-cuts-off-under_11.html)
Rich
Hi Matt; I was about to write(PM) and ask how that turned out. There seem to be many rigs right about now with failed fuel pumps. What brand pump did you have installed?
You are in So Cal, and with the abnormal excessive rain we've had this year, plants are really growing, along with rats, mice, squirrels. I opened the hood on my Odyssey a while ago and a rabbit jumped out! (ran into the neighbors yard and their dog had a fit!). So your rig was left out unprotected. There is a vacuum line, easily chewed that controls the heating/air conditioning system. In the vicinity of the right front tire. When chewed, the vent system switches to the default mode of defrost. The vacuum reserve tank is inside the fender, just forward of where the radio antenna would have been. Nearly impossible to get to, easier to put in another tank and check valve, and re route the vacuum line. Furnace (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=38382.msg247201#msg247201) reply #5 and links reply #7.
The windshield sprayer and electric window could also be related to rodent damage. Were those things all working before you had it towed? RonB
edit: my link to the Ford (Amazon) vacuum reservoir says that part doesn't fit! Well it's not replacing the cannister that I couldn't find, so it isn't that part. It is flat and thin enough to fit between the steel 'knee' crash plate and the vent duct. I used a lot of VHB 3M double sided tape, to stick it on the vent duct. The steel crash plate goes back on. and the dash plastic fits on that. None of the vac cannister hangs below. The new check valve is near the impact switch reset on the passenger right kick panel. It can be accessed in the future if necessary. I did take off the engine cover. You should take it off and look in there once in a while anyway. (It is a pita!) Inspect for rodent nests, etc. I drilled a hole just above the three screws that hold the bracket that the dog house cover clamps to. I wanted to keep all three of those screws where they are. Ford put them there for a reason. The YouTube people ignored that part. RB
Your 'old' rig is still three years newer than mine!
Must be a virus going around. Yesterday, I took the LD out for a drive and fuel, preparing for a getaway. Wouldn't you know it, the HVAC's vacuum supply failed and the vents would not open.
While investigating the problem at home, I noticed a loud buzzing sound, The driver's door was open and when I looked up there was a large ball of buzzing bees, just a few feet away, obviously a colony of migrating bees. Some of the bees came into the cab while I made a quick exit out the other door.
After a while, the bees decided the LD would not make a good home and moved on. Getting back to work, I found that the vacuum reservoir was defective and leaking. A new vacuum hose was installed, temporarily bypassing the reservoir. A check valve was installed replacing the check valve in the bad reservoir. The Factory reservoir is hidden under the A/C evaporator and would be a major job to access. It's easier to relocate the vacuum reservoir to another location.
I have a new reservoir on order and will install it where ever it will fit, connected to the existing vacuum tubing with a length of 7/64" vacuum tubing and a tee connection.
I will take advantage of Ron's experience and see if the new reservoir will fit under the passenger-side dash. That would be ideal.
Larry
I don't know if this has been discussed here before, but can you connect an auxiliary electric fuel pump to the fuel line and feed the aux. pump outlet to the engine? If possible, it avoids the problem of dropping the gas tank and replacing the Ford fuel pump.
Regarding extra fuel pumps, I have a 2004 Mustang Cobra Terminator dragster that has 3 fuel pumps installed. Fuel pressure is a big deal on this car.
I remember my father did this on his "old" Amigo motorhome (1972 made in San Marcos). He apparently had a problem with the existing fuel pump and just connected an auxiliary electric pump to the gas tank outlet.
Gotta be a problem with this easy solution as many other smarter people would have beat me to the punch on this idea.
Hi Bob; I remember that someone here has installed an auxiliary pump, so that if the main pump quit, there would be a way to proceed. Might not pass smog, or some other problem. I'm not sure about particulars. I believe this other person was obtaining gasoline through some other port than through the main pump. Maybe they will respond with some details. Found that thread here: Fuel Pump Replacement and Dropping Fuel Tank (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=29800.msg168916#msg168916) RonB
The in-tank fuel pump consists of a pump, a filter, and a fuel pressure regulator. The filter may be plugged or close to it being so old. An external pump must operate at the correct pressure and be regulated to the pressure the particular engine needs.
Too much or too little pressure would cause issues, possibly severe.
The best choice is replacing the in-tank fuel pump.
Larry
when I changed my fuel pump i didn't drain all the fuel; but of course it wasn't full. Don't remember how much was left in it but I wished I had drained it because it is a Pain In the A@@@# to deal with the extra weight.
Hi guys
I have a 2007, 31ft, IB LD which had its fuel pump die. On a recommendation it was repaired in Flagstaff, Az
by a quality shop. Fuel tank was 3/4 full but they did not drain. I stood and watched as the mechanic jacked up MH
then wheel underneath 2 portable hydraulic jacks on which he had 2 4x4 lumber for support.slow and carefully Lowered tank This was a piece of cake for him
had work done in short order. Yes hoses were renewed.
Just saying
Bob Wilson