what happens when you Run out of fuel

[pitpig]

This is my first electronic 7.3 diesel .... so what happens when your driving and forget to swap tanks and run out. Will it pick-up quickly when you switch tanks or coast to a stop and you gotta crank till it bleeds out like the old 6.9

[cbow]

I have never done it, but I have read a few posts.

correct me if I am wrong:
If you are driving at 60 mph and run out you should have a loss of power and end up at about 30-40 mph before the fuel is picked back up.
I think, don't plan on trying it.

[Diesel Freak]

You prolly have to pull the filter and fill to top. Gotta get that air purged out. This will save on your batteries and starter. Sure someone will addy................

[Big AL]

You may end up never again forgetting to switch over. LOL

[bigcountrysg]

You ain't gonna have fun. Besides needing to bleed the system. You will could cause damage to the injectors and fuel pump.

[quick26]

it happed one time on my obs 7.3. it bucked and then shut down. i coasted to a stop, and after a couple of attempts it fired back up. i doubt it was good for it though

[lilredpowerstroke]

There no need to bleed anything, just fill up the fuel bowl with fuel since you dont have an electric fuel pump. You also run the risk of scoring plungers and barrels in the injector. SO try not to forget to switch.

[alberta 7.3]

When I put my engine together, it took about 5 min (5x1 minute/2 min starter cool-off)of cranking to get the oil/fuel galleries in the head to fill up and the truck to fire.


Here's an excerp from steve baz's page


Run Diesel Fuel Tank Dry, Is it OK? The answer is NO!!
One thing which will happen is that the fuel injectors will continue to 'fire' under high oil pressure without the resistance and cushioning effect of the fuel on the injector pistons. ker-whack!!! Not good for the injectors. When the fuel runs out, there is no longer fuel pressure to cause injector pistons to return to top of stroke. They just sit at bottom of stroke and quit injecting. No kerwhack or whatever. Also, since the pistons are not moving, the fact that they are not getting lubricating fuel doesn't cause trouble either. I've run tanks dry a few times to get accurate reading on range. At highway speed of 75 you will be down to 35MPH or so before you start feeding fuel again. You get about one hiccough before she quits. I wouldn't try it around town, as you'd crank a while before it got fuel

[lilredpowerstroke]

Originally Posted by pitpig

so what happens when your driving and forget to swap tanks and run out.

Usually have to call a buddy or a tow truck????

[rankroddin250]

it takes forever to get the air out... usualy your batteries die first