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2006 f350 fuel sending unit

4401 Views 57 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  TooManyToys
This is my first diesel. 2006 f350 4 door long bed 4x4. I think my in tank sending unit needs to be replaced. I was surprised at the amount of options for this part. Can anyone offer some guidance or wisdom on selecting a part?
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OEM. Check out @TooManyToys video on his youtube about it and tank cleaning. But why do you think it needs replaced?
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Agreed with the above...

You THINK it needs replaced? Why not take a meter and 15 minutes of your time and test it at the connector to KNOW for sure? Resistance readings range should be 15ohms (empty) to 160ohms (full). If your readings at the sending unit itself are bad, then you've figured it out. If they read what they're supposed to based on the fuel level, you would need to check the wiring from there back to the IC. If nothing found in the wiring, probably insde the IC.

-jokester
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Nuttin to say.....
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Who cares about testing? Go for it and drop the tank! Post pics!!
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  • Haha
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OEM. Check out @TooManyToys video on his youtube about it and tank cleaning. But why do you think it needs replaced?
When my fuel gets low the truck will start randomly shutting off. Driving, at a stop, fast, slow, hot,cold. The only constant is the fuel level. If I keep the tank full it dosnt happen. The truck will start right back up. I’ve even thrown it into neutral without stopping and it starts. I open to other thoughts for sure. I really don’t know
Ohhhhhh...

You're talking about something amiss with the fuel pickup, not a gauge level reading incorrectly. Gotcha!

You can test the to see if it's your pump or upstream of that coming from the tank. I don't have the procedure, but one of these guys below do! Something about diesel in a 5 gallon bucket 😁

@bismic @Hydro @TooManyToys

-jokester
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The bucket of diesel is good when there is no variation in performance due to the amount of diesel in the tank; it's a problem all the time.

But if the engine is faltering every time he gets close to 1/4 tank, the issue is the fuel pickup in the tank.

So if it's disintegrated, the tank has to come down and all the debris removed. The siphon hose should be blown out or replaced with a hose in case of debris in the line.

The pickup foot can be replaced with a Motorcraft replacement ONLY, or a sump put in, and then adding a hose is mandatory.

Someone needs a fuel pressure gauge.
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My '06 will run out of fuel at 1/4 tank
I have verified this by using the HFCM to pump fuel from the tank until it stops
Yeah, my pickup "foot" is a goner
I have a sump to take care of the problem -- just waiting to 'have the time' todo the install

Bet'cha the OP has the same problem
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Happened to our 03 when my Dad first got it. One of the first (of many) things replaced on that truck. You might buy one of these if you’re going to DIY: 12V Diesel Transfer Pump

I continue to use that pump to this day!
Of course now I fill it up last night from 1/4 tank and to and from work (10 min) in shut down about 12 times each way. I feel like it would have to more than just a broken pick up? Maybe parts of the pick up got in the line restricting flow and that’s what’s cutting it off? Or am I looking in the wrong place? It runs fine when it’s on which is why I think it’s fuel related.
Fuel pressure gauge would tell the story and should be a permanent addition to any 6.0

very likely that the suction line is restricted from the plastic parts
some of the tanks we have pictures show many small particles in the tank

Quick and dirty test is to get a length of 3/8 clear hose
disconnect the HFCM outlet -- plug that line you removed (or the pump will suck air thru the return)
a smooth 3/8 rod will work or a proper plug -- sandwich bag over the end and electrical tape to seal, may work

place the hose on the HFCM outlet and use a small clamp to secure
place the end of the tube in the filler port or in a bucket
key on and watch the fuel flow
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Do you hear the fuel pump turn on at KOEO?

-jokester
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A broken foot often turns into a supply line clog.

You'll probably need this.

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Do you hear the fuel pump turn on at KOEO?

-jokester
Yes

Nuttin to say.....
Do you recommend I open the fuel pump on the rail and clean it out, or replace the filter, or don’t touch it?
My take - Initially it would shut down when at 1/4 tank. When it does this continuously, it tends to be the deicing valve dislodging, typically because the foot material starts to break down. That's a warning sign the foot needs replacement. But if the degradation continues, all of the foot can come apart, which is what happened in Rusty's case in my video. So it sounds like you are there now, shutting down with more than 1/4 tank. Typically that's not an issue within the fuel pump. However, the pump assemblies should be cleaned out occasionally because there is a lot of debris that collect in there.

I thinking you are at the point where you need to pull the tank down and inspect the foot. It should be replaced, but I'd only get the Ford version. An alternative is to use a sump. But you still have to inspect the inside of the tank as any debris can still clog the factory or sump lines.

If you continue to use the factory lines, they will need to be cleaned out. Or you can replace the feed line with hose as I did.

Changing the filter is normal maintenance. You can remove the drain plug and squirt carb cleaner in the hole to get some of the mess out. With the filter off, you also can spray from the filter side into the drain window that will get more. The best solution is to remove the cover on the HFCM and spray it all clean. Initially the cord gasket tends to swell to the point it is hard to put the gasket back in. You can buy a new gasket kit, which is not cheap. Or leave the cord gasket in the sun for a day, and it usually returns to shape as it dries out.

Other than the video above, you could watch my HFCM video, too.

HFCM
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My truck (2006 f350 6.0) just shut down. It fires up but immediately shuts down. I sprayed starter fluid in the intake and it fired up and ran for a few moments and when I tried to give it throttle from the fuel peddle it was like I wasn’t doing anything. So it’s not getting fuel. Any ideas where I should start or what the issue could be? I’m 6mo in on my first diesel so be gentle
Check your fuel bowl and filter. Is there any fuel in there? How much fuel in the tank?

-jokester
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2
Check your fuel bowl and filter. Is there any fuel in there? How much fuel in the tank?
@SuperCrutyPS my tank was full. I had just topped it off 10 min before it happened. The tank hasn’t been under 3/4 of a tank in 3 months. The bowl has fuel inside when I opened it.
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