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1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

Fuel tank problem

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Old Jul 1, 2012 | 05:19 AM
  #1  
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Fuel tank problem

97 7.3 won't pick up fuel from front tank. Both tanks are full and runs fine on rear tank. It will run briefly on front then begins to starve and will stall out. Is the pick up clogged?
 
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Old Jul 1, 2012 | 08:24 AM
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your fuel selector valve is probably bad not allowing it to switch tanks
 
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Old Jul 1, 2012 | 08:38 AM
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Originally Posted by rodneywar
your fuel selector valve is probably bad not allowing it to switch tanks
Or it could be a fuse. Check the underdash fuses. But if it was a fuse, the fuel gauge wouldn't read right.
 
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Old Jul 1, 2012 | 09:51 AM
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Ronnie's probably right. I have a problem with mine too, it's always MT.
 
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Old Jul 1, 2012 | 07:37 PM
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subscribed because my front tank is acting up. might be fuel level sender not sure yet. started happening after I had the dash apart. I wonder if the pick up tube broke? thats been known to happen. although it happens lower in the tank like below the half tank point. also have seen pictures of the pickup screen plugged.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2012 | 10:36 AM
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There are a few things it could be. Selector valve, fuel pickup tube, or leaky fuel lines.

When you flip the switch to change tanks does the fuel gauge change readings as it should? Turn the key on, then have someone flip the switch while you're under the truck near the fuel selector valve. You should be able to hear it "click" when it changes state. These truck are also known to develop cracks in the fuel pickup tube. Generally though when this happens the truck will run fine until the level in the tank falls below the level of the crack then the truck starts to stall out because it is sucking air just like it would if it were out of fuel. And the leaky lines thing should be pretty self explanatory. Just get under there with a light and look for any signs of a weeping line.
 
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