PLEASE HELP

[Big Daddy Ron]

Hello Guys, Need some help please. I have a 2002 4X4 7.3 extended cab that is stock with the exception of 33" tires and a small Hypertech 30 hp programer. The truck died about a week ago and has been hard to start ever since. I replaced the fuel drain assy on the filter housing in hopes that that would fix the problem. it has been seeping for about a month now. after I replace it the problem persisted. I checked the lift pump, but it has plenty of pressur and volume... I also checked the return piston and spring,I went so far as to streatch rhe return sprin a bit to add some restiction. the engine is hard to start, and when it does it clatters and then runs rough for a few minutes then clatters and dies as if it ran out of fuel. Could it be the high pressure oil pump? and if so how do I check it? Thank you for your help.
Big Daddy Ron.

[NoRalPh]

Has this just started with cold weather? This time of year, faulty Glow Plug Systems (that haven't been needed for many months) show-up. Are you sure everything is what it should be with the plugs & relay? Does this happen on a, warm, restart?

To test if it's fuel related, next time it dies like that, open the drain and see if there's the usual amount of fuel in the bowl.

As for the HPOP, you need a scanner that will monitor the ICP pressure. In fact, that would be the Best way to narrow stuff down. Have the right scanner (Not a generic OBD-II, they don't do it for us) connected and watch what's going on as it dies...

[Big Daddy Ron]

Thanks NoRalPhs... Yes, it is hard to start even after it has run for a while. Also I live in Texas, it has not been that cold here. I guess I will have to borrow a scanner. It figures I keep impecable mantinance on the thing and try not to abuse her much, and she gets to that magical 150k mile marker and lays down on me... RIGHT At Christmas.. Thank you again.