89 7.3 idi fuel problem? - Diesel Forum

jakedachel · 07-06-2009, 08:36 PM

89 E350 7.3 idi - starts great, idles great, but runs like the fuel filter is plugged, but it's not. i changed the filter and dumped in a bunch of powerservice diesel kleen, but that didn't help. it has no power at all. i can get it to go maybe 57mph and it takes forever to get there. there's white smoke (unburned fuel?), but not thick choking clouds, just some (there never was any before).

anyone have any idea what this could be? it just started happening one day, not like it started slowly and worked up to this point, it was literally i drove to a state park, ate some burgers, and then on the drive home it was running like crap. before then it ran great and i'd get like 18mpg consitantly.

thanks guys, any help is appreciated!
-Jake

cdnsarguy · 07-06-2009, 09:49 PM

Have you checked the fuel lift pump pressure.....

Do a pressure and flow test of the fuel pump at the Schrader valve on the filter header (FSS- fuel shutoff solenoid disconnected on IP). Remove the tire valve core and hook a hose and pressure guage on it should see 4-6 psi when starter cranking engine over. Then do a fuel quantity test same place, should see 1/3 pint in 10 seconds of starter engine cranking, route fuel to a suitable container with a hose. When all finished hook up the FSS wire .

If there is a problem with the lift pump and you are changing it, ensure the new pump comes with instructions as to correct installation procedure if it is the newer model pump with the almost straight arm.

jakedachel · 07-07-2009, 07:20 PM

i'm only seeing about 3 psi, no where near 6, never even got close to 4. it also dumped out far less that 1/3 of a pint with 10 seconds of cranking... so would this be indicative of a bad lift pump? it makes sense, since it starts and idles fine but when i try to drive anywhere i have almost no power.

cdnsarguy · 07-07-2009, 08:34 PM

Indications would tell me there is a fuel problem...... plugged filter or bad lift pump. You do not have the plugged filter light or at least did not mention it.

If the pump is OEM then it is time to replace it............

This info pertains to Carter #M60278 pump or new long arm style.

WARNING

This fuel pump must be installed only at the low position of actuator cam.

If the pump is installed at any other position than low cam, the pump will be ruined, the engine will stall and damage may result.

Incorrect installation will loosen the pivot pin and allows the pin and lever to come out of the pump and drop into the oil pan. This can occur immediately or after several hundred miles. This type of failure is not covered by warranty.

To ensure that the cam is at low position, it is necessary to use a mirror and a remote starter switch. Observe the cam through the mounting port and bump the engine around until a one (1) inch wide machine surface is observed. This is low position of the cam. Now complete normal fuel pump installation.

9502CA
1991

Check my photo link for the styles of pump arms......

jakedachel · 07-07-2009, 08:42 PM

all right thanks a lot man! it must be the pump then because the filter is new and i have no filter light coming on. you've really helped a lot. thanks! i'll put a new pump in tomorrow and let ya know how that goes.

jakedachel · 07-09-2009, 11:56 AM

well i replaced the lift pump and it runs a LOT better than it did before (i can drive highway speeds no prob, cold starts way better than it ever did, etc)... but, it still seems doggy... not much acceleration and there's still more white smoke than there used to be. could that be a problem with bad fuel maybe? i took my filter off last night and dumped it into a jar and it looked pretty dark.

jakedachel · 07-09-2009, 01:02 PM

yeah i just pumped some out of my tank and put it in a mason jar and compared it to some fresh diesel and there's a night and day difference. the stuff from my tank looks like... dark apple juice, and the fresh stuff is very clear and lime green.

jakedachel · 07-09-2009, 05:19 PM

yup, it was the fuel. i pumped it all out (like 17 gallons of it) and put some fresh stuff in now she runs like a top. on a side note, i also replaced the VSS while i was monkeying around and it shifts a lot better now! but yeah, important lesson learned here: brown diesel doesnt work as good as clear diesel.

Snotzalot · 07-09-2009, 06:44 PM

Where did you obtain this fuel from?

jakedachel · 07-09-2009, 06:52 PM

i got it from fleet farm, which is surprising it was bad. i usually get it from the gas station my employer has an account with because i know they sell a lot but i thought fleet farm would sell enough to not have crappy fuel.

Snotzalot · 07-09-2009, 07:04 PM

I'd deposit the 17 gallons at their store and suggest they dispose of it!

jakedachel · 07-09-2009, 07:10 PM

haha good idea. i put it up on the free section of craigslist, hopefully somebody comes and gets it. too bad i don't have my receipt, i could try to return it!

Snotzalot · 07-09-2009, 07:14 PM

It should work for heating oil. You should notify them of their bad fuel.