running out of fuel

[kx592]

If i forget to switch tanks and run out of fuel on the front or rear and get air in the lines is that i problem? would i have to bleed the fuel lines or anything along those lines?

[HVAC SuperTech]

Nah, just gonna take some time to restart it, and to make it run smooth to clear the lines of the air.

[Texas-Red]

It's not good to do several times, but once in a blue moon would be ok. The truck will run really bad for about 30 min. though until the air is out of the line. Just don't risk running your truck that low on fuel.

[HVAC SuperTech]

What would happen if you run it out often, just wondering. I figure you might run risk of picking up debris from the tank, or maybe burning your pump up.

[tech10002]

The biggest risk in a powerstroke is bottoming the injector pistons in the bore since the fuel acts against the oil pressure as the injector fires. It can lunch the injectors if you do it too much. I think the air also causes cavitation in the injector tips which can erode them.

[HVAC SuperTech]

gotcha. Thank you!

[elibenson]

At idle it will just shut you down for a while till you get it to start agian. Usually helps to have a gasoline soaked rag to get it going again.

Now, if you are pulling up a hill with high boost, BAD THINGS could happen. You will still have plenty of air going in, but little or no fuel. That = cutting torch. It will lean out the motor and probably burn through rings, pistons, cylinder bores, valves, turbo, you name it.

Short answer: don't run out of fuel.

[ReefBlue]

I ran out yesterday.

Had poor throttle response for about .75 miles or so. Another quarter mile and it was like nothing ever happened.

[robertcarmel]

I think I will just keep mine on the east side of empty easier, and cheaper that a way !!! and GREAT info too! I never knew why it was bad to go dry, but knew it was...

[tech10002]

Originally Posted by elibenson

At idle it will just shut you down for a while till you get it to start agian. Usually helps to have a gasoline soaked rag to get it going again.

Now, if you are pulling up a hill with high boost, BAD THINGS could happen. You will still have plenty of air going in, but little or no fuel. That = cutting torch. It will lean out the motor and probably burn through rings, pistons, cylinder bores, valves, turbo, you name it.

Short answer: don't run out of fuel.

You really think it would go that far, though? You'd have to be pretty boneheaded to keep your foot in it after the truck starts stumbling (the first sign of fuel starvation). Then again, some people can be pretty boneheaded. LOL

Like he said, though, it's best just to not run it dry.