It will start and run for a few minutes then seems like it is flooding itself and shuts off?

Tiny
CHRISTOPHER MASTERS
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 FORD F-150
  • 4.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 150,000 MILES
I have a truck that will not start. I wired the fuel pump directly to the fuse box to infuse that only comes on when the ignition is on. It will start and run for a few minutes then seems like it is flooding itself and shuts off. The yellow wire on the fuel pump relay has come out. Is there a way I can directly wire the fuel pump to the relay itself instead of the fuse box and if so will that work?
Tuesday, February 21st, 2017 AT 2:36 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Hey CHRISTOPHER,

You should rewire the fuel pump the way it is suppose to run, here is a wiring diagram which will help you fix the problem.

Please let me know who it goes so I can continue helping you.

Does the truck have dual tanks?

Best, Ken
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Monday, June 28th, 2021 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
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Yes it does have dual tanks but I only use the front one.
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Monday, June 28th, 2021 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Hi Chris,

They had a big problem with the switching valve on those trucks which causes the fuel pressure to fail. We replaced them all the time. It is located on the frame rail on the drivers side just behind the front tank. This could be your problem as well.

Best, Ken
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Monday, June 28th, 2021 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
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Okay read it relay and fuel pump seems to be acting properly. It has new plugs. But only seems to hit every time the engine goes around hitting only once. Had the alternator tested and it tested bad. Would a bad alternator cause the fuel injectors not to get the proper amount of power? Cleaned all of the ground wires as well.
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Monday, June 28th, 2021 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
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Sometimes it will start after turning over many times but it seems to miss badly. Then after running approximately 10 minutes it starts to sputter and eventually dies and then it's very difficult to try to start all over again that is if it does start.
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Monday, June 28th, 2021 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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When it wont start can you check the fuel pressure here is a guide

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

Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken
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Monday, June 28th, 2021 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
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Okay I think I've narrowed the problem down. After replacing plugs wires wiring the fuel pump to the relay correctly it seems to be working correctly now
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Monday, June 28th, 2021 AT 1:08 PM

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