Crank, no start

SLEWIS4645

MEMBER
1999 FORD E-SERIES VAN
4.2L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
197,000 MILES

The van has been sitting and not run for about six years. I tried to start it and it will crank, but not start. Sometimes it acts like it going to start but will not. It will start with starting fluid, so I am assuming it is a fuel issue. Does this van have a FPDM unit on it for the fuel pump and if so where is it located. I have tested a lot of things including all fuses and relays. Everything seems to be okay. I hate to drop the tank to check voltage at the pump but I am trying to see if it could be something else. I would appreciate any help or advice you have. Thanks in advance Steve.

5 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,482 POSTS

Okay, you checked all the fuses and relays. It only uses fuse 17 and the fuel pump relay for power to the pumps no pump control module. Easy way to check if the pump is running is to pull the pump fuse and connect an ammeter inline. A pump that is getting voltage and is working will show as a draw of 7-10 amps usually. No current draw = no pump continuity. Much easier than dropping the tank.
You can also pull the relay and probe the pump feed wire with an ohm meter and with one probe to ground and the other on the feed to the pump you should see around 9-16 ohms resistance.
Or just hook a pressure gauge up to the port, you should see 30-45 PSI key on engine off.

What does it have in it for fuel?
The six year old varnish or did you siphon it and put in fresh?

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Saturday, September 23rd, 2017 AT 12:09 AM

SLEWIS4645

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5 POSTS

Thanks so much for the information. I will try what you say for sure. Actually, the van had very little gas, so I added fresh gas, Fuel treatment, a little Sea Foam. I did go to change the fuel filter but after unhooking the pressure side there was no gas in the line, and really could not smell much. With the fuel line off I cranked the engine and had no gas at all. What does this tell you? Again thanks so much Steve.

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Saturday, September 23rd, 2017 AT 12:19 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,482 POSTS

No fuel with an open line sounds like the pump is either locked up from setting or the line is plugged.

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Saturday, September 23rd, 2017 AT 2:02 AM

SLEWIS4645

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Yes, I think your right. I might as well be ready to drop that tank at some point. Can I loosen the fuel line and blow compressed air through the line? If you think of anything else, please send me an email. Thanks so very much for your help Steve.

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Saturday, September 23rd, 2017 AT 2:40 AM

STEVE W.