Ran out of gas in 2000 ford 7.3 diesel, I added fuel but it will not start now

Asked by dusty51110 Dec 14, 2014 at 08:42 PM about the 2001 Ford F-350 Super Duty XLT Crew Cab SB 4WD

Question type: General

9 Answers

140

on the top of the engine there is a plastic cover. it will raise up and the fuel filter is accessible underneath there is a little blue switch, it is to let water out of the system. this was an easy fix for my boss's f350 service truck.

7 people found this helpful.

By running it dry, you may have also allowed air or sediment to enter the fuel system.You might have to bleed the fuel system and avoid running it dry, especially in cold climates. There should be procedure info. online for your vehicle.

9 people found this helpful.

Try turning your key to prime fuel pump 3 or 4 times 30 seconds each, do not start. Also replace fuel filter.You will hear air, then all fuel entering. When you hear fuel, engine should start. Good luck.

6 people found this helpful.
260

I know no one cares now since this is 2 yrs old but maybe next person will. This happened to me last night. Took an hour for it to finally start. Too many cooks spoil the F250! I am a woman so I had 9 guys all "experts" fiddling with it all trying different things, most things counter productive. mine is a 2008 6.4. The key has 4 notches, or clicks, not 3. So part of the issue was guy who thought he was priming my pump wasn't turning the key far enough. Just because he could hear the door dinging, and dash lit up, doesn't mean he had it turned to RUN, that's the next click. This thing has the extra accessory package so it's got a lot of electrical that runs off it, not just fuel pump. That was first issue. had I been doing it I woulda known bc I do this regularly at oil change place when I have my filters replaced often. Second, tow truck guy is under hood turning my release valve. Letting out any pressure I need to build up. Also, when you turn key don't do it too fast. I had diesel mechanic show me. Turn key, wait a few seconds. Don't turn key forward and back as quick as you would release to start it. WAIT 8 seconds. Then do again. Do this at least 5-10 times and WAIT before trying to start it. Don't do it once, try to start, do it again, try to start. That doesn't count. Do it several times before you try to start it. Patience is key. Do not let some guy release pressure. Don't assume it's on bc you hear door ding, interior lights, radio...it's still another click past that, in this one anyway. Also, pumping pedal does no good. Why people instinctively do that in 2017, I don't know. When you finally do get it to turn over, even ever so slightly it gets cranked IMMEDIATELY give gas and don't let up for at least 20 seconds. So many times they got it to turn over then let it drop. Then you gotta start all over with the priming...soon as all my "help" left, I used patience and got it going on my own. Turn Past alternator, past interior lights, to next click. 4 total positions: off, alternator, run and start. That may sound simple but believe me that was the first thing being overlooked. You don't count the clicks on normal starting so it's not something you think about til you're in crisis and in a hurry. wait. Then when it is finally time to start it, have it in position 3 wait the 5 seconds but don't go back to off then start, go from 3 straight to 4. Soon as it turns all the way over, quickly but lightly push gas pedal down. Don't floor it, don't push too little or it'll die. 3200 rpms, hold it for 20 seconds and should be good to go. Those guys had mine turn over so many times then dropped it, then tried to turn it over again without repriming. This is this truck's second fuel system, replaced $8500 for this exact type of stuff. Impatient mechanics not correctly priming filters, not knowing the key has an extra click a lot of cars don't have etc. these 6.4 aren't your daddy's 1999 7.3, they're finicky. This was an experimental year with all the new regulations. No matter what someone says they've had a diesel before, if they didn't have an 08 they don't know. This is a different animal. It requires patience and being gentle. most of the guys who helped me had work trucks, their bosses truck. Not their truck. It's totally different mindset when your own livelihood is at stake. The things they were doing to my truck made me cringe. They about fried my starter. That's another thing, if it doesn't turn over within 2 seconds, it's not ready! Holding key down for 5 minutes turning starter the entire time isn't gonna help. Then release and immediately trying again before the starter has even had time to stop spinning made that eeeegggkkk sound. Do not floor the gas, slight firm steady pressure 20 seconds or more then all the air should be out. So many times they got it to crank then dropped it by flooring it or pumping pedal. It's fuel injected, don't pump it. Then another guy said it was probably flooded. No it wasn't it wasn't primed, starter was exhausted it's not meant to be continually ran it's to crank only. This is a big truck with long electrical system, takes more than a nano second for current to reach the fuel pump....smh. Hope this helps someone else. I almost gave up til I decided to calm down and let it all rest, cool off 15 min, then started from scratch and it cranked right up. Only thing I needed a man for, after I kissed it, was to shut the hood. I can't reach it without step ladder lol

23 people found this helpful.
50

I HAVE A 2004 FORD F350 SÚPERDUTY, HOW CAN I BLEDD THE FUEL SISTEM TO GET THE AIR OUT.

5 people found this helpful.
30

I'm no diesel mechanic..gasoline no prob. I'm a all-around handy man. Means I can do or know hoes to do just about anything. I bet I watched 5 or 6 video's and talked to 3 other diesel mechs..none of them have me advice that worked. Out was going to wind up them getting paid just because it tab out of fuel just above E. The Damn light hadn't even came on. I'd just replaced the cup end on the sending unit in the gas tank. Dropped and cleaned it spotless. Cleaned all screens and filters and it was running good till I tab out on the way to the gas station. But after reading your post I have it a try. While praying to avoid a tow bill I used patience and Lord behold it cranked and I reved it up to 25 or 3k for a few mins. It's been fine ever since. Do I wanted you to know I deeply appreciate your help with this by via your post. Thank you.. So much and God bless you. Woman or not people just might surprise you even when you think you know it all lol. Just thought you'd like to know a 47 year old handy man slash mechanic slash ECT...ECT...you were sent to me from my prayers God sent you to me. please pat yourself on the back because you deserve it. Thank you so very much. Mike...the cable guy.

3 people found this helpful.
20

Pee in the tank after drinking a 2-6 of rye straight. The alcohol content that hits the injector will not only act as a cleaning agent but also temporary fuel to get you home safe in a pinch.

2 people found this helpful.
10

@Guru9NTR1 it worked! My husband and I was just stuck on the side of the highway for almost an hour! My husband tried everything! I read your post while he was gone to get more gas. I tried everything you said with patience and....IT WORKED!!!!!! Thanks so much, you saved us!!!!!!! Bless you!!!!!

1 people found this helpful.
20

@ Guru9NTR1 THANK YOU!!! My husband couldn’t figure it out for the life of him, I tried your suggestion-he now thinks I’m a damn genius

2 people found this helpful.

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