Ford 460 Slow cold start

[shadetree 59]

I have a 1988 Ford E-350 motorhome. It is the first year of fuel injection. When attempting to start cold it cranks strong but doesn’t fire. After running for a short time it starts right back up even though it is not up to operating temp. I have changed the coolant temp sensor, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter. Three years ago I changed the fuel pump in the gas tank and the one on the frame rail. It doesn’t get driven often but have kept stabil in the tank. I am wondering if it could be low fuel pressure, computer? Help!

John

Topic

[Bill]

Stabil is a good product but it only keeps the fuel fresh for a year at the most. If it’s really hot where it’s parked the fuel may have lost it’s volatility from age. I would add some fresh fuel and see what happens.

[shadetree 59]

The fuel in the tank now is not that old and it runs real well with no sputtering but I will splash some fresh stuff in there.

Thanks

[shadetree 59]

I am leaning towards the bad fuel diagnosis and am wondering if I can hotwire the fuel pump and disconnect the fuelline to get rid of this old gas in the tank? I also was told there is a product that will freshen up this fuel and make it usable.

Thanks
Shadetree

[Bill]

You could do what you asked but it’s a little complicated and not real safe to do. Besides you would need to dispose of the removed fuel.

I would just drive the fuel out. At the rate a motor home uses fuel it shouldn’t take that long.

[shadetree 59]

You are probably right. The fuel gauge is in-op also so it could be an interesting ride.

Thanks again.

[EricTheCarGuy]

There is a check valve inside the fuel pump that’s suppose to maintain some pressure after shut down for faster start up. If this gets stuck it will allow fuel pressure to bleed off creating a long crank when you go to start the engine. A quick test for this is to cycle the key to the run position a couple of times and don’t crank the engine before you attempt to start it. If it starts when you do this it could be the check valve in the fuel pump. This video has more info.

[Author]

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