fuel system problems. plzzz help :(

[codyryan07]

I have run out of fuel twice today, the first time the gauge read just under 1/4 tank when parked, got in and my low fuel light comes on. Runs empty a mile from the station.. put close to 6 gallons in and drive 30 miles to get to work. Needless to say, I was late. left work, drove a mile just fine then ka-poot.. im out of gas, in the dark and the pouring rain. reads over 1/4 tank. Not the first time its done this and im sick of it.. any ideas what it could be?

[Term3]

The OEM tank draw tube is a good 1/2 inch above the bottom of the tank so it will draw in air real easy at low tank levels which is super hard on injectors. Does not explain why your sucking air at a 1/4 tank so you need to look at the sending unit.

[codyryan07]

I've replaced the foot valve thing a few months back, and its only on random occasions it happens. Other than that, it runs perfect.

[NoRalPh]

Originally Posted by Term3

The OEM tank draw tube is a good 1/2 inch above the bottom of the tank so it will draw in air real easy at low tank levels which is super hard on injectors. Does not explain why your sucking air at a 1/4 tank so you need to look at the sending unit.

You know, I always thought that was true too. I saw everybody talking about putting 10 gallons of fuel in the tank, in order to restart, if you ever ran-out of fuel.

BUT, when I did the Hutch Mod I pumped my tank dry by powering my fuel pump and connecting a hose to the, open, drain valve on the fuel bowl.

When I dropped the tank there was Less than a Quart of fuel in it!

I think the tube itself may be 1/2" off the bottom but that "umbrella" thing (which is sealed pretty well to it) is actually tight against the bottom. I know the mixing-valve can fail and cause you to run out of fuel at 1/4 tank (maybe the source of that "10 gallon" advice) but I now think the tank gets almost All the fuel drawn from it when everything's the way it's supposed to be....

[Term3]

It must vary from truck to truck because when I installed a fuel sump http://www.alligatorperformance.com/...?mID=6&cID=309 on my truck the "umbrella" thingy was 1/2 from the bottom of my tank.

[NoRalPh]

Originally Posted by Term3

It must vary from truck to truck because when I installed a fuel sump Diesel Performance Parts & Products | Alligator Performance on my truck the "umbrella" thingy was 1/2 from the bottom of my tank.

Sure, that makes sense....

[codyryan07]

It seems like my float is sticking too.. I think that may be the biggest problem. I was thinking about running something like seafoam thru the tank, or is there something better? And as soon as I get some time and a few extra pennies to my name, I'll do the hutch mod..

[Term3]

You said you replaced the foot valve, I wonder if the lever that the float is on is bent out of alignment so that it is occasionally binding. I'm not sure about your truck but some tanks are lined so I would be concerned about chemicals I put in the tank for cleaning that may cause damage to that lining