I have a 1993 E350, 7.3 diesel van that was an ambulance conversion. It had 19300 original miles on it the beginning of last year. I put 2000 miles on it and had the fuel refilled with new diesel several times. Van started to act as having no fuel. I changed the fuel filter, started back up and it idled well. Put it in gear and it stalls out. I dropped tank, and found that the sending/pick-up unit had fallen apart (plastic). Tank was clean (no rust). Could not get a replacement for that year truck through Ford or 3rd party venders. Made my own housing and screen. Put it back together and have same problem. Then changed lift pump, still same problem. I can get it started after venting air out of filter housing, it will idle but when load is applied and you go 100 or better yards it dies out. Just before stopping the exhaust turns whiteish/grey and the engine runs rough. And now there is no fuel at the injector pump. Or if I let it idle for a long time and then stop it and let is rest for a few days it will not start without major venting and bleeding or air. Obviously I have an air leak somewhere but not signs of fuel leaking out. Any ideas Anyone???

 

If you don't get a helpful answer here try the 7.3 diesel specific forum---someone there most likely has dealt with this before and knows the quick fix.

Not knowing much about diesels I can't really add much more here.

HTH