1998 Ford Windstar Excessive Fuel Pressure

Tiny
RKBRDGAUTO14
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
Got a stumper for ya fellas = My son has a 98 Ford Windstar =The problem started when the van died on him several times, ran poorly, and then finally would not restart. In fact it would not even turn over and crank. Since I live 4 hrs away I coached him and his brother inlaw with the diagnostics. I said that vans symptoms sounded like it was hydrolocked. They pulled the spark plugs and sure enough #1 cylinder was full of gas. They replaced all of the fuel injectors and it ran shortly and then stalled again. This time it flooded darn near all of the cylinders. I finally drove to Mn to see what was going on & checked the fuel pressure & discovered 90 PSI of pressure. Checked the fuel regulator and fuel spewed from the Vacuum port = AHA = Changed the regulator and still got 90 PSI = Disconnected the return line from the fuel line at the tank connection on the frame rail before the tank = No flow with high pressure - Disconnected the return line at the fuel rail & attached a hose to the rail = Pressure was now @ 27 PSI with good flow = AHA - Replaced the braided hose from the fuel rail to the stainless steel tubing behind the engine = "Still" has 90 PSI = Rechecked flow at the tank = Good flow now and 27 PSI of pressure = Removed the fuel tank - checked the plastic tube to the pump module = OK - Replaced fuel Pump = "Still" has 90 PSI = Rechecked return line before the tank = 27 PSI with good flow = Rehooked tube to the tank & pump = 90 PSI = Just in case I replaced the fuel regulator with one from another parts store ( Getting really frustrated now & grasping at straws ) = Same problem = = Removed tank & Pump again - Partially disassembled the new pump & inspected the return portion for possible obstructions that may have washed down the return line and possibly obstructed the pump = no debris = = OK guys - I am totally stumped = I am an ASE certified mechanic and have been wrenching for over 40 years = = What am I missing?
Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 AT 10:21 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Do you think it may be your gage reading wrong? You have covered all the bases and the issue was the regulator.

Roy
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Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 AT 11:54 AM
Tiny
RKBRDGAUTO14
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes I did confirm the problem with a second pressure gauge. I initially used mine, then tried my sons brother in laws gauge. = Both read 90 PSI.
Darwin
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Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 AT 11:58 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Did you check the feed line from the tank to the injector rail? I see you checked the return line

Roy
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Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Nothing came through
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Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 AT 12:36 PM
Tiny
RKBRDGAUTO14
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Sorry about that? = = I had disconnected the return line from the fuel rail & attached a test hose to the rail & into a gas can = 27 PSI of pressure( which I think is too low ) and good flow of fuel = I took a hose pliers clamp tool & pinched the test hose which spiked the pressure back up to 90 PSI = This was before I replaced the braided hose in the engine compartment & before I replaced the fuel pump.
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Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 AT 12:43 PM

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