'89 Won't start after replacing fuel tank

[El Bronco]

I just replaced my tank earlier today. I snapped the supply line end off so I got a new one, cut part of the old line off and used the connecter that came with it. I put 2 gallons in then it started right up after a couple seconds and ran for about 12. Now it won't start at all. What could I have done wrong? I looked and everything is on properly. The only thing I can think is that it's not getting enough gas through the little joiner/connecter that I put on or the pump went bad when I had it out. It sounded like it was struggling for the short time it ran as well.

 

[Krafty]

i would do a quick fuel pressure test to verify your no fuel suspicions. listen for the in tank pump to ensure its pumping then report back.

 

[Krafty]

also whenever I open up a fuel system I like to change my fuel filter shortly after the job in case of stirring up any crap on the bottom of the tank.

 

[El Bronco]

I had someone turn the key while i was back there and the pump clicked. I also changed the fuel filter and when I removed a hose, quite a bit of gas spewed out so I guess there's pressure there. Do I still need to do a pressure test? Also, could a fuse have gone bad when I replaced the tank?

 

[Krafty]

you should still do a pressure check, does your bronco have the two pumps, one on the frame rail and one in the tank? these efi vehicles need around 30 psi to operate properly so its possible that something got into your line that is restricting flow and starving your engine, but a pressure test on the fuel rail will tell you whats going on

 

[El Bronco]

Yes, it has two. where do I hook up the gauge? I've looked in my book and it just says "on the fuel rail" and i've been looking on my truck. Where specifically is the valve at?

 

[Krafty]

its at the front of the fuel rail on the drivers side, it looks like the top part of a tire valve.

 

[El Bronco]

Thank you.I just tested the fuel pressure and it's non existent. what could be the cause now? I heard that the fuel pump should make a noise for about 5-10 seconds when you turn the key but mine (the one in the tank) only clicks once.

 

[El Bronco]

Also, I made the dumb mistake of leaving the battery connected when I replaced the tank. Had the negative unscrewed and ready but forgot to remove it. could I have blown the pump relay?

 

[Krafty]

your pumps should makes some kind of prolonged noise so yes I would look first at powersupply issues before singleing out the pump, but it doesnt look good

 

[El Bronco]

Alright. Thank you. I found the relays but I don't understand how to test them. I found this posted by Miesk5: "Pull the EEC and FP Relays and inspect & test. Expect corrosion in sockets and on Relay contacts test your Relays by applying 12 V across the small terminals, listen for the click and check continuity across the large terminals. This will rule out the Relays themselves being a problem."

As you can tell, i'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to vehicles. Could you simplify this to me?

 

[El Bronco]

alright. I figured out how to test them with the 12v test. they both worked. Is there anything else I should look into before I go for the pump?

 

[Seabronc]

Yes there is a inertia switch that may be popped. It is supposed to only pop if you have a sudden stop, but sometimes they go bad. Diagram attached. Also, if you didn't see the comment before about 2 fuel pumps, you have 2, (one in the tank and one on the left side frame rail, just about under the driver seat).

Good luck,

 

[El Bronco]

I was just under my truck hitting the tank with a rubber mallet as a last hope effort to get it goin. After a couple whacks, the thing started right up. I guess the pump is just goin bad. Thank you Krafty for all your help and thank you Seabronc. It means a lot.

 

[Krafty]

it could also have been a bad connection at the plug on top of the tank, usually when a pump goes it just stops and never works again. At least now the tank will be easily removable to get a new pump in there.

and you're welcome