Is it possible for the pick up tube in the front fuel tank to come off or break in the tank? I ask because of what happened to me this evening: I park my truck on Friday on a small uphill slope and don't touch it until a few hours ago. I go to start it and it starts like it normally does, runs for maybe five seconds, then dies. Air in the lines? Crank crank crank. Crank crank. Dead. I figured someone had stolen my fuel over the weekend so I got a five gallon can full and proceeded to chrage the batteries then re-prime the engine. Eventually it started and I go to fill it up the rest of the way, but it only takes about three gallons! What happened here?

 

Usually if the pickup breaks off you run out of fuel at 1/4 tank.......

Your symptoms sound much like air entering the fuel system and drainoff of fuel from the fuel system mainly the filter and IP. Normal in dication is good start with 5 second run and stall........abnormal cranking time to restart.

Have you done any maintenance on the top of the engine near the return lines, are there any wet spots on the lines or injector caps, also check the filter header for leaks. Air can enter in where diesel will not leak out.....

Visit..... Ford diesel 6.9 7.3 IDI read up on air entry points especially the fuel filter header. Try the clear hose check too.

 

Thanks PLC, that's a great article!