[DAT373]

Hi guys,

I ran my tank just slightly dry a few weeks ago. I pulled in once it got lumpy, got a ride to the gas station, got some fresh fuel, filled it up with a jerry can and was on my way after 2-3 ugly sounding cycles. Luckily I didn't lose the prime in my pump.

I do rotational work in Northern Canada so I'm gone 3 weeks at a time. I have my Dad or a family member go and start my truck once every 7-10 days and let it run for 5-6 minutes. He has been having difficulty starting, usually it takes about 3-4 cycles and a bit of throttle to get it going. Batteries, GPR and starter all new within the past year or so.

So when I get home next I had a few things in mind.
Going to swap the fuel filter, drain and clean the bowl and spray in some seafoam to flush it out. I will also check the pressure on it. I know 3 injectors were replaced 10k miles ago before I bought the truck

I've also been reading about a FPR screen. I see it is in the 94-97 IDI 7.3's but would my early 99 also have one? Cleaning this seems to do great for the trucks but wondering if mine has one.

Should I also look at shimming or replacing the FPR? Truck is an early 99 with 171k miles (275k km). Not sure when/if these tend to give out.

Not home very often to visually inspect these things so planning in advance for me is critical as I need a reliable vehicle when I'm home. Recommendations/criticisms welcome :grin2:

 

[blue99stroker]

It could be a fuel or oil issue. A little bit of digging should be done before you spend too much.

Although the fpr is recommended to be rebuilt every 100k miles.

Check oil level and or change it if it's dirty. It could be a bad icp. Pull the connector and check for oil. If there's oil in it replace it.

Also cycling the key doesn't help if the system is working like it's supposed to.

 

[DAT373]

Going to do an oil and filter change at the same time as the fuel filter, as well as a coolant flush.

I don't mind spending a few hundred bucks to order and replace the FPR if it's recommended maintenance...ease of mind

And by cycling I meant trying to turn over the engine, sorry. It takes a few attempts

 

[klhansen]

The FPR has a soft seat on the needle that may deteriorate and start leaking, reducing fuel pressure a bit. Getting a fuel gauge on the filter housing is a good idea as scan tools won't give you info on fuel pressure. You should see a minimum of 45 psi, and 65 psi is the "sweet spot" on fuel pressure.

You should really get a scan tool on it and check your ICP, IPR Duty Cycle, battery voltage, and engine RPM while cranking. You're looking for 500 psi minimum on the ICP, below 35% IPR duty cycle, 9V or more on battery voltage, and at least 100 RPM.

Checking for oil in the ICP sensor is a good suggestion and an easy thing to check.