Fuel system debacle

I was power washing the truck off, and on the way home the truck was stalling out and losing power under load. I thought it might be the in line fuel filter or the pump. Do you guys know of anyone local that can help me out or show me what I need to do? I know there are a few shops around, but they seem to focus on suspension and im not sure if they could help me out or would want to touch this. What do you guys think? Any resources I should check out or local shops/fab spots that deal with this for a good price? I'm not sure what type of filters they are. I've attached a few pictures.







I see there are 2 filters and the order looks like- in line fuel filter, then the fuel pump, and then another fuel filter. I know the filter can be changed, but is there fuel in the line at all time? Should I bleed the line somewhow? This is all new to me. I am running a trd supercharger set up with 7th injector.

 

How is it plumbed from the tank/cell to the first filter? Any pressure gauge/readings? Any leaks or crappy fitting appearances?

Fuel Pumps are not good at pulling/sucking fuel, only pushing. If the pre-filter is restricted, flow issues/cavitation. If it's pulling from the top of the tank/cell without a feeder pump, flow issues/cavitation.

 

The line comes out of the top of the fuel cell and the line goes directly to the in line fuel filter, and then the pump (i think its a pump) is in the same line after the filter, and then I think there is another filter after the pump in the same line. There is another line for venting out of the top of the cell as well. I do not think there is a pump in the cell. Can i take the pre filter apart without spilling gas everywhere?

 

There is very very likely fuel staying in the line.

Gonna have to go thru process of elimination troubleshooting. Does the pump whine? Check/Inspect/Clean both filters. Check fittings.

 

Good to know about the fuel staying in the line. Any recommendations on how to clean the filters without getting gas everywhere?The fuel pump does whine- is that normal? Should it be silent? This next weekend im going to take the lines apart and try to clean the filters and see how that goes. I feel like im over my head and im winging it as I go.

 

Testing pressure at the fuel rail will be helpful to verify/know the limited fuel delivery to run off of.

Pump shouldn't be whining, typically an indication of fuel starvation/cavitation in the pump. But silent is probably a stretch.

Pinching lines near the filter can help limit how much fuel spills, but that is a canister that has fuel storage space.

 

I dont know how to test the pressure, but I guess I will just remove the entire line and go from there. Hopefully its just some blockage in the filter, and the pump isnt fried!

 

Did you spray the engine bay? I've had water get around the plug boots and do the same thing. Pull wire(s), dry off plug and wire, re install, runs perfect. Just a thought

 

I will check this too. I was using a pressure washer so water was getting everywhere.

 

With the use of a pressure washer I would also be looking at electrical/spark. It would be a coincidence that pressure washing the truck and fuel pump failed at the same time. However it would make sense if you indeed got water into something electrical(plugs etc).... Before messing with fuel I would probably check electrical.

 

This is also a good place to start. After reading this I was thinking about how much of a hack it up job the fuel system is on this truck. Im not sure how to clean this part up though- it is definitely beyond my skills to re mount the in line pump and maybe even redesign the whole fuel set up.

 

I would probably get in there with an air gun or dry rag and try to find any pooled water. After that just see if you can find numbers on your fuel system parts and post them up so someone who has experience can see what you're at least starting with.

 

I did notice some pooled water underneath the fuel cell that was collecting the next day. I checked to make sure it was fuel, and it was definitely water left over from the spray down. Im going to get in there on saturday and hopefully ill have some more information to go off of. Thanks everyone for the input! Its making me feel better about this project for sure

 

Tried to take apart the fuel lines but the cell is in the way. An apartment complex is not ideal for truck projects! Of course the cell is pretty much full so removing the cell is making this difficult. At this point I'm over my head and I'm afraid I'm doing more harm than good. Any suggestions on local spots that deal with fuel systems like this? I'm also afraid to drive it if I'm starving the engine should I be worried about that?

 

Did you pressure wash the engine?

 

Nope just the outside. I did hit the top of the fuel cell though

 

Did you get water in the fuel cell?

 

Ended up saying what the hell and got into it. The first fuel filter looked ok. It was made of aluminum and I cleaned it out and replaced it. The second filter looked like this-


All the shops are closed so I couldn't get a new one but does this look normal? I cleaned it the best I could and put it back in the line to be driveable. No weird stalling on the way home which is nice. Maybe it was a fluke from some water causing a short somewhere? Time will tell! Also does anyone know what type of filter this is? Here's another picture with measurements-



It's a 10 micron filter I believe from what automotive says (the first filter is 100 and the one after the pump is 10).

 

I don't think so but you never know. I hope not. I went and topped off the tank after with premium. Not sure if that does anything to help though if I did get water in it.