Truck start then dies

Tiny
RUBENGR541
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 FORD F-250
  • 7.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
I recently bled the fuel lines on the injectors because there was air in the lines. The truck starts but dies after a few seconds and won’t start unless I spray a lil starting fluid on it
Thursday, July 6th, 2023 AT 10:38 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
MATHGEN
  • MECHANIC
  • 128 POSTS
The first thing I would check is low side fuel pressure/volume. Also, check the operation of the fuel tank switching valve if you have dual tanks.

Capacity (Volume) Test

1. Disconnect the fuel line at the fuel filter (fuel line is pressurized).
2. Place a container (1/2 liter or 1 pint minimum) at the end of the disconnected fuel line (a piece of hose may be needed on the fuel line end). Crank engine ten seconds. The fuel pump should deliver 1/3 pint of fuel, or more.
3. Perform pressure test if fuel flow is to specification see specifications.
4. If fuel flow is low, repeat test using a remote non-breakable container of diesel fuel. Remove fuel hose from fuel pump inlet supply line. Connect a length of fuel hose from the fuel supply line to the non-breakable container and repeat Step 3. If fuel flow is to specification, the problem is either a plugged fuel/water separator or, a kinked or leaking fuel hose. Service as necessary.
5. If fuel flow does not meet specifications, replace fuel pump.

I hope this gets you started. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
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Friday, July 7th, 2023 AT 7:26 AM
Tiny
RUBENGR541
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
  • 1990 FORD F-250
  • 7.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,697 MILES
I have to spray ether to get it started no matter how hot or cold the temperature is. I replaced glow plugs and glow plugs relay fuel filter and housing fuel pump injector o- rings and injector sleeves. Still won’t start unless sprayed with a lil ether
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Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 AT 6:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,273 POSTS
It sounds like you may have low compression, or the starter motor is not rotating the engine fast enough. When you crank the engine over how does it sound, can you upload a short video from your phone in your response so I can hear it?
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Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 AT 7:02 PM

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