Lightning

Broke on the way home from Norwalk.

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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 12:54 AM
  #1  
Speedin Bob's Avatar
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From: On the side of the Road attempting to explain 135 miles per hour
Angry Broke on the way home from Norwalk.

On the way home from a most excellent gathering of fellow brethren in Norwalk (aside from rain-out), ole Speedy came to a stop 40 miles from home.

I was clippin along about 80, minding my own business, felt like I turned the key off.

No power whatsoever, NONE. The more I stepped on the gas the more it died so I coasted to the shoulder and performed some F150Online checks.

1. Disconnected battery, drained voltage, reset.
2. Removed chip
3. Checked gas cap, reset CPU
4. Called Ford Roadside Assistance (5:30 pm)
5. Filled up with good gas.

Each time it would start back up grudgingly and idle at ~500 RPM, felt like it was missing, then die.

Initial theory:

Fuel pump/pressure problem...

As I post this (11:35pm Indy Time) I just got home, dropped off what gear I could stuff into Merc Tracer (no kidding), and am ready to fall over.

It took me 5.5 hours from the time I called to get picked up, the L trucked (on flat bed) to dealer's parking lot I bought it from , and get my keister home.

As could be expected, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

OBTW, Intercooler is starting to say buh bye too.

I'll post my summation on the weekend's festivities, times, etc. after I get some rest..

------------------
Brake Late, Dive Deep

Speedin Bob
'99 Red Lightning #2504 Built 6/17/99
NLOC # 438
13.98 @ 98 mph (Rookie Session)

Latest Mods:
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[This message has been edited by Speedin Bob (edited 09-11-2000).]
 
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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 02:18 AM
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BadDog's Avatar
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That sucks, Bob.

On the bright side, at least you got stranded relatively close to home.

------------------
Regards,
Gordon

'99 Red Lightning
Johnny Lightning Superchip
Pro-M 80mm MAF
Century Tonneau

Injection is nice, but I'd rather be blown.

 
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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 02:29 AM
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Tundra's Avatar
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Say, how many miles does your Lightning have? I wonder if mileage has anything to do with the fuel pump failure. I have just under 22k, and my intercooler is playing hide and seek with the fluid, too.

Hope everything pans out okay.
 
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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 06:56 AM
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Well I hope you still had a good time...

I know that is going to happen to me, when I have everything in the truck and slicks in the bed... Wait, I'll just lock the Bed cover...
 
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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 07:59 AM
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I am beginning to think that place is bad luck for Lightnings. If you'll rememberf, mine broke right before I turned into the parking lot a few weeks ago. Same problem too, only I was about 125 miles from home and it was a weekend. It is a good thing you didn't break near the track. There is only one Ford dealer close and they aren't open on weekends, period. I'd be willing to bet it is your fuel pump. That sounds exactly like what mine did. I had 19,700 miles on mine when it went. You might as well have thenm do a fuel pressure check on the truck. Odds are, you have a defective fuel pump.


------------------
1999 Red Ford SVT Lightning
Build Number: #2134
Build Date: 6-9-99
**************************
Power Surge Performance Chip
Power Surge Performance Air Filter Kit
Dual 2 Chamber Flowmasters
**************************
Other Cars:
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda 440 Six Pack
Dad's Car: 1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe


 
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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 08:26 AM
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95 Saleen S351's Avatar
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Ouch!

That sux bob. Sorry to hear about it. I guess I was lucky enough to break before Norwalk...I guess.

------------------
2000 Red Lightning
(no mods yet...just got it)
95 Saleen S-351 Convertible/Triple Black
97 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic

 
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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 08:41 AM
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Thumbs up

Bob,
That sounds 100% like a bad fuel pump. This seems to be a HUGE gremlin on lightnings. Mine only made it 2200 miles before breaking down.

Brad



------------------
* 99.5 Black Lightning – gone!!!
Sold the 99.5 Lightning.. wait on a 2001!
* 97 F-150 Extended Cab 4.2L V-6 daily driver

Injection is nice, but I'd rather be blown. Lightning, the best of both worlds!
 
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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 02:16 PM
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LightningKid's Avatar
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From: Midwest
Question

I have a curiosity question....

For those that have had a "faulty" fuel pump, was it in fact the pump itself or was it the notorious fuel line(clamp?) between the pump(s) and the sender outlet. I am looking for clarification from those who have had it done. I may pull my tank myself to correct the line issue to avoid being on the side of the road and then dealing with a dealership.
THx.
 
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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 03:04 PM
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It's this same problem that made me order a fuel pressure sensor for the Nitrous kit.

Something to think about....



------------------
Rich
1999.5 SVT Lightning - Red. Super Chip. K&N Filter. Viper Alarm w/remote start, Sir Michael's roll pan, smooth corners and steps w/billet inserts, clear corner lenses, Cervinis Ram Air hood, ARE Cover w/ wing, Momo billet pedals, cd changer, cover, Phantom boost and nitrous gauges, MTX Thunderform w/ 2 10" MTX Thunder 4000 subs. 5-channel 500w. Clarion amp.(APA5241), (4)Polk Audio 3-way, 130w. DX 7's, Color-matched Muth signal mirrors, Soundproofed cab, BedRug, AIM 2" Drop, Trenz billet grills, Piaa 9007 Super Whites, etc. Build #2755
TampaSVT@Tampabay.rr.com

http://home.tampabay.rr.com/tampasvt...cs/SigPic1.jpg

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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 03:19 PM
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Speedin Bob and LightningKid
Mine died at 13K, the hose on the fuel pump assembly popped off. They use a sh*tty crimp type clamp that can't handle the fuel pressure put out by the pump. I rarely run my tank below 1/4 except at the track, so I don't think heat is the problem. I thought I had the same problem again yesterday at Cordova FFW, but I had my #1 Superchip flipchip program reprogrammed to CUXR9 on Saturday and when I went to run my WFC2000 in program 2, it was gone and the truck would not start. I ran slower with the Street R9 at the track than with my WFC program(I think the 104 octane fuel I used with my #2 program hurt me on the R9). But the R9 works much better on the street than what I had previously. For the first time, my 90 MPH "wall" is gone. Good luck with your fuel pump fix, it only took a half day for mine, but my dealer already had a pump in stock. I think all SVT dealers should stock a minimum of 2 intercooler rplacement kits, and 2 fuel pumps as they won't go to waste, and will keep their customers happy. I'm now on my third week of waiting for gaskets to get my intercooler and blower replaced. My truck keeps getting slower and slower.

Lightning Bob

The dealer just called, gaskets are here,truck goes in Wednesday, I guess I get to pull my bolt ons off again tonight.


[This message has been edited by Lightning Bob (edited 09-11-2000).]
 
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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 03:28 PM
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I HAVE SOMETHING OF INEREST THAT MIGHT HELP. I HAVE A 0-100 FUEL PRESSURE GAUGE KIT THAT LOOKS GREAT UNDER THE HOOD.IT COMES WITH 12" BRAIDED LINE ALL FITTINGS ARE INCLUDED AND IT MOUNTS ABOVE THE PASSENGER SIDE VALVE COVER ON THE PLASTIC ON THE FIREWALL. IF INTERESTED CALL ME AT 1-864-332-5929.
 
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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 03:30 PM
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BOB,
I am so sorry to hear about the truck breaking down. Luckily you were close to home,and no serious problem. Keep your hopes up, the truck will be fixed and before you know it we'll all be meeting again for another great weekend. See ya' soon buddy

Spiro
 
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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 04:04 PM
  #13  
Speedin Bob's Avatar
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From: On the side of the Road attempting to explain 135 miles per hour
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I was right.

Just talked to the service writer to see if my L was done. I was correct, the fuel pump was only putting out 10psi. Replaced and "done"

When I had the ticket written up, I requested they do the "dye test" on the intercooler, check the plugs and O2 sensors also. Upon inquiry into the intercooler status the service tech actually told the writer that "I didn't have an intercooler." ???? Talk about pushing the ****-me-off button except I am still wiped out.

I politely inquired as to the certification of the tech, explained where the intercooler system parts were and to please check again.

As of right now, waiting for return call. At least it will run.

Thanks for the replies. Will follow up.

OBTW, 13,700 miles on the clock, fill up between 1/4 and E pretty regularly.
 
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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 04:30 PM
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Sorry to hear about that Bob, that is exactly what happened to mine two weeks ago. Glad to hear they got it fixed right away, now if only they could find that mysterious intercooler
 
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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 05:38 PM
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SpeedinBob,
I know how you feel dude.When i blew my tire i was a ways from home with out the spare.80$ for cab fare and 230$ for a new tire tought me some good lessons.My IC has strarted to go but it is a slow leak at this point 27k so i guess im kindda lucky it hasnt gone sooner...Glad you had fun!!!Wish i was there at Norwalk with you all.
 
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