HI everyone. We recently purchased a 2001 motorhome that's based on the F53 with a V10. I noticed that it seems to be hard to start and while it has a strong cranking action, it takes a bit to get it to fire.I checked the fuel pressure and sure enough, with no fuel pressure showing it takes quite a bit of cranking before it even shows 10 lbs. A bit more and it gets to 20 lbs and starts. It stumbles for a second and then smooths out as the pressure gets up to a high of 28 lbs. Rev the motor a bit and it drops to about 24 lbs. I swapped out the fuel filter and there was no change.I disconnected the fuel pressure regulator and instead of the pressure climbing much, it only raised about 1 lbs. I'm thinking I've narrowed it down to the fuel pump but wanted to double check first. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks everyone.......John

My V-10 can't wait to start. Never had to crank it for more than a 1/2 second. Yep, something is wrong. I believe the fuel pump in in the gas tank. That could be a job, or maybe add a second external fuel pump.Here is an article on how to install an external fuel pump on the F-53Article

You should check the electrical connections to the pump. The plug could be corroded causing a voltage drop. Just a thought before you drop the tank to change the fuel pump.

Hi, My buddy's dad had a 460" fuel injected motorhome. He would turn on the key, then wait about 4 seconds for pressure to build, then it would crank over in about 1 second. His dad kept turning on the key and starting it like a car, cranking it about 6 seconds before it took off. And ALWAYS asked how do you start it so quickly?Let the switch stay on for that second, and then the fuel pump should have full voltage while building up the pressure, and it should start right away. I agree that the fuel pump is not working right. Probably the bad pump, but like stated above it can be a loose connection, or bad ground. Does the fuel level indicator move around while you are cranking the engine? That could indicate a bad ground wire.. . Good luck!Fred.

Might have a blocked fuel filter, I would check/replace it and see if the problem persists.

Fuel pump. Been there done that after several repair shops said it was this filter or that filter etc etc.Took it to a dealership and in 5 minutes,Ford dealership checked the pressure directly from the fuel pump and it needed to be replaced.Hope you don't have a full tank of gas in it right now if you do have to replace it! :W

New to the V10.. Low fuel pressure | Good Sam Community

pop-sicle
Explorer
May 18, 2015
I might be wrong but most modern engines with fuel pump in tank and if it is fuel injection then you might want to determine correct pressure I believe it should be up around 60 psi.
Jrork
Explorer
May 18, 2015
Definately will update the thread.

For pressure I've seen a minimum of 30 and a high of 45 listed online.
1rickw
Explorer
May 18, 2015
Just had mine replaced. It was doing the same thing for a couple of years. I had half a tank of gas. Don't know if they drained then replaced it, they never said. It starts great now, best in years. I cost me a bit over $1300.00, but that included having a mechanic come to my house to diagnose the problem, then had it towed (AAA) to the repair shop.
LVJ58
Explorer
May 18, 2015
wildmanbaker wrote:
John, when/if you drop the tank to replace the fuel pump unit, also replace the rubber fuel line to you generator, as it is 14 years old and probably dried and cracked. If you don't, you may be dropping the tank again to replace in the near future.
Good luck and let us know how it works out.

Escellent advice, when they dropped the tank to replace my genset fuel line that cracked, the tech suggested replacing the fuel pump, which I did, though the later year model fuel pumps are relatiely trouble free.
rockhillmanor
Explorer
May 19, 2015
BTW: Mine was intermittent. First run in the morning ok but as it heated up is when the problems started. Ford said that's how some of them go they don't just stop working all the time. Most when they start to heat up act up.

I was just so glad to find a mechanic on the road that knew what they were doing. AND took me in as they were closing.

I had a FULL tank of gas. I told them to give it to all the mechanics and their families! Just leave me enough to put back in to drive out.
Jrork
Explorer
May 19, 2015
Thanks for the replies guys. Unfortunately, the pressure regulator that I ordered from Napa was supposed to be in today but they didn't have it and said they wouldn't get it for 5 days. Wish they would have had the kindness to call me and tell me that instead of me having to drive there to find that out.

I went home and ordered a new regulator and pump from Rockauto instead. Parts will be here on Friday and the cost was within a couple bucks of what Napa was going to charge me. I'll let everyone know how it turns out
wildmanbaker
Explorer
May 19, 2015
John, get to "Parts Train.com" and find a new fuel pump unit. It will include a new fuel sending unit, and all required correct connections. They may save you a lot of money. I believe you are just delaying the eventual.
Jrork
Explorer
May 19, 2015
wildmanbaker wrote:
John, get to "Parts Train.com" and find a new fuel pump unit. It will include a new fuel sending unit, and all required correct connections. They may save you a lot of money. I believe you are just delaying the eventual.

Thanks. Yah, I think you're right to the point I've already ordered a complete new pump and regulator. Now to get the 70 gallons or so of gas out of the tank.
cbr46
Explorer
May 19, 2015
Jrork wrote:
Now to get the 70 gallons or so of gas out of the tank.
Surely someone in WA would love to buy 70 gals at a discounted rate . . . .

Good luck,
- bob
tropical36
Explorer
May 19, 2015
Jrork wrote:
HI everyone. We recently purchased a 2001 motorhome that's based on the F53 with a V10. I noticed that it seems to be hard to start and while it has a strong cranking action, it takes a bit to get it to fire.

I checked the fuel pressure and sure enough, with no fuel pressure showing it takes quite a bit of cranking before it even shows 10 lbs. A bit more and it gets to 20 lbs and starts. It stumbles for a second and then smooths out as the pressure gets up to a high of 28 lbs. Rev the motor a bit and it drops to about 24 lbs.

I swapped out the fuel filter and there was no change.

I disconnected the fuel pressure regulator and instead of the pressure climbing much, it only raised about 1 lbs.

I'm thinking I've narrowed it down to the fuel pump but wanted to double check first. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks everyone.......John

After exploring all other avenues and once you decide to go for changing out the fuel pump, check out the floor above the tank, as many floor plans will allow you to cut through the floor and then install a marine type access cover. Sure saves a lot of work and especially if you ever need to get in there again, which could mean genset fuel delivery problems, as well.