Community Forums

marcsrv · 12-13-2013, 09:56 AM

I have seen some forums about external fuel pumps,instead of the factory "in tank fuel pump" but could not find a definitive answer.I might have to change the fuel pump in my 1995 f53 holiday rambler 1994 chassis.
My fuel gauge moved to empty after filling up the tank with gas,but started up fine,the engine started surging at cold start up a couple of days later,it made a strange sound from the engine .It does not seem to surge at startup above 35 degrees outside temperature.
The motorhome had been sitting for 4 years, the previous owner said he started it once in a while.The tank whas about a quarter full when i drove it home.

I am new to this site but have found some very usefull information,thanks to all of you for that.

**JohnRR** · 12-13-2013, 09:59 AM

Good luck with your search.

Nick-B · 12-13-2013, 01:26 PM

Hi marcsrv and Welcome to the Forum!

The original fuel pumps in the 1990's F53 chassis were notorious for giving out. Ford changed the design in the late '90's so all the newer replacement pumps are pretty reliable. If your pump is the original then replace it. If you are unsure (sounds like you just bought this MH) replacing might be good insurance. Only buy a Motorcraft replacement and adaptor wiring harness. The new pump assembly has the fuel level sending unit on it too. Rockauto.com has the best price. Don't forget to put in a new fuel filter as well.

Putting an in-line pump is a band-aid in my opinion but some do it to have as a backup system.

FYI, there is a Ford Chassis discussion forum here and would be a better place to ask chassis questions in the future.

Best of luck and enjoy the "new" coach!

marcsrv · 12-13-2013, 03:20 PM

The motorhome has 44000 miles on it,still good to change it?.Is the surging at startup the first signes of a fuel pump going out?.Is the Airtex fuel pump reliable to use?(lot's of questions).Does not look like they come with a float,but i could be wrong.Wonder who makes the fuel pump for ford.

Thanks for the reply Nick,and i will move these questions to the chassis discussions next time.

Nick-B · 12-14-2013, 11:16 AM

I wonder if your "surging" is actually the motor loading up with too much fuel. Mine does that a bit and have to press on the gas pedal to get the revs up for maybe 20-30 seconds then it will idle fine. Mine used to really bad that way until I replaced the Intake Air Temp (IAT) sensor. It was all gummed up and giving faulty cold temp readings which tells the computer, "more fuel!". Here is a pic I stole from fellow forum member SUBFORD. It is a topside view with the intake tubes removed and shows the IAT location .

Airtex fuel pumps are NOT recommended by anyone who has tried them. Your problems may or may not be pump related so maybe focus on other issues for now. I know mine got better/smoother over time just by driving it. Old fuel and sticky injectors can cause surging and other performance problems.

marcsrv · 12-14-2013, 01:12 PM

You are giving me some helpfull information Nick.It is helpfull you have the same chassis as mine.Thanks.
Might as well replace that part then,instead of being stuck somewhere.
I already changed the smog pump(before the surge problem),it was making noise.I found the problem by touching the pump with a tube placing the other end to my ear(have to be carefull of course not to touch moving parts).
I will update once i replaced the part.Am not retired(working for a living),so it might take a couple of weeks.
Thanks again.

jamesrxx951 · 12-14-2013, 01:38 PM

cold surging can also be caused by a sticky IAC (idle air control). See the above pic. Usually you can just remove it and clean it out with some brake cleaner and be good. If you do have a fuel pump issue, it would be best to change out the in tank pump. There is a filter sock that generally gets clogged up from tank debris. The tank will need to be cleaned and or internally resealed with a new pump to correct this condition. I currently have a 95 waiting for authorization for an internal tank cleaning/sealing. This customer just put in a new pump and did not clean the tank.