[Selectron]

I'm in the UK and I don't even know what an F-Series is, but I drive a 1.8 Escort diesel and the only problem I've had which was vaguely similar was a problem with the fuel supply.

My engine ran fine on the open road but at very low speeds in town, and especially in stop-start traffic, the engine would repeatedly die whilst idling or driving at very low speeds. When I pulled over and lifted the hood I spotted the problem straight away - it had recently been serviced at the Ford dealership and the mechanic hadn't pushed the fuel hose fully home on the inlet to the fuel filter, so the engine was drawing in air along with the fuel. I just pushed the tubing fully home and that completely cured it.

I'm no diesel tech either but your problem sounds similar so I'd check the integrity of the fuel lines and couplings, especially anywhere where they are routinely disturbed for servicing purposes, such as at the fuel filter inlet and outlet.