2.3L ('83-'97) Fuel cell and inline fuel pump help

[astroshag]

Okay, here goes. The plastic tank on my '89 Ranger started leaking. They don't reproduce it. Since my truck has a custom flatbed I thought I'd install a fuel cell. I welded in a frame and installed an aluminum fuel cell and an in line 45 psi fuel pump at the tank. The electric plug for the original fuel pump is disconnected, a toggle for the fuel pump is operating the pump. I've run 50 psi rated rubber fuel line directly to the metal line leading to the rail. However, it will start and run momentarily on starting fluid but will not stay running. Am I missing something here?

 

[Dirtman]

The pressure for that system should be 35psi, you need some form of regulator. You also need to know the GPH of the pump not just PSI. Psi is pressure but there is also volume to consider (GPH). Lastly inline pumps can't prime themselves so if you haven't done that its just pumping air...

 

[astroshag]

The pressure for that system should be 35psi, you need some form of regulator. You also need to know the GPH of the pump not just PSI. Psi is pressure but there is also volume to consider (GPH). Lastly inline pumps can't prime themselves so if you haven't done that its just pumping air...

Thx for the info, the psi is 43-45 and gph is 21-25. Will
that work if I install a regulator?

 

[Dirtman]

It should run on that pressue or at least start. Where is the pump mounted in relation to the tank? It needs to be below the sump of the tank and it needs to be primed. Since its not starting at all I think you are not getting fuel to the pump. Inline pumps cannot pump air, so if the lines are not full of fuel it will just run and do nothing. If its mounted above the sump of the tank it will never work properly because even after priming it fuel will drain back out of the line and fill with air again.

 

[RonD]

It already has a fuel pressure regulator(FPR) on the fuel rail, you just need to install the return fuel line on the new tank.

You need the factory FPR working because it does 2 things, it maintains stable fuel pressure at 30-35psi, but also absorbs pressure waves that build up inside the rail when injectors are opening and closing

FPR has a vacuum line attached so as engine load goes higher, vacuum drops, and pressure is added, then when at idle, vacuum goes high and less pressure/fuel is needed

 

[astroshag]

It should run on that pressue or at least start. Where is the pump mounted in relation to the tank? It needs to be below the sump of the tank and it needs to be primed. Since its not starting at all I think you are not getting fuel to the pump. Inline pumps cannot pump air, so if the lines are not full of fuel it will just run and do nothing. If its mounted above the sump of the tank it will never work properly because even after priming it fuel will drain back out of the line and fill with air again.

It is located along the bottom of the frame the tank sits in, about midway, and not yet mounted in this picture. The pump puts fuel through the line for sure but I have a three piece fuel line reducer that is leaking, maybe causing the issue since the system should be pressurized. Thoughts?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

On my race truck I run a low pressure pump as close as I can to the tank. That feeds the high pressure pump.

 

[astroshag]

On my race truck I run a low pressure pump as close as I can to the tank. That feeds the high pressure pump.

The 89 model only has a single pump, unlike the 88 model which required two.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

The 89 model only has a single pump, unlike the 88 model which required two.

You said you have an inline fuel pump. I assume not in tank. So if you add a low pressure pump between the high pressure and the tank you are priming the high pressure with the low. The low pressure pump I have is mounted on the top of my tank and feeds the high pressure mounted on the frame rail, which is about 2 inches below the top of my fuel cell. I'm using a stock high pressure pump and a aftermarket low from Princess Auto (Canadian Harbor Freight).
This is on a 1991 ranger.

If you are using a stock inline high pressure pump, I've found on nearly everyone I've used that the pump will intermittently quit. I have traced this to the factory female spade connectors under the rubber boots at the pump itself. I put on new connectors and never have a problem again. I've done this to at least 4 pumps.

 

[astroshag]

You said you have an inline fuel pump. I assume not in tank. So if you add a low pressure pump between the high pressure and the tank you are priming the high pressure with the low. The low pressure pump I have is mounted on the top of my tank and feeds the high pressure mounted on the frame rail, which is about 2 inches below the top of my fuel cell. I'm using a stock high pressure pump and a aftermarket low from Princess Auto (Canadian Harbor Freight).
This is on a 1991 ranger.

If you are using a stock inline high pressure pump, I've found on nearly everyone I've used that the pump will intermittently quit. I have traced this to the factory female spade connectors under the rubber boots at the pump itself. I put on new connectors and never have a problem again. I've done this to at least 4 pumps.

I see what you're saying, the original is in the tank but the one I installed is in line. It pumps fine, I didn't realize I need to add an additional lower pressure pump beforehand. Is this to improve longevity?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I did it the same way as factory; high plus low, because I didn't have a fuel pump to fit in my fuel cell. If I run out of fuel the low pressure means I don't have to try to prime the high pressure pump to make it work. I figured it is the best setup for my constraints...lack of money. Best would be a high pressure in tank pump.
To be clear; you have removed the stock tank. Replaced it with a fuel cell with no in tank pump. Have an inline high pressure pump mounted somewhere below the tank. Are these statements true?

 

[astroshag]

I did it the same way as factory; high plus low, because I didn't have a fuel pump to fit in my fuel cell. If I run out of fuel the low pressure means I don't have to try to prime the high pressure pump to make it work. I figured it is the best setup for my constraints...lack of money. Best would be a high pressure in tank pump.
To be clear; you have removed the stock tank. Replaced it with a fuel cell with no in tank pump. Have an inline high pressure pump mounted somewhere below the tank. Are these statements true?

Exactly true sir. Your explanation makes a lot of sense. Wasn't thinking of that before. Guess I'll get a 5-10 psi pump to feed the other. Sound right?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Yes.