todays fuel problem

[Cowboy_Customs]

Ok so I get back to "work" and when I go out n start my truck, or at least attempt, no start, no smoke, just cranking with a slight hint one cylinder might fire this time around. Now I know I have air issues, BUT why is there air in my fuel filter?? I tryed this 2 weeks ago to see if itll work n it did, I turn the key "ON" and disconnected the fuel shutoff soleniod at the IP, cranked it over for 3 seconds, n hit the schrader valve, n air comes out, I do this probably 3 more times (pending on how long its sat) reconnect the FSS, cycle the plugs, step on the accelerator to get it up round 7-800 RPM when it starts, n volla! Starts right up, no spit, no sputter. However, today, Im cold, tired, hungry been on the road for 14 hours, so I jump in crank er over, n its turn'n slower then usual, n not even the usual start, run, die deal I get when I dont do the other method I just explained. This is VERY unusual, it was 29 today, its started better on 5 degree nights then it did today! n it only sat sence saturday night! I got 2 just about brand new batts (good ones) a newer NAPA reman starter. The only diffence then usual is i had to give er a lil dose of 911 cause I was broke, n outta my usual white bottle of power service. (It was goin down the singles so I needed something) Sence then I have used that tank of fuel with the 911 and got my usual stuff. im baffled. Guess hind sight is 20/20 huh? I knew I shoulda done the new procedure! But either way it started up after a lil cranking.
But why the large quantity of air at the FF?? its only got 6000 on it, n a injector install kit as well. I understand if the fuel filter was leaking Id have problems while running, but after sitting??
sorry so long of a post guys!

 

[OkieGringo]

I've post this before. I chased a air leak for a couple of yrs but just could not find it. Then I happened to change the Fuel filter, but this time I tightened the crap outta the filter with a wrench and have not had the problem since. So if you've tried everything else, try this. And tighten the bottom water trap also.

 

[troutwest66]

Is the bottom of the filter dry? Mine last spring decided to leak out of the drain in the bowl. There is a rubber o-ring/washer in the valve that is only available at Ford since International never used our style of filter. I checked because their logo is on it but it was done for Ford. If you can't get the washer just turn yours over and it will seal until your next filter change. Like Okie said be sure the filter and bowl are tight.

 

[Cowboy_Customs]

My filter "appears" to be nice n dry, not any yellow streaks er nuthin, got 6K on er n it looks bout as white as it did when I put it on. I did only tighten it by hand, like most everything else, but I gotta hell of'a grip though. Im going to go stick a paper towel under it n inspect it before I go to work today. I was thinkin bout that water drain screw. N If I remember correctly, Fleetguard included a nice new rubber o-ring for the drain bowl. But like I said that was 6K ago. so I think it was October when I changed it.

HEHEHE I just got my AMSOIL package so Im gonna go outside N tinker with it now n see what I can come up with.

 

[OkieGringo]

Well, after you spend lotsa money, time and blood chasing down that air leak and then finally try using a wrench on the filter which fixes the problem, I'll expect a case of beer to be delivered to my doorstep. Jeez, when will you people just listen when you ask for advise? OkieGringo

My filter "appears" to be nice n dry, not any yellow streaks er nuthin, got 6K on er n it looks bout as white as it did when I put it on. I did only tighten it by hand, like most everything else, but I gotta hell of'a grip though. Im going to go stick a paper towel under it n inspect it before I go to work today. I was thinkin bout that water drain screw. N If I remember correctly, Fleetguard included a nice new rubber o-ring for the drain bowl. But like I said that was 6K ago. so I think it was October when I changed it.

HEHEHE I just got my AMSOIL package so Im gonna go outside N tinker with it now n see what I can come up with.

 

[Cowboy_Customs]

OK, after further anlysis, Ive deleted the FF from the equation. (I think) Here is what I did.
Inspected the FF for any signs of leakage, wiped off the dust, and attempted to tighten the wee outta it (I dont have a filter wrench big enough) so by hand it moved 1/1000 of a turn? Attempted to tighten the drain bowl, with same results. Now, when I opened the water drain all it did was gurgle air, with NO drainage, after completly loosening the valve I got maybe 4 good drops of water/fuel. Thats all that happened there, this seems very unusual. I expect fuel to poor out of it, but it didnt. So I suspect its plugged with wax perhaps? Unhooked FSS, and did the schrader valve procedure explained earlier I think 10 TIMES! Im a little afraid of ruining a perfectly good starter so I ended that procedure and attempted to start the truck. Well that didnt go so well. It was like the whole system was completly drained of fuel, I did get some smoke out of the exhaust. After It finally started, I purged tons of air from the schrader valve, let it run for a minute while I plugged in my X-cord for the heater, n plugged in my heater. I got back up on my stool and purged more air from the system till it was nuthin but fuel again. let it run for 30 seconds, same results.
Where on earth is all this dang air comming from????? All my connections on the truck are tight with no signs of leakage. I know I am down to 1/4 tank with suspisions of pickup problems, but with this much air how is the thing running so well? (keep in mind this happens no matter how much fuel I have) I have the front tank out of the truck at the moment for pickup repair with the line kinda running out into space sooo perhaps I have a going bad switching valve? There are no visible/obvious leaks at the injectors.
Im going to make another post about the plans for my fuel system. So check that out.
Sorry for being soooo long, but I like to be as thorough as possible so ya'll know whats going on and been done.
Thanks so much guys! dont know what Id do with out ya!!

 

[OkieGringo]

Ok, replace the fuel filter and buy a friggin filter wrench while you're there, and clean the water drain. But until you get the tank situation done you're-Deadhorse . Probably a tank connection loose. When you start tryin' to do soo much at the same time, it's hard to find the tiny mistake/problem. It'll probably get fixed during all the other repairs additions you're planning anyway. By the time you get done it'll be a monstrosity that no one will ever want to buy if you ever need/want to sell it off. Sorry for being such a "RichardCranium" today. OkieGringo

 

[Mr_Roboto]

It sounds like an electric fuel pump would be a wise investment. At the least you can purge the air out without cranking the engine and burning up your starter. At the most it may turn your air leak into a fuel leak so you can find it.

 

[Cowboy_Customs]

lol, its ok Okie. someones gotta do it! I know im kinda -Deadhorse I gotta get down to the parts store n get the filter wrench. Just with money bein soooo tight, its not too high on the priority list.
Im prayin my tax returns get here soon so I can fix the dayum thing. I lost my priority list of items that needed to get fixed when I get my returns, so I guess the fuel sys. and 8 brand new GPs are at the top now. Maybe they were before, dont remember now!

On Edit: OK "Richard Cranium" I bought a filter wrench tonight n tightn'd er down a turn (got my tax returns so while I was at NAPA pick'n up somestuff I thought of you! )