Ford 7.3L Does Start after Sitting

[lhengen]

I have a 94 For F350 dually that is very dificult to start after sitting. Unfortunately I have my camper on it, and seldom take it off so it does end up sitting for weeks on end.

I'm a newbie diesel owner, and had it towed once because I couldn't get it started. The shop told me it uses oil pressure to build fuel pressure and if it cranks long enough it will empty the oil reservoir, or the oil reservoir is empty to begin with, it won't start.

I don't think filling the reservoir on top of the motor is normal, and even thn it can be tough to start. It seems I have to pump the "gas" pedal beforehand as well to get it to start.

Is this normal? How can I start it easier? How often does someone need to start the engine to prevent this situation?

[Fordpride]

If your hpop res is leaking down then you have a anti drain valve issue

[BigFuel]

Let it sit and remove the check/fill port on top of the front cover BEFORE starting it. Is there oil in the HPOP (High Pressure Oil Pump) sump? If yes then you have a LPOP (Low Pressure Oil Pump) supply issue and the LPOP isn't keeping up with demand at cranking. If there is no oil in the sump then like stated above you have a anti-drain back valve issue.

Oh, and