I need some suggestions, please

[Lockedhearts]

Hubby and I have a 91 F350 with 7.3 IDI. Have been having issues cranking in the morning. It cranks and then shudders( like it sucks air) and shuts off. I then have a hard time re-cranking but once it cranks is fine.
We have just replaced the filter/separator housing and fuel heater. Wondering if anyone has any other suggestions or has had this happen on their truck?
Any help is appreciated.

 

[h2odrx]

Hey welcome to OILBURNERS!! How much fuel is in the tanks? and what do the return lines look like? is the filter tight?

 

[Lockedhearts]

Right now we can use the back tank only, pick up for front one needs to be replaced. Since this has been happening it has ranged anywhere from 1/4 tank to a full tank (this has been going on for a month or so)
We have not checked the return lines, that is a good thought.
I was wondering about the lines going into the injectors? Don't they have o-rings? Wondering if that could cause this problem?

 

[dsblack]

The lines going from the pump to the injectors do not have o-ring in them. But the fuel line from the lift pump, to the filter, filter to the injection pump have seals in them. They could be leaking.
Did this happen when changing the filter housing, or is that why you did it?

Return lines are a maintenance item. Also, you can place a piece of clear tube into the fuel return system to see if you are getting air. If it fires, dies, cranks, fires and runs fine for the day, I would start with the return line kit.

 

[yARIC008]

Defintley air getting in somehow. Would start with replacing return lines aswell.

It likely wouldn't be the lines going to the injectors because if they were leaking you'd know it, fuel would either be spraying out or you engine would have a misfire. Fuel is pressurized in those lines to about 2000 psi.

 

[Mr_Roboto]

The O-rings are under the plastic return caps, they are a common leaker especially if they are more than a few years old.

 

[RLDSL]

You can find the return line kits here: http://www.intellidog.com/dieselmann/ford.htm
along with the seals for the fuel feed lines.

------------Robert

 

[Lockedhearts]

We changed the filter/separator housing due to leaking, did not realize the fuel heater was separate until we got the part. The leak was actually coming from the "electrical" connection of the fuel heater, so we replaced that as well.
As far as I can tell there are no other fuel leaks. The lift pump was checked by my mechanic and honestly as good as he is I bet he checked the seals in that line.
We try to do some repairs ourselves to save money and the fact that it is somewhat out of the way to get to the mechanic as well.
I had heard that the o-rings are a common problem, so will check return lines and those and hopefully get it right.
I love this truck and other than needing some cosmetic work (paint job) it normally runs great. I Drive it daily to work and we haul a steel 3 horse bumper pull trailer most weekends. We bought it in 03 after my 96 F150 was totaled by an idiot driver and as much as I like the newer ones I would not give it up.
Thanks for the suggestions. It seems that it runs fine and every few months has a series of small issues. We suspect that it was used as a car hauler before we bought it.
Also does anyone know a good source for interior parts? We replaced some trim on the dash but are looking for a new dash and would like to convert the 50/50 split seat to buckets, if possible. Also wanting new dorr panels and other interior trim.

 

[Agnem]

Welcome to the site. Be sure to check out our technical articles, and give the fuel system servicing article a quick read. You'll find a bit of a how to in there concerning your return line servicing task. Air usually leaks in without letting fuel out, so you can't look and tell if they leak or not. You could also consider an electric fuel pump to replace the mechanical one. Most have found that in cases like yours with a persistent or nagging air leak, the cranking time is reduced and consequently wear and tear on the starter and glow plugs is reduced.

 

[f-two-fiddy]

If the fuel line from the Filter/IP was removed. I'd definately replace the seals. They dry up over the years. When you disturb them, they're a bear to get to seal properly.

 

[GaPchNCrm]

Hey- I know you! Bout time you made your way over here!

 

[Lockedhearts]

HA HA HA , Figured I better learn to start fixing this truck myself.....

 

[GenLightening]

Interior?

Also does anyone know a good source for interior parts? We replaced some trim on the dash but are looking for a new dash and would like to convert the 50/50 split seat to buckets, if possible. Also wanting new dorr panels and other interior trim.

I've got a '90 that I'm parting out, there's some pics in my ad. Are the '90 and '91 the same? Anybody?
http://oilburners.net/forums/showthread.php?t=14555

Not sure where you are, so shipping may be a bit.

 

[oregon-mike]

I think it was '92 that most things changed (from my searching for parts for my '93 anyway). I usually look at LMC's site to see if the part I'm looking for is the same for my year as the one I'm looking to scavenge/salvage.

Mike

 

[GenLightening]

I think it was '92 that most things changed (from my searching for parts for my '93 anyway). I usually look at LMC's site to see if the part I'm looking for is the same for my year as the one I'm looking to scavenge/salvage.

Mike

And it looks like you are correct sir! Thanks.