For anyone that will be replacing the drive belt on a Ford V-10 anytime soon: If you happen to remove all the plastic trim and air filter housing, etc., please be aware of how you put it back together. I recently took a trip and when I got on the highway, I hardly had any power. I could barely get to 60 and could not muster up enough speed or acceleration to pass anyone. I would slow down considerably on overpasses. I unhooked the Jeep to see if it improved. It didn't. I figured it must have been the fuel filter. I stopped at the nearest Auto Zone and they sold me a fuel filter for a 2010 E 450. I get out in the parking lot and could not find it. I checked the manual and it said that the filter was located in the tank. I guess the guys at Auto Zone didn't know that. I went back inside and returned it. Got it home and ordered a new fuel pump assembly since you can't order just the filter. Dropped the tank, replaced the assembly and back together. This was not an easy task by the way. I let it get down to a quarter tank. I can't imagine if it had been full. Anyway, I took it on a test run. It seemed better, but not much. I got out on the highway and things did not improve. I pulled over to disconnect the battery to see if resetting the computer would help. While the battery was disconnected, I decided to check the air filter just in case although I had recently replaced it. I removed the first section of the housing. When I went to put it back on, it would not go on quite right. There was a flap that was positioned the wrong way almost blocking the entire intake. I corrected the flap, reassembled everything and got back on the road. It ran perfect. Oh well. At least I have a new fuel pump that should last me for quite a while now.

Amazing it would make that big of a difference. Glad you found it!

You mentioned the drive belt....and cautioned about being aware how to put it back, but was that only because you removed everything above it in order to remove the air filter?

Yep, at least you got a new fuel pump out of this experience.And, we all learned something.That's why I take pictures of everything as I take it apart.I'm glad you found the problem and, it was a cheap fix. Except for the fuel pump.You said it seemed a little better after installing the new pump. Maybe the old one was going and this saved you a break down along the road?

You definitely came out ahead. It likely was time to replace the fuel pump anyway, and you saved yourself a side-of-the-road breakdown.

cgmartine wrote:You mentioned the drive belt....and cautioned about being aware how to put it back, but was that only because you removed everything above it in order to remove the air filter?I removed the air filter housing and all the plastic to be able to see and get to the drive belt easier.

Very Expensive Preventative Maintenance | Good Sam Community

pnichols
Explorer II
Jul 01, 2015
This fuel pump/fuel tank discussion above reminds of a forum thread sometime back.

We were discussing having double fuel pumps for double reliability installed in fuel tanks by the manufacturers as an option, since a bad fuel pump can make an RV dead in the water in inconvenient places a long way from home, and since it's so much hassle and/or money to replace an in-tank fuel pump.

BTW, how does a repair shop return to the customer all the gas that might be in one's tank before they dropped it to install a new pump? Or do the repair shop employees get all your gas as a freebee and then bill the customer for another tank fill-up as part of the repair bill?
5er4ever
Explorer
Jul 01, 2015
falconbrother wrote:
Heck, I'd cut a hole in the floor and weld it back before I'd drop that tank.

I have had 3 fuel pumps so this 4th one was just that....

Measured & cut a 12x12" access.

Changed the pump in 15 min.

Built two supports and placed (just sit) the 12x12 piece in place.
Supports my weight easily and if I needed more support I would lay a board down over it.

I do not recommend welding near the tank.
robertbenita
Explorer
Jul 05, 2015
Amazing what we learn on this site! Thanks!
falconbrother
Explorer II
Jul 05, 2015
Yea, I have started a small fire in the garage welding, LOL.. That slag is bloody hot. I have seen people weld around (not on) closed gas tanks but, yea, it does seem like a risky thing to do. I don't really know how else to secure a panel back from where it was removed though. Welding is quick and easy.
ron_dittmer
Explorer II
Jul 06, 2015
Reading through the original post, the mechanic recreated the same issue that some 2010 E450s had when leaving the Ford assembly line. There was a technical service bulletin issued in regards to an inlet air blockage due to improper assembly. Apparently the mechanic recreated that exact same condition. The issue is covered under TSB #10-25-6 HERE
mr61impala
Explorer
Jul 06, 2015
navegator wrote:
I have been a mechanic for a very long time, when something like that happens, the first thing to do is "what was the last thing I did" and start recheking all that was done backwards until you find the culprit rather than assuming everything you did was correct and start speculating with what if and trying to diagnose a problem that was non existing prior to the last event.

My income depended on doing the job once, now and then there was one that bit hard, those were the lessons of the job.

navegator

X 2, what's the last thing I touched
klutchdust
Explorer II
Jul 06, 2015
navegator wrote:
I have been a mechanic for a very long time, when something like that happens, the first thing to do is "what was the last thing I did" and start recheking all that was done backwards until you find the culprit rather than assuming everything you did was correct and start speculating with what if and trying to diagnose a problem that was non existing prior to the last event.

My income depended on doing the job once, now and then there was one that bit hard, those were the lessons of the job.

navegator

I have wrenched as a career myself, from dozers to ship cargo loading equipment. One interesting incident years ago a semi came into the great dane dealership where i

worked, driver complained of all marker lights flashing when turning on directional signals. Someone in his yard had replaced the bulbs in taillights and wedged an 1156

in a 1157 hole. It caused the 12 volt power to jump across. mechanics were ripping out the front plug, tractor plug etc. I asked their shop what they did that morning and easy fix.

On my 2009 Cambria the previous owner said that once the vehicle was stuck in Park and he wiggled the brake light switch and it allowed it to work again. Good thing he mentioned that

. On our way home from Minnessota to CA. after purchasing the coach alongside a very deserted piece of road it happened. Pulled over to P and bingo.

Even after all my experiences I check You tube before i start a project and there is usually a kind soul sharing his tricks etc. Have to pull the steering column out of my 08 JK and after

watching a video feel confident it will be without a hitch.I Plan on leaving the locking steering column clip out to eliminate inserting the key and pulling the fuse when I tow.
drsteve
Explorer
Jul 07, 2015
BTW, how does a repair shop return to the customer all the gas that might be in one's tank before they dropped it to install a new pump?

They don't drain the tank--they have a big jackstand that goes under the tank to support it and lower it far enough to access the pump.
lonfu
Explorer
Dec 09, 2015
Ok, fuel pump, huh.....

In my moho, the water tank sits right over the gas tank. I always drain the fuel tank!!!! Get a cheapo electric 12v gas pump and hose at autozone or some such. Drain tank to toad or other vehicle. Plywood and or 4x4 under tank, floor jack, loosen the straps and hoses. Drop tank. I've done it many times. Yes, moho's are bigger tanks, but weigh only about 25lbs. They are big and intimidating looking. If it is an 80 gallon tank then 60 lbs with out fuel.

I installed a 2nd tank, so I have 2 fuel pumps and 2 tanks. 40 gal in one, and 36 in the other. In 17 years, 125k miles, I've replaced the one in the 36 gal tank 3 times, the 40 gal tank, never.
JAXFL
Explorer
Dec 09, 2015
mlh wrote:
For anyone that will be replacing the drive belt on a Ford V-10 anytime soon:

Why did you do this in the first place? Was it broken or what?