Gas Fuel pumps (Ford)

A low pressure alarm is a waste of time and money. Either a fuel pump works works or it doesn't.

Two indications that your fuel pump may be failing. Loud operation and intermittent operation. If you have a current clamp style amp meter check the current out of the fuel pump relay.

Depending on what model Ford vehicle you have and what model year, you may or may NOT have a "returnless" fuel system. The return fuel has an extra pipe going back to the tank from the fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail. Returnless systems have an electronic controller (somewhere) that controls pressure.

Actron CP7838 Professional Fuel Pressure Tester

Thanks...I'll have to check out if I have return line or not. 2003 5.4 gasser f350
Upgraded older cummins from 5 psi pressure switch to 12 psi. Trying to make use of old switch. So many things elec either work or Don't. Was hoping diagram went weak and indication of low psi would give advance warning.
Nothing like watching gauges to see what is going to break next:B

Thanks again

They can chug intermittently, but often times they just simply quit.

path1 wrote:
Thanks...I'll have to check out if I have return line or not. 2003 5.4 gasser f350

You have a return fuel system (pressure regulator on the fuel rail).

path1 wrote:
Was hoping diagram went weak and indication of low psi would give advance warning.

Sorry buddy ! Fuel pumps have not had a diaphragm since fuel injection became standard. It is a small electric motor and a vane pump mounted inside the tank.

Good info...

If pumps in the module quits...can I go to an aftermarket external pump without dropping tank? Or stuck with change out pump by dropping tank? Of course hoping pump has by-pass built in.

Discussions like the above really are scarry!! It's not "when" ... but "where" the fuel pump goes out that's my concern. What if it gives up way out someplace in a boondocking spot?

I'd pay extra for a special dual fuel pump setup in which two fuel pumps were running in parallel at all times, with a warning light when either one of them failed. Since the chances of both failing at the same time are vanishingly small/near zero, two pumps in parallel would stop any concerns of ever being stranded for that reason. Fuel pump failure is one of the few things that can stop you dead in your tracks and that can't be fixed on the road by the owner or ERS. There's no "limping home" with a failed fuel pump. (Although some owners think that they can replace a fuel pump "fairly easily" if there is an access port in the floor of their RV.)

Perhaps Ford motorhome fuel pumps should be replaced before they fail every ??? miles .... the same as certain other super critical Can-Leave-You-Stranded preventative maintenance items?

is it gas or diesel? Fuel pumps work or just give out, so need to know what it is and year. Just had to install fuel pump in our 12 E450, but suspect the pump was good and the frame mounted relay was bad. Had issues like failure to start, start no power, hung starter. Fuel pump for the V10 was $500 with another $1000 to install. Relays can be found for $70 to 250 depending on where you get it from.

your 1st post says gas, 2 post refers to a cummins so not sure of what you are dealing with. So when asking need to post year model and engine for best results. Older cummins pu's did have fuel pump issues as they didnt have a lift pump only the tank pump.

pnichols wrote:
Discussions like the above really are scarry!! It's not "when" ... but "where" the fuel pump goes out that's my concern. What if it gives up way out someplace in a boondocking spot?

I'd pay extra for a special dual fuel pump setup in which two fuel pumps were running in parallel at all times, with a warning light when either one of them failed. Since the chances of both failing at the same time are vanishingly small/near zero, two pumps in parallel would stop any concerns of ever being stranded for that reason. Fuel pump failure is one of the few things that can stop you dead in your tracks and that can't be fixed on the road by the owner or ERS. There's no "limping home" with a failed fuel pump. (Although some owners think that they can replace a fuel pump "fairly easily" if there is an access port in the floor of their RV.)

Perhaps Ford motorhome fuel pumps should be replaced before they fail every ??? miles .... the same as certain other super critical Can-Leave-You-Stranded preventative maintenance items?

Op here...that is why I have some odd parts left over. Our Fuel pump (lift pump actually) fell apart in Yuma. Not even boon docking at the time. Dealer 2 weeks behind (snow bird season) so we went to another shop. We got totally ripped off by mechanic that talked a good story in the beginning but never followed through. We're not going threw that again. Coming back home started leaking around Sacramento area, we did made it home to Seattle, yes with diapers and baling wire wrapped around fuel leak at sump. I now have an back up pump that I can make it to a repair shop of my choice. Just un-bolt (external) failed pump and screw in back up (carter pump) and switch around elec wires, re-prime fuel line and good to go.

Trying to set a similar set up for a gasser, so like you say not stuck. Just flip of toggle switch or what ever so you're not stuck somewhere.

I think the first generation of Humvees had a set up that had to 2 pumps. If one failed other pump kicked in. I'm going to have to do some more work on something that might work.

If I ever do drop gas tank, I'm for sure going to install a bulk head fitting and plug it off for future use, if at all possible.

If it's a Ford gasser with fuel injection, that in-tank pump will not flow fuel if it's not running. In other words, you can't pull gas through a failed pump with an external pump. I think you "could" gut an in-tank pump and use it as a pickup for an external one. The problem then would be sourcing an external pump that provided the pressure and volume the EFI requires...AND would suck the fuel out of the tank. The in-tank ones work submerged. They have little to no lift capability.

Thanks JD..
This might prove harder than the brakes that you helped me on this thing years ago.