Will not stay running?

Tiny
MOUSE357
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 FORD F-250
  • 186,359 MILES
Crank starts and shuts off, if spray cleaner in throttle body it will run longer then shut off. Have ran all kinds of tests. Replaced front tank fuel pump. It started back in winter. If I put gas in and say it was ½ to ¾ full. Then before long you would hear a high pitch winning or humming wasn't long and it wouldn't start. Several times the starter has stayed engaged. It's to the point now starter is taost. And now I don't hear both my relay's activating like they used to. The EEC you can barely hear it engage but it passed all the test I was advised to do with a multimeter. I also ran test on my fuel pump relay an it as well passed all the tests. I ran wires directly from battery to high pressure pump on frame under driver's side. It ran strong. Just like I ran jumper wires to the OBD1 pins manually activated all 3 fuel pumps. And the back tank is the that Original 1 that started this issue.
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Saturday, June 8th, 2024 AT 9:30 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Does this truck have dual tanks? I have seen the fuel tank switching valve go bad and cause this problem. Also, I would load test the battery because if it is weak, it will cause the starter to stay engaged, this guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Here is the location of the valve and what it looks like.

On LH Side Of Frame Member Behind Cab

Note: OE does not provide an image location of the fuel tank selector valve for the gasoline models.

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, June 10th, 2024 AT 10:51 AM
Tiny
MOUSE357
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
Okay, I thank you for your time. But now I've got a new problem. Now it won't start at all. I've replaced the starter. I've changed the relays in and out (not new ones but they still work). I've sprayed carb cleaner in the throttle body and nothing. Just cranks doesn't try to start. No spitting or sputtering. When before I found out the starter was fried it would at least run for a few seconds then shut off. You can hear the pumps fire and run like jet engines trying to take off. And nothing just cranks. So even if it was out of gas the carb cleaner should at least make it do something.
And now there's nothing I'm at a complete loss here. Like what happened here? If you could please help me thank you for your time.
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Tuesday, June 11th, 2024 AT 3:14 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 54,137 POSTS
It sounds like the engine lost spark, to be sure let's go over this video to confirm. Also, remove the distributor cap to see if the rotor turns when cranking the engine over.

https://youtu.be/baq_aEWNQ0Y?si=A4mWYtIpLp3IeeFO

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Wednesday, June 12th, 2024 AT 11:23 AM
Tiny
MOUSE357
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
I haven't had a chance to check the distributor yet. But I know for sure the coil is getting major fire. Every time the ignition hit the coil sparked. I will try to send you a video so you can listen in a little while.
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Wednesday, June 12th, 2024 AT 12:26 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sounds good, does the engine sound normal when it is cranking over?
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Wednesday, June 12th, 2024 AT 1:55 PM

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