How To Test The Fuel Pump (4.2L Ford E150, E250, F150)

TEST 2: Using Starting Fluid To Confirm Lack Of Fuel

Using Starting Fluid To Confirm Lack Of Fuel. How To Test The Fuel Pump (4.2L Ford E150, E250, F150)

Using a starting fluid is a very quick way of narrowing down a 'cranks but does not start' condition (although it's not the most accurate way of diagnosing a bad fuel pump).

The rule of thumb is that if by spraying starting fluid your Ford starts, even if momentarily, then this tells you that fuel is missing from the equation (engine start equation: fuel+spark+air=combustion).

NOTE: To get an accurate test result from the starting fluid test, you need to first confirm that the ignition coil pack is creating and delivering spark to all 6 cylinders. You can easily accomplish this by attaching a spark tester to the spark plug wires and having a helper crank the engine (while you observe to see if the spark tester sparks).

IMPORTANT: This is a very fast and easy test but you do have to take one very important safety precaution and this is to reconnect the air intake duct after spraying starting fluid down the throttle bore (although you don't have to fasten it). This will prevent any backfire, that might occur, from scaring the heck out of you when cranking the engine.

This is what you have to do:

  1. 1

    Remove the intake air duct from the throttle body. You don't have to completely remove it, since you'll have to reconnect it in one of the next steps.

  2. 2

    Open the throttle plate and spray starting fluid down the bore.

    As a safety precaution reconnect the air duct after you have sprayed a good squirt of starting fluid (but you don't have to tighten the air duct's hose clamp).

  3. 3

    Crank the engine once the air duct is back on and you're clear of the engine compartment.

  4. 4

    You'll get one of two results with this test:

    1.) The engine will start momentarily and after a few seconds will die or.

    2.) The engine will only crank but not start at all.

OK, let's find out what your results mean:

CASE 1: The engine started and ran for a few seconds. This test result tells you that the no-start problem is due to a lack of fuel.

Your next step is to check to see what the fuel pressure is with a fuel pressure test gauge. Go to: TEST 1: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge.

CASE 2: The engine did not start, not even momentarily. This usually means that a lack of fuel IS NOT the reason your car is not starting.

Now, remember what I said about this test not being very accurate? Well, I suggest you do one more test and this is to check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure test gauge. Go to: TEST 1: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge.

Where To Buy The Fuel Pump And Save

The fuel pump in your 4.2L F150 (E150 or E250) is located inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump can be bought in any auto parts store, but I think you'll find the better price online. The following fuel pumps are pretty good deals:

Not sure if the above fuel pumps fit your particular 4.2L V6 Ford Pickup or Van? Don't worry, once you get to the site, they'll make sure it fits by asking you the specifics of your vehicle. If it doesn't fit, they'll find you the right one.

More 4.2L Ford Diagnostic Tutorials

You can find a complete list of 4.2L Ford tutorials in this index:

Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:

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Ford Vehicles:

  • E150 4.2L
    • 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
  • E250 4.2L
    • 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
  • F150 4.2L
    • 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006