[chixwithtrix]

7.3L 2002 running rough on startup, help!

Came out this morning to start my F250 (2002, 7.3L, 2wd, 170K miles, auto) turned the key and it turned over like normal, but when it started it sounded like it was running rough, or misfiring?

I'm familiar with gas engines, but diesel not so much. From the sound it sounds like a misfire in a gas engine. Running very rough, possibly not all cylinders, didn't keep it on long enough to see if it would die itself. What could it be?

Stuff that might help diagnosis....
-parked it in my driveway to wash it a few days ago. It was warm (80s) and sunny and running fine.
-today it rained and a cold front came through (60 degrees or so) before I went out to start it. Have not driven the truck since I parked it.
-The fuel tank is almost empty
-no check engine lights on from what I can remember, but I didn't let it run long
-my driveway is on a pretty steep incline, the rear of the truck is lower than the front
-replaced the CPS about 30K miles/little over 1 year ago and have had no problems with it since

The truck is mainly used for towing my car trailer around and need it in the next few days. I'm at work right now and cannot try and diagnose anything so thought I'd see if anyone had some good suggestions? Anything helps, thanks!

 

[klhansen]

-The fuel tank is almost empty

I'll bet it's empty enough that you don't have fuel getting to the filter.

First check to be sure the fuel pump is running. Then put some more fuel in it. Should solve your problem.

The pickup in the tank has an auxiliary inlet just above the bottom of the screen, and if the fuel level is lower than that, the aux inlet can suck air into the fuel pump.

 

[chixwithtrix]

well, got 5 gallons of diesel and put it in the tank. Started it up, ran rough then caught and smoothed out. Looks like it was empty enough that the hill affected it, easy fix hehe

 

[Excavator]

well, got 5 gallons of diesel and put it in the tank. Started it up, ran rough then caught and smoothed out. Looks like it was empty enough that the hill affected it, easy fix hehe

One of my customers is a paving contractor and he is one of those people with nervous energy as he can never stand still. He hates to stop for fuel as it takes up too much of his time. He runs out of fuel at least 3 times a month. :scratchhead:

 

[catch&release]

He hates to stop for fuel as it takes up too much of his time. He runs out of fuel at least 3 times a month. :scratchhead:

And I fill up if it gets anywhere near 1/2 tank.