Hey guys, I am new to this forum so take it easy on me to start off. I have a 96 F350 with the 7.3 in it. It has two tanks. In July of 2012, not paying attention, I ran out of fuel before switching to the rear tank. After a minute or 2, it finally started and ran fine. I thought that was the end of the issue. As it started turning colder, after driving approximately 2 or 3 miles, it seems to run out of fuel, then becomes difficult to start back. After it does start back, I let it run for a few minutes before driving again. It seems to run fine. So after that, I started letting it run for 5 or 10 minutes before driving. That seemed to correct the issues. Now even after running at operating temp. for 30 minutes or more, it has started doing the same thing. It seems to be getting worse. I am not a mechanic by any means, but I can do the basic stuff. I have changed the filter on top and the CPS, but that did not do the trick. Any suggestions?????

 

Hey, welcome to the forum. We typically go easy on the new guys.

Have you tested the fuel pressure? You can use a regular stick style tire pressure gauge so long as it will register enough pressure to measure about 70 PSI or so. on the driver side of the fuel bowl where you replaced the fuel filter you should see a black plastic cap on a shrader valve (like a tire valve stem). That's what you're looking for. You are looking to have around 60-65 PSI at idle. If you're seeing less than that you're likely due to either replace the pump or shim the fuel pressure regulator spring. Being the new guy too, I'll go ahead and give you some advice, use a rag down there by the valve too as it will likely shoot some diesel when you're messing with it.

Start there and if that checks out we can look elsewhere.

 

Thanks. I haven't checked that yet. I will try that today and post the results tomorrow.

 

Does it do this on both tanks ?

 

After reading quite a few posts yesterday, that was one thing that I was planning on looking at. I can't say for sure. As I did not get in until late last night, I did not get a chance to check the pressure at the shreader valve or switch the tank over. However, I will try that this week end. Thanks a lot. This forumn is great and very helpful.

 

It also would be a good idea to clean the fpr screen. You can get to it with a q tip stick from the top drivers side of the fuel bowl. Or you can take the regulator of and clean it real good.

 

OK, here is what I have done over the weekend. I have ran roughly half of a tank from the rear tank. Same issues. I live in a small town with only one place to purchase diesel. I talked to several buddies to make sure they were not having issues with the diesel from this particular store. No issues there. I checked the pressure. It's roughly 65 pounds. Usually, it's worse when I first start it up, but yesterday, it started running rough after it was up to temp. This was after 25 or thirty miles. Any more suggestions????

 

Here is another update. Last night, I cleaned the FPR screen (as it was mentioned, it was covered with gunk). Checked the program and changed it back to stock. Checked the DTC's. The following DTC's showed up. 1-)P1211, 2-)P0340, 3-)P0236, 4-)P1212. So I cleared all of them and took it for a test drive after cleaning the FPR screen. No luck. Same issues. Ran about 2 miles, started running sluggish, then completly shout off. After it finally started back, I limped back home with my tail between my legs defeated again. So I started reading more on this forumn. Found a link about the oil having two purposes, one for the engine and one for the injectors. As bad as it sounds, I have not even thought to check the oil concerning this. So I went back out and checked the oil. Sure enough, it was 3 to 4 quarts low. I know I should check this more often, but as stated earlier, it is not an everyday truck. So when I get home today, I will take it for another test run. Hopefully, the oil being low is what my problem is. I will post tomorrow to let you guys know. Thanks for all the advise.

 

How old is the oil? (Besides the 3-4 quarts of brand new oil, that is ).

P0340 is a cam sensor code. Is it a replacement sensor, and if so, what brand?

 

The oil has about 5,000 on it (Rotella 15W40). It was time to change it.It is a replacement cam sensor. Right off the top of my head, I'm not sure what brand. (Purchased from the local NAPA). Would you suggest replacing the Cam Sensor again? And if so, what brand do I need to look for if not an OEM one?

 

Ford or IH only. The parts store ones are junk. They can be bad right out of the box.

 

Alright guys, to start with, thanks for all of the advise. After making sure the right amount of oil is in the truck, it now purrs like a kitten (a loud kitten). Checked it with cold start with no problems and ran it for about 40 miles with no problems. Thanks again