f350 powerstroke

[timbo980]

I filled up with diesel 2 days ago I have had nothing but trouble since. I can drive for a little while go in a store come back out and the truck doesn't want to crank it tries and just shuts back off. When I finally get it cranked it runs ok, but sometimes it will crank everytime. I have noticed when it will not crank i can drain some fuel out of the filter and it will crank right up. I guess what is weird is why is it ok sometimes and other times it doesnt want to crank

[RWHangen]

Ever resolve this? My 2002 F350 has the same symptoms.

[ModMech]

OK, fuel has nothing to do at all with "cranking", that is it cannot affect whether or not (or even how fast) the engine turns over when the key is in the "start" position. It can dramaticaly effect how easily the engine will start, and it can cause it to quit when the key is released from "start".

Based on what you said about draining some "fuel", I'd say you have a LOT of water in your tank. That would cause this. About all you can do is keep draining the "water" off, until it's all gone.

[RWHangen]

Trucks fixed, dealer changed the cam position sensor, ie timing pick-up, seems the amount of time it takes to drain the alleged "water in fuel" indicated by the idiot light is enough to reset or cool off a bad sensor.

[ModMech]

Yes, the CMP is a VERY common failure. Most of the folks I know keep one in the glove box, just in case (it's a 3 minute swap, even roadside).