My truck has developed a new trick that I do not like. In the past week the temperatures here in North Texas have dropped to the 50 - 60 degree range (practically freezing). I noticed the other morning when I took off for work I made it about 1/2 mile from the house and the truck started losing power and shuttering like it was about to run out of fuel. I pulled off the side of the road with what little power steering and brakes I had left before the truck quit. In an effort to start up again the engine just cranked over and over and over and over and over...... Eventually it started trying to fire slowly and built up enough to start running. During the forever cranking the oil pressure gage showed normal pressure. Once it started again it ran rough for a few moments until it seemed all the injectors were getting fuel and it smoothed out. It ran fine the rest of the day. However next morning same problem. I made it to almost the exact same spot and it lost power and shut off. It has done this several time the past week but it only seems to do it when the temperature is colder and the truck has been of for an extended period of time. It happened again this evening after the truck sat all day only it never quite died, but it definitely was not happy and running very rough for a few moments until it cleared itself up. I, like many (whether they admit it or not), have run out of fuel once just shy of the gas station. This past week of trouble the truck has acted just like it did the one day I ran out, plus the very long cranking times to restart. Im assuming my fuel pump is getting weak and on its way out but Im not sure. How do I test it? Has anyone had a similar problem? Truck has 334k miles on it and I have never had to mess with anything fuel related before. Last question is the fuel pump located on the driver side of the frame rail under the drivers door, or is there a second pump in the tank? I know I could take it to a shop, but in an effort to save money I decided to consult all the experts here and fix it myself (it has worked for all my other problems). Just need help tracking this problem down. Thanks. I look forward to any and all responses.

 

yup, f/p located under d/s frame. You have any gauges? Might wanna dig deeper and check this out on your truck...

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334K is a lot of miles for never having to clean out your IN TANK SUCTION screens.
What year is this truck?
Where are you located?
Use this page (link below) to find out how to get the suction line on your fuel pump off. Tap on the line with a screwdriver and spray some lubricant on it after you have scrapped and tapped all the crud off of it. Go to the picture second from the bottom at the link below to show how it is supposed to come off.
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After you have the fuel line loose from the pump...remove your fuel cap and blow compressed air into the tank to blow out your IN TANK SUCTION SCREENS as they are probably clogged. Do not put your face close to your filler cap if you have a lot of fuel in your tank. Listen for bubbles so you know you got plenty of air inside the screens. You should have safety glasses on the entire time you are under your truck to keep your eyes SAFE. If blowing the screens out solve your problem then you need to purchase this kit below and modify your lines in your tank to remove the screens, put a spin on filter OUTSIDE your fuel tank and to keep your fuel pump from sucking air and sending it to the injectors.
Driven Diesel Fuel Tank / Pre-Pump Kit

You may also need another pickup foot as they go bad and crumble in the tank on some trucks. The foot can be purchased here.
FORD Fuel Tank Pickup Foot Original Equipment

It will only cost you some time to take the fitting off the pump and the electricity for the compressed air as long as you have an air compressor.

Fuel pump is as Tim described, driver's side frame rail, inboard, just under the driver's side door. There is NO IN TANK fuel pump unless the system has been modified.

When you are cranking for long periods....
1. Is there smoke coming from your exhaust? If so, what color is the smoke? White, Black???
2. What are RPM's showing while cranking?
3. Does your Wait to Start Light come on prior to cranking?
4. Can you hear your fuel pump when you first put the key in the run position?

Dwayne

 

Subscribing. My 97 E350 does the same exact thing, but the temperature has to drop into the twenties.

 

Landyacht...did u check the engine oil level? If its 3-4 qts low or more, it will act exactly as u describe in cooler weather. Oil psi gauge will read fine.