One problem after another!!!

[Wahakana]

URGENT HELP NEEDED!!!!!

I have a 1988 E-250 w/ a 351 5.8..... I can't seem to get it to start.. The van ran out of gas a couple of days ago, and after waiting an hour for "AAA" to bring out 2 gallons of fuel, i was able to get the van to run for about 7 sec. Well, i started it again, and got about 4 sec. that time. on try #3 i got nothing....

Well after getting the war-wagon towed to the house, i got up the next day to find that it would only turn but not start.

I have a full battery, spark from dist, coil, and plug wires. I can hear the FP working and i replaced the filter that same morning.

Some people have suggested a clogged fuel line and some say bad injectors. If its either one of those, can anyone PLEASE tell me how to remove and clean them??

My van is my livlihood and if i can't get it started in the next two days {By Apr 19} i'm probally going to lose my job!

*cries*

Anyone with suggestions, i'm begging you!!

[gls1000]

Putting in 2 gallons of gas is kinda like trying to wash it with a squirt gun.

Try at least 5 gallons, 10 would be better.

you might also change the fuel filter.
get the little tool, also.

also, there is a schreader valve on the fuel rail,
have someone turn key on and off, while you hold the
valve open, until you get most of the air out.

[ModMech]

DO NOT, under ANY circumstances depress the schrader valve to purge they system of air.

Why? First off, it will not help AT ALL, and secondly you stand a chance of starting a nice fire.

Does the van start/run on ether (starting fluid)? I'd bet that it does. Your van has TWO fuel pumps, one in the tank, and a second (main) pump on the inner left frame just below the driver's seat. Most likely the pump in the tank is dead, and the main pump cannot "suck" fuel into itself, and that is likely the one you hear running. To check this, disconnect the main pump from the harness, then attempt to start it, if you still hear a pump, then the in-tank pump is working, and NOT the main pump.

It is my feeling, that either way, you are getting a new fuel pump, the only question is which one?

[gls1000]

Originally Posted by ModMech

DO NOT, under ANY circumstances depress the schrader valve to purge they system of air.

Why? First off, it will not help AT ALL, and secondly you stand a chance of starting a nice fire.

Does the van start/run on ether (starting fluid)? I'd bet that it does. Your van has TWO fuel pumps, one in the tank, and a second (main) pump on the inner left frame just below the driver's seat. Most likely the pump in the tank is dead, and the main pump cannot "suck" fuel into itself, and that is likely the one you hear running. To check this, disconnect the main pump from the harness, then attempt to start it, if you still hear a pump, then the in-tank pump is working, and NOT the main pump.

It is my feeling, that either way, you are getting a new fuel pump, the only question is which one?

Sorry if I gave bad advice.

I was just repeating what I read in the
"Haynes Repair Manual, Ford Full Suze Vans 1992-2001"
Chapter 4, Section 4-2 "fuel pressure gauge bleeding method."

[mrfixit64857]

technically, it refers to bleeding air WITH the fuel guage bleed-button and attatched hose, into approved container, outside the vehicle
I hope he got it fixed. he didnt mention whether he had two tanks or not... and y'all forgot to mention that the ONLY way to properly re-pressurize the system after running out of fuel or replacing the filter/pump is to turn it on/off for 4 secs each, 5 times. this resets the system and its pressure.
I have the same motor/year
lastly, the ignition module in this model are HIGHLY fickle. not like MOST modules that either work or don't work... this one quits in spurts. been thru two of them; do yourself a favor... don't buy cheap lol.
and I had to reposition the distributor to take it off. make sure you have CLEAR markings for its replacement and clean the mounting surface well before installing the new one.