Expert: Mike Evans - 8/23/2009

Question
I have a 1988 ford e350 with a 460 motor when I turn the key on in the morning it takes about 45 to 60 seconds for the fuel system to charge you can hear the fuel pulsing thru the fuel rail. After this time you can hear the fuel pump selenoid trip and stop the pump. Once it starts it is ok for the day it runs like it should. Shut it off for the night and the next day the same thing happens. The fuel filters and the pressure regulator are both new and no change can you help. thank you

Answer
    There is a small leak somewhere in the pressurized fuel system.  It could be an injector, or it could be the pump itself allowing the pressure leak down.  You might want to pull the injectors out, one by one, after you have allowed the system to pressurize.  Don't crank the engine, just turn on the ignition until the pump starts then turn it off when it stops.  If you find a wet injector tip, then it is leaking.  This is hard to do because of the fuel rails.  Personally, I would let it go until it actually causes a problem, then the problem ought to be more obvious.