Fuel system issues?

Tiny
MEGZ628
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD F-250
  • 5.4L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
This all started after I ran out of gas. After filling the tank back up it started having intermittent power loss, stalling, didn't have the power to go up any size hill, but if I cut it off and back on it seemed like it would fix the problem momentarily. I have changed the fuel regulator, filter and fuel pump. I thought changing the fuel pump would fix it, and it did for a little bit. But on the highway, my RPMs jumped to around 4,000 and my fuel trims maxed out. I've had codes related to system too lean, fuel trims maxed out, lean bank 1 and 2 and now today I got misfire on cylinder 1 for the first time. I have checked all the hoses and the pump is priming. I just noticed that my fuel rail has an extremely high amount pressure when I turn the truck off. When it starts driving bad and I cut it off, I have to go let the pressure out of the rail in order to get it driving right again but it won't drive right for long. I've changed everything and I don't know what else to look or even check af this point. I even dropped the fuel tank and cleaned it out just in case it had trash or contaminates in it. It just seems to get worse and worse every time I crank it.

The truck listed above is a super duty.
Monday, July 7th, 2025 AT 1:34 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
With the fuel trims maxed out the engine is starving for fuel. It sounds like the pump is defective, can I ask which brand you used? When you say "high pressure " can you tell me the reading?

Key ON Engine OFF .................... 240-310 kPa (35-45 psi)

This is what it should be, here is a guide to help test it, I would try power braking the truck to make sure the pressure stays good.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Check below for the test port. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, July 7th, 2025 AT 1:44 PM
Tiny
MEGZ628
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  • 4 POSTS
I don't have a fuel pressure gauge but with the truck off we bled the rail, and a lot of pressure and actual fuel came out. After doing that the truck started to run better but only for a few minutes.
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Monday, July 7th, 2025 AT 1:55 PM
Tiny
MEGZ628
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I just changed the fuel pressure regulator right before I changed the fuel pump.
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Monday, July 7th, 2025 AT 1:55 PM
Tiny
MEGZ628
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  • 4 POSTS
I bought a precision fuel pump.
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Monday, July 7th, 2025 AT 1:58 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
I would say you have a defective pump, I would go with a AC Delco or Motorcraft.
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Monday, July 7th, 2025 AT 5:32 PM

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