Without warning my 03 F250 6.0 with 75,000 miles on it wouldn't start.
1. Air? check!
2. Fuel? mmmmmmm...

Figuring fuel as the most likely prob, I quickly changed the 2 fuel filters and drained of any water (last done 2 months ago). Result...No start.
Opened the secondary filter to check for fuel. Result...has fuel. I turned key on without crank and plenty fuel cycling in but lots of air bubbles. After cycling a number of times and lots of diesel every where bubbles persist. rechecked seals on filter cap and drain plug...result bubbles.

Any suggestions?
It seems unlikely that the fuel lines between the water sepertator and secondary filter have a leak.
Any test or checks I could perform to find out where the leak is coming from?

 

WHats your fuel pressure at?.sounds like the pump may be aerating the fuel somehow.

 

Not sure the pressure. Think I saw somewhere that 45 PSI was the right number and you could obtain a reading by fitting a pressure gauge to the underside of the secondary bowl. Unfortunately I'm not sure what type of gauge I would need to accomplish this.

The pressure seems to be coming in strong though.
I was able to get it started by leaving the key in on position for around 5-10 minutes and no problem since, though I am sure the issue will return. What would cause the pump to aerate the fuel?

 

Dont worrey about Fuel Pressure Yet get the air bubbles figured out first

Since its sucking Air in somewhere it will always be low PSI untill it fixed

Tripple check the HFCM Oring might got pinched or micked or something

 

Hi,
Just a question.
How much fuel did you have in the tank?
What I was thinking is if the level was at the point where the strainer
goes onto the pick up. And it has a bad seal could you get air that way?
Thanks
Sean

 

Thus why it's so important to smear motor oil all over the o-rings when you change filters. It will keep them from getting pinched/nicked. You might also have a cracked HFCM cap.

 

Cracked or loose cover plate on the HFCM can also cause this.

 

I double checked both o' rings on HFCM and am monitoring everything around it for dripping fuel. I assume when vehicle is running it will pull air in and when off small amounts of diesel will leak. I will closely inspect the cover plate and to ensure a good sill.
Its been about 5 days since initial prob and no repeat symptoms or fuel seeping. Like it never happened? Thanks for all the advice!