I have an 2003 F250 7.3 Diesel 4wd. Yesterday I knew I was low on fuel but I don't think I ran out of diesel. My guage was above the "E". 50 miles left on my overhead readout, but you never know. All of a sudden the truck misfires and is running very rough before it dies on me. I get it towed home.
Thinking that it possible I ran out of fuel and screwed up my fuel pump, I bought a new fuel pump and fuel filter, installed them and I have the same symptoms. I am guessing I lost my prime, who knows. Any suggestions please help. I have 180,000 miles on it and haven't ever had engine problems. Thanks in Advance

 

Does the fuel bowl fill up with fuel after changing the filter?

 

When I removed the old filter there was very little fuel in there. After replacing the filter I checked and still very little fuel. I filled it up and then retried with no success.

 

Did you put more fuel in the tank during all this?


There is a rubber foot on the pickup tube in the gas tank that likes to crack and fall off causing fuel starvation issues around 1/4 tank or less.

 

I have a half tank before I started replacing the filter and pump.

 

It may also be possible the mixing screen in the tank got clogged up with something. I have heard some of the metal tanks have a coating in them that may start coming off and clog stuff up in the tank and in the filter.

 

OK, I'm thinking I'm going have to take it in. I appreciate your help.

 

With a few tools and some time you could check the tank yourself and save a bunch of money.

Most of the instruction you need is in this link: Welcome to guzzle's In-tank Hutch Mod Web Page

What you would be looking for after getting in the tank is for 1 a broken or cracked fuel pickup foot. Then 2 the mixing screens inside the white canister in the link.

If you have one of the tanks that have the failing lining you may see galvanize type material plugging the screens. Replace tank, clean screens or delete them, reinstall, fill and run.

These are the screens you would be checking out in the white canister:


And the pickup foot on the end of the pickup tube/sending unit. This unit has the mixing chamber delete option, a good idea.

 

Thinking back quick, do you hear the fuel pump run when you first turn the key on? If its hard to know get under the truck and have someone else turn the key to on while you listen closer.

 

what about add some fuel to the bowl and confirm it will fire as well?

 

I believe it needs some pressure to feed the injectors, not just the presence of fuel. Plus with the cap off the fuel bowl, when you turn the key, it should fill with fuel and over flow eventually if the tank and pump side of the fuel system is good.

 

I hear pumps running when when I turn the key on. I filled the bowl with fuel and no luck. If I had a hydraulic lift at home I would love to take the tank out and do the repairs and mod. Oh well! Dealer tomorrow I'm afraid. Thanks everyone