Ford Fuel pump rant
It's been a while since I've been on the forum and using our rig as well. Financial and personal problems along with my neglect are some problems. I went to start the RV back in April and of course it...
Forum Discussion
More often than not, when replacing a bad fuel pump, you can get the pump working to drain the fuel tank by slapping the bottom of the fuel tank with a 12-16 inch long 2x4. The jolt will get the pump working again. It is not a permanent fix because it will reoccur when the motor stops on the same bad spot on the armature.
To slap the bottom of the tank safely without any damage to the tank, place one end of the 2x4 against the tank, then slap it as if it was hinged. Make sure you slap a flat part of the tank, not a curved or tumored area. Protruding ribs should be avoided. Indented ribs on an otherwise flat area of the tank is a fine place to slap.
So fist get yourself setup by
- disconnect the fuel line at the fuel filter and add a rubber extension hose to a vehicle which is low on fuel, or gas can (s)
- wire up "constant power" to the pump so it will run by itself without the ignition key
- slap the tank with the 2x4. It could take 20 or more slaps. The harder the better as long as you don't dent or otherwise damage the gas tank.
Hopefully the slapping will jump-start the pump and drain all the fuel from the tank.
Slapping also works when stranded, but who carries such a 2x4? It allows you to get to a repair shop without towing the motor home. It is also nice to get out of an area you are not comfortable abandoning your motor home.
It works the same with every vehicle with an in-tank fuel pump. If you have an external pump, you can bang on it too to get you going. But be careful not to dent it.
To slap the bottom of the tank safely without any damage to the tank, place one end of the 2x4 against the tank, then slap it as if it was hinged. Make sure you slap a flat part of the tank, not a curved or tumored area. Protruding ribs should be avoided. Indented ribs on an otherwise flat area of the tank is a fine place to slap.
So fist get yourself setup by
- disconnect the fuel line at the fuel filter and add a rubber extension hose to a vehicle which is low on fuel, or gas can (s)
- wire up "constant power" to the pump so it will run by itself without the ignition key
- slap the tank with the 2x4. It could take 20 or more slaps. The harder the better as long as you don't dent or otherwise damage the gas tank.
Hopefully the slapping will jump-start the pump and drain all the fuel from the tank.
Slapping also works when stranded, but who carries such a 2x4? It allows you to get to a repair shop without towing the motor home. It is also nice to get out of an area you are not comfortable abandoning your motor home.
It works the same with every vehicle with an in-tank fuel pump. If you have an external pump, you can bang on it too to get you going. But be careful not to dent it.
