Car sitting for a year and half, need to make it start?

CGEARY01

MEMBER
2001 FORD EXPEDITION
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Hello, my car sat for about 18 months without running (I know I'm a moron for this) and it now will not start. I charged the battery, checked the fluids, put in new gas, some heet, and gave it a try with starting fluid. It will start briefly with starting fluid, and pumping the gas pedal after the start will cause it to continue to rev and rev, so its not just running off the spray, but the moment I'm not pressing the gas it immediately stalls. Google says the most likely concern is fuel pump. I checked the corresponding fuse, and it is intact. Before I attempt to lower the gas tank and replace the pump, is it likely that I still have a bad fuel pump if I can press the accelerator to keep it running?

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,490 POSTS

So, if you push the throttle the engine will keep running? Can I get a short video of the engine running it would help, also, I would drain the tank because the gas is bad, adding fresh fuel may not help. Also, make sure the inertia switch is pushed down, here is the location.

I would swap out the fuel filter after the fuel drain, this video should help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5MH2gnyFH0&t=32s

Also, can you hear the fuel pump running in the tank when you switch the key on but not start the engine? Here are the fuel filter and inertia switch locations.

Here is how to remove the ford fuel lines:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0XdsQkq-b4

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Friday, October 11th, 2024 AT 11:33 AM

CGEARY01

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Checked inertia switch, it was in the down position. I don't hear the fuel pump humming when I turn the key to the on position. Bought a fuel filter and quick release tool. When I get paid I will buy a pump to empty the tank with and a few fresh gallons of gas. I'll then replace the filter and try to start it up with starting fluid. I will reply back again after that if it works or not, and if it doesn't work, I'll attach a video. Do I need to do anything to depressurize the lines before installing the new filter?

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Saturday, October 12th, 2024 AT 7:01 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,490 POSTS

Not really, a little bit of fuel will come out when you change the fuel filter so have a fluid catch basin ready. Also loosen the gas cap. Here us how to change the pump out in case you need it. Be sure to drain the tank first.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5MH2gnyFH0&t=35s

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