Having to "prime" engine

Maintenance/Repairs
21

No return line, just one line coming in.

22

@Harland

Thanks for the update

This is what I’d do

Hook up a fuel pressure gauge

Perform an injector balance test

If all is well, the pump is almost certainly your problem

23

How do you perform a balance test on injectors?

24

@Harland

2 ways

1st way
Scan tool + fuel pressure gauge

2nd way
Fuel pressure gauge + this tool

http://www.sears.com/otc-fuel-injector-tester-otc3397/p-00918197000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Here’s the idea
Prime the fuel system
Note the fuel pressure
Buzz the injector with the tool, or the scanner
Note the second reading
Do the same with all injectors
All injectors should drop the same amount of pressure

If one doesn’t drop at all, it’s no good
It one doesn’t drop enough, it’s restricted
If one drops too much pressure, it’s also no good

I’ve found many bad injectors with this tool

25

Interesting.

26

@Harland

Are you pretty handy?

Would you be able to replace the pump yourself . . . after your diagnosis is complete?

27

Yep, I changed it in my C1500 pickup. Turns out in the Escorts they are in the back seat so no need to drop tank or anything just gotta pull the cushin out back seat. Might have to see if I can rent a scan tool.

28

@Harland

FYI . . . aftermarket scan tools do NOT have the injector balance test for Ford vehicles

However, you may want to make sure there’s nothing else going on

Here’s a cheaper tool for buzzing those injectors. It doesn’t have the capabilities of the other one, but it might be sufficient for occasional use

29

I see. I’ll see if my Dad has one or if all else fails see if I might be able to get it done at the college (free since I’m a student).

30

Well ran the tests looks like its probably a fuel pump issue. Pulled out the back seat and removed the cover last night, will be taking it out and replacing it today. Will say this is much simpler than replacing the fuel filter on these things:)

31

Ran into an issue. Got to removing the locking ring and well shes RUSTED BAD. Took brass drifter and one of the pins broke off (almost all of them are gone, tapped one to another). Sprayed with PB and removed some of the gunk, any other ideas of all else fails?