rough running, about to sputter out

I don't know if I'll get to do that, but I believe there are drain plugs at the bottom of the tanks. Draining them and getting additives into them might do the job alright—I hope!

 

93

 

I think the first thing will be fuel line replacement. We'll take it from there. I bought the truck in 2000. It was a Penske truck. I doubt they had changed the fuel lines in 7 years. I haven't changed them. That means the fuel lines are 26 years old.

Definitely. No matter what else. This truck is getting new fuel lines.

 

That's a 10-4.

That's a BIG 10-4!

 

You know, I wonder if we're barking up the wrong tree.

I went 650 miles before I replaced the fuel filters, after taking a load and getting back on the road. It wasn't running that bad, just a little anemic, but smooth enough, but I wondered why I had no turbo boost. I changed the filters and did notice an increase in power. The second time, this morning, was at about 850 miles, only 200 since the first filter change, and this time she was sputtering down to beat the band, just like a gel-up situation in arctic-type frigid weather.

When I changed the filters at 650 miles, the primary was only half full when I unscrewed it and pulled it off, but when I pulled off the secondary, fuel blasted out as soon as the rubber washer was clear of the block. A lot of fuel spilled out. Yes, I had the fuel switch turned off at the outlet of the filter.

I wonder if the return lines are clogged. Or maybe the pinhole at the back of the cylinder head is clogged...

 

In theory, you are correct. Logistically, in practice, I'm almost 900 miles from home. I have no idea who to turn to for a job like that.

The main thing right now is to get this truck 20 miles up the road and get the load off the wagon. Then, I'm gonna buy more filters. Then, I'm gonna ease toward home.

Years ago, I created easy access to the top of my transmission and the back of my cylinder head. By removing a few screws, I can lift a floor plate and easily reach the junction where the fuel lines and the return lines from each tank join up. Also, right there, is the back of the cylinder head. I'll be able to see if cracking the return line from the back of the head to the return line junction stops the engine from sputtering.

Crap in tanks? They sat 1/3 full for 5 years.
Clogged return lines? They're almost 30 years old.

I'll know more soon. I'll check back in when I find out more.

Thanks again for all the replies.