Fuel filter draining when stopped

[94OilBurner]

Hey guys,

My 94 F350 diesel dually dump truck has been giving me some starting troubles lately. After sitting for at least 24 hours, it will start right up immediately but then start bucking/hesitating a little and stall like it was running out of fuel. If I try to restart, it will not catch.

I found that the fuel filter was only half full after sitting and by simply topping off the filter and reinstalling it, the truck starts right up and runs great. I assume the fuel is draining back to the tank somewhere and the air trapped in the filter stops the fuel from going to the injectors.

I have replaced the filter twice in the past week ($40/piece) even used different brands.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,

[Rob]

poor pressure from you fuel pump? clogged lines maybe? just a few ideas for you.

[94OilBurner]

I took the truck today to get an inspection and the guy said there was a leak where the rubber hose connects to the metal pipe from the pump. I assume that is the problem and will fix that first.

Thanks for the advice!

[94OilBurner]

Well I cleaned up everything and traced the problem. Once I removed the wheel well liner on the passenger side, I could see the high pressure (mechanical) fuel pump and the metal line that feeds to the filter had a small hole in it that was spitting fuel up and hitting the block. I replaced the line and the pump since I pulled it out anyways and the problem is set.

Whenever the truck would sit for a while, all the fuel in the line would leak out and create an air bubble in the filter that wouldn't bleed out automatically. With the leak fixed it starts and runs as good as new even after sitting for a while.

I love my diesel!