So 15 hours ago I left North Carolina heading to Michigan in my '97 F350 DRW. 38 gallon rear tank, 19 gallon saddle tank, 6637 mod, e-fuel kit from strictly diesel, T500 HPOP.
1) I need new fuel filters they are past due.
I filled up both tanks and took off. The rear tank leaked like crazy (location unknown until I pull the bed, but most likely the sending unit seal), but eventually it quit leaking. All is well until around Charlotte. Cruise set at 65, start to ascend a grade and the truck won't maintain speed. It dropped down to 55, downshifted, got up to 60, up shifted, and I turned off cruise to make it to the top. Reset cruise to 60, no further issues until Virginia in the mountains.
Rear tank is nearing 1/4 according to the gauge. Again I'm ascending a steep grade and the truck starts to slow down but it refuses to accelerate. It sputters and I crest the hill at 45. Coming over the top it still won't accelerate, sounds like it's missing, but then catches. Try to switch to the front tank and find out the sending unit is no longer sending a signal so I panic and switch back to the rear (mind you I've been running off the front tank for 3 months no issues.)
Refuel, continue on. Once again the same issue comes up. I'm trying to climb a hill, foot to the floor and the truck won't get over 2000 rpm and it keeps dropping in speed. Eventually it catches itself and everything is fine again. This happens 3 more times in the course of 15 hours. The last time it happened the truck wouldn't get over 2000 rpm and 40 mph.

Oil level is good. Fuel pressure gauge is reading 60 PSI. No leaks except from the rear tank. No smoke from the tailpipe or engine, but it does smoke out of the filler neck when fueling (noticed it on the second fill up). No odd smells. Seems to happen when the rear tank is below 1/4 or above 3/4. Will run poorly on the front tank and it had the same fuel from the first fill up. Checked the MAP sensor and tube, plugged in and not cracked.

Sorry for all the jumbled info. Trying to write this while it's still fresh in my head. Has never done this before today either!

 

"Smoke out of the filler neck when fueling??" When its acting up check your fuel pressure.

 

How did you check the fuel pressure? Can you monitor while driving or just check the gauge under the hood?


I had a filter get clogged on my efuel and it acting very similarly. when it started losing power I pulled over and checked the pressure. It was bouncing around 30 and slowly caught back up to 60 while it was just idling. I replaced the filter and all was well. I don't remember which filters the strictly diesel system uses. The o-Reilly's close to me carries a lot of equipment filters. Depending on your filter set up they might be a good place to get one and swap it out quickly.

 

When it was acting up the gauge sat pretty firm at 60. My kit came with Baldwin filters and I plan on finding some new ones today!

Yes "smoke from the filler neck". Like where fueling there was like a very thick vapor coming out. I have never noticed it before in the 3 years I've owned the truck.

 

if your pressure is still holding when it is acting up then fuel probably isn't the issue. Have you checked the valve cover connections for any burnt pins?

 

Some contaminant in the fuel, maybe? Did that vapor have a particular smell?

 

The vapor to me smelled like diesel. Nothing more. Truck died this morning and is only registering 40psi. Bought new filters and a new pump which will be installed tonight.

Will check the UVCH for burned pins. The SD UVCH is the upgrade correct?

 

That is correct.

 

Now when you gentleman do this do you get the new plug as well? Quick Google search shows that it comes with the plug as well and you have to splice that in. Recommend or not?

 

I recommend the SD setup. I haven't had any problems after doing this. Stronger wires and plugs and even cheaper. Make sure you solder the connections and use heat shrink.

 

Well brand new filters installed, power the pump up (hear it turn on) but no pressure being read so I think the pump is bad. Bought a new SD pump so that will go in to confirm or deny.

 

Good news. I have 2 GSL392 pumps on the way. Bad news. The SD pump wont work because the fittings don't match up.

I did confirm that the old pump is infact dead although it kicks on. Probably because the filters look like this..

 

I guess the bottom of your tanks are clean now, lol.

 

Well the 38 rear is brand spanking new so there shouldn't be anything. The saddle tank though.. probably pretty clean looking now lol

 

Buy fuel at any shady stations that you questioned whether or not they were in business before you stopped?