99 f250 powerstroke diesel

Just started having a problem with it acting like its running out of fuel if I just get in it and go, ill make it a mile or so then it will act like it ran out of fuel and die. To get it to go I just turn the key on and off like 2 times then crank on it for 10 to 15 secs then it will run rough for a bit while I fludder the gas peddal to keep it going then it will catch and run perfect. If I let it warm up, just start it and let it idle for 5+ min you'd never know it had a problem. I was thinking maybe a filter problem but wouldnt that be noticable even when it was warm? Possable early signs of fuel pump going bad? Also the heater bowl element went out and thats unplugged but drove it all winter with it off and never had a problem but it was also always warmed up and plugged in. Truck has a 125k the fuel filter was changed about 2k miles ago and I had the stealership replace some glow plugs and tune the valves. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks

David

 

Check you oil level, it might be low. I have the same thing you have ('99 psd) and when the oil gets to low it will run the same way. The fuel injectors are controlled by oil pressure and if it is low on oil the injectors will not operate correctly or something like that. Personally I think the reason why it will run with no problems if you let it warm up for 5 minutes is because the oil expands as it warms up and the oil pressure is then enough for the injectors to work. That's where I would start. If your oil level is fine I'm sure that someone else will point you in the right direction. Good luck

 

oil level is good that was first thing I checked when it first did it. thanks for the response. Anyone else have an idea?

 

What are the outside temps when this is happening? Your fuel pump is electric so it's either on or off. Your fuel bowl heater is not going to make enough of a difference to cause this issue. With what you're describing, oil would be my first guess too. How many miles on it and what type of oil are you using?

How frequently has the oil been changed over the life of the vehicle? Another possibility is injector issues from inadequate maintenance schedules.