Ford F150 Pickup. Manual — part 1148

Fig. 51: Removing Drain Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

3. Remove the drain plug.

4. Install the drain plug.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 GENERAL INFORMATION Fuel System-General Information-Bi-Fuel - F150 Pickup

Fig. 52: Installing Drain Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

5. Lower the vehicle.

6. Pressurize the fuel system.

LEAK TEST - BI-FUEL SYSTEM

Liquid Propane Gas

WARNING:

Avoid inhaling propane gas or occupying confined areas containing
propane. Propane is heavier than air. The heavier gas can displace or
push fresh air out of an area. In large quantities, propane can displace
enough oxygen to make the surrounding air unfit to breathe and possibly
cause illness. If a person breathes propane gas or air that lacks oxygen
due to the presence of propane gas, headache, dizziness, and weakness
in the extremities can occur. In severe cases, prolonged breathing of
propane-fouled air can cause suffocation. In the event of illness from
inhaling propane gas, move the victim immediately to fresh air and
contact a physician or medical emergency personnel for artificial
respiration or other required treatment.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 GENERAL INFORMATION Fuel System-General Information-Bi-Fuel - F150 Pickup

1. Observe all warnings when performing the liquid propane gas leak test.

Natural Gas

WARNING:

Do not needlessly vent propane fuel during service, and do not open the
80% stop-fill valve while a vehicle is inside a building. When servicing the
fuel system, follow the recommended procedures to shut off the fuel
tanks and run the engine out of fuel before disconnecting the fuel system
components. If the fuel tank(s) are being serviced, have the fuel
evacuated by trained personnel at a local propane fuel station. Liquid
propane fuel vaporizes at normal barometric pressure at temperatures
above -42°C (-44°F), and expands to 270 times its volume as a liquid.
Unnecessary venting of propane fuel can create fire and health hazards
which could cause personal injury or death.

WARNING:

Be alert for situations that may cause the propane fuel system to vent
fuel. These include extremely hot days, parking near a space heater, or
hoisting a vehicle up near a ceiling heater. Release of propane fuel in a
confined area through the pressure relief valve could occur. The release
of propane fuel in a confined area could result in an accumulation of
flammable vapors. If fuel is vented near a heat source, a fire or explosion
could occur.

WARNING:

Do not use paint drying ovens for propane fueled vehicles. The heat of
paint drying ovens will increase the pressure in the fuel tanks. This could
cause venting of propane fuel vapor into the oven and result in a fire from
the heat or sparks in the electrical equipment. If the fuel is confined inside
an oven an explosion may occur. When refinishing the body panels of a
propane fueled vehicle use spot painting and drying methods.

WARNING:

If a confined area, such as a lubrication pit, has been subjected to
propane gas the area should be inspected for adequate oxygen levels by
a local health department before being entered or personal injury or death
may occur.

WARNING:

The fuel system pressure must be relieved before any component can be
removed. The fuel tanks must be evacuated prior to tank removal.
Removal of components without pressure relief or tank evacuation can
cause propane fuel to escape into the air and cause injury or death.

NOTE:

In high ambient temperatures, such as those experienced in desert locations,
the fuel system is designed to vent excess fuel vapor pressure. The pressure
relief valve will vent fuel and automatically reset itself.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 GENERAL INFORMATION Fuel System-General Information-Bi-Fuel - F150 Pickup

2. Observe all warnings when performing the natural gas leak test.

All Bi-Fuel Systems - Leak Testing

WARNING:

Do not modify the system configuration or components or replace
components with components no specifically designed for use with
natural gas. Ford Motor Company has specifically designed the
materials, components and system configuration for the 5.4L F-
Series Bi-Fuel vehicle, and each particular system is precisely
calibrated for efficient operation. The use of different parts or
materials can produce an untested configuration that can result in
fire or personal injury or cause engine damage.

WARNING:

It is important that your bi-fuel vehicle be correctly maintained by
Ford bi-fuel trained personnel. If a concern occurs, it is important
that correctly trained personnel diagnose the cause. If a concern
relates to the fuel system, correct part replacement is imperative to
keep your vehicle operating at normal performance. Bi-fuel
components and gasoline specific components are not
interchangeable. If your vehicle is not serviced in accordance with
bi-fuel service procedures, damage can occur and your warranty
may be invalidated.

WARNING:

Fuel supply lines are always pressurized. When servicing fuel
related components, do not smoke or carry lighted tobacco or an
open flame of any type. Flammable mixtures may be present and can
ignite, resulting in personal injury.

WARNING:

The natural gas fuel system is always pressurized to 655 kPa (95 psi)
downstream of the fuel pressure regulator and up to 24821 kPa
(3,600 psi) upstream of the fuel pressure regulator. Use care when
servicing the fuel system or personal injury can occur.

WARNING:

The natural gas fuel supply manifold is pressurized to 655 kPa (95
psi). Fuel pressure must be relieved prior to any fuel system service.

WARNING:

The fuel system pressure must be relieved before any component
can be removed. The fuel tanks must be evacuated prior to tank
removal. Removal of components without pressure relief or tank
evacuation can cause natural gas to escape into the air and cause
injury or death.

NOTE:

Do not use the Rotunda Combustible Gas Leak Detector on bi-fuel
vehicles.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 GENERAL INFORMATION Fuel System-General Information-Bi-Fuel - F150 Pickup