Ford F-350 Fuel Pump Problems [Symptoms & Fixes]

Are you having trouble starting your Ford F-350? While engine or battery problems can cause starting issues, a faulty fuel pump might also be the culprit.

In this post, I’m going to highlight and explain the common symptoms that show your Ford F-350 fuel pump is faulty. I’ll also be recommending the best ways to go about fuel pump problems.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s get started.

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Symptoms of Ford F-350 Fuel Pump Problems

Here are some of the signs that show your Ford F-350 fuel pump is bad:

Engine Overheating

Vehicle engines can get hot, especially if you’ve been driving the car for some time. This is really nothing to worry about. However, if your Ford F-350’s engine gets excessively hot without running for hours, your fuel pump may be the culprit.

Of course, several reasons can cause your engine to overheat, all of which are equally likely. One such reason is a fuel pump with faulty wiring, which prevents the device from sending enough fuel to the engine.

Get your mechanic to inspect your vehicle. If your Ford F-350’s pump has faulty wiring, get it fixed. But if the fuel pump is irreparable, replace it immediately.

Complete Engine Failure

This is perhaps the worst-case scenario for a bad fuel pump. If your Ford F-350’s engine is unresponsive, you have a complete engine failure. One of the culprits for this development is a bad fuel pump. Another culprit could be a dead battery.

You may be unable to determine which of these culprits is responsible for the complete engine failure. Therefore, get your mechanic to run checks on your Ford F-350 to determine the cause behind your engine’s failure to start.

A worn-out or bad fuel pump can prevent your engine from starting. Your mechanic may replace the fuel pump if it’s worn.

Whining Noises

Do you hear whining noises when you’re about to start your Ford F-350? Or do you hear spluttering sounds when driving your vehicle at high RPMs?

The noises indicate some dirt or contaminants have found their way to your vehicle’s fuel filter.

The grime and dirt are responsible for the noises you hear during these scenarios. Alternatively, your vehicle’s fuel pump may have been displaced from its position and is moving around like a pinball.

Your mechanic should examine your Ford F-350’s fuel pump to see if it’s working properly. If not, replace it with a new unit.

Fuel Quantity Dropping

Another common sign you will experience when your Ford F-350’s fuel pump has gone bad is the inability to get sufficient fuel for your engine.

A damaged fuel pump can’t deliver sufficient fuel to the engine. The result is the quantity of fuel dropping below an acceptable amount and causing the engine to splutter or stall unexpectedly.

Since this issue is closely associated with fuel pump problems, get a certified mechanic to inspect your vehicle’s fuel pump. Replace it immediately if the fuel pump is found defective.

Low Fuel Pressure Alert

Another symptom of fuel pump problems is when you receive an alert of ‘low fuel pressure’ while driving.

Your car will immediately slow down to 5-10 miles per hour and eventually stop running. Other components may be responsible for this development, but don’t rule out your fuel pump.

When you receive the ‘low fuel pressure alert,’ it usually implies the Bosch high-pressure fuel pump is no longer delivering the required pressure.

You can confirm if your Ford F-350’s fuel pump is dead by checking the pressure in your fuel lines using a fuel pressure gauge. If the gauge reads zero, your fuel pump is most likely dead. Therefore, the only way out is to replace the fuel pump immediately.

Can You Drive a Ford F-350 with a Bad Fuel Pump?

It is never too safe to drive around with a bad fuel pump. The defective fuel pump can cause your vehicle’s engine and catalytic converter to overheat unnecessarily. If you experience a complete fuel pump failure, your vehicle will not even start.

Moreover, you will never experience a smooth driving experience when your Ford F-350’s fuel pump is faulty. It will ruin the performance of your engine. You will also experience a lot of trouble trying to hit high speed or turn your vehicle.

Therefore, refrain from driving your vehicle with a failed fuel pump. Don’t procrastinate if you suspect your fuel pump is faulty.

As soon as you detect any signs of a bad fuel pump mentioned in this article, drive or tow your vehicle to the nearest auto repair shop to replace the component.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Ford F-350 Fuel Pump?

According to RepairSmith, the average cost of replacing a defective Ford F-350 fuel pump ranges from $877 to $949. Labor costs range from $189 to $239, while components are priced from $687 to $710.

These price ranges do not include fees and taxes, nor do they factor in your specific Ford F-350 model year or unique location. Bear in mind that related repairs may also be required, such as the replacement of the fuel filter.

The price ranges are based primarily on the age and number of Ford F-350 vehicles on the road.

Tips to Make Your Ford F-350’s Fuel Pump Last Longer

Fuel pumps typically last for up to 100,000 miles. But these depend on several factors, including how frequently you drive daily, how well you maintain your automobile, etc.

Here are some tips to ensure your Ford F-350’s fuel pump last just as long or even longer:

Ensure your fuel tank is nearly always full as often as possible. Fuel levels should never get below 1/8th – ¼th of your tank. This is important because fuel also doubles as a coolant in many cases.
When you replace a defective fuel pump, you should also get the fuel filter replaced. Better still, change the fuel filter every 30,000 miles. Clogged fuel filters can create unintended pressure in the fuel system and affect the overall performance of your Ford F-350.
Buy gas at newer filling stations or those that always maintain their underground fuel tanks. This is to prevent getting contaminated fuel, which may shorten the lifespan of the fuel pump and fuel filter.

Related Resources:

Conclusion

There you have it; the most common signs you will experience when your Ford F-350’s fuel pump has gone bad.

Remember that regular maintenance and frequent check-ups at the mechanic will go a long way in stemming several issues relating to your fuel pump.

Adhere to the tips about prolonging your Ford F-350’s fuel pump, and you will enjoy your vehicle for many more years.