Damn...thats almost inconcievable to me. Thats some serious suction!

 

Ya I couldn't believe it either. But that didn't fix it either. I can let air back Into the system and then crank it and it will idle for about 3 or 4 minutes. Then it will start back into throwing blue smoke and acting like its starving for fuel. And it smells like you've set diesel or oil on fire

 

That is weird. Unfortunately, I dont know enough about those older IDIs to be able to steer you in the right direction. But, just as a thought, could there be a vent hose, or check valve or the like, that may be plugged? I dunno, just tossing it out there!

 

You make a good suggestion. I haven't seen one, but I'll keep looking and see if there is one plugged or clogged

 

I would suggest maybe tracing the fuel line(s) from the tank for a possible kink or pinched line as well as possible blockage. Also, just thought of this, but possible rust in your fuel tank causing a clog. Maybe pull your fuel filter and open it and check for possible rust or other dibris.

 

Is their an inline filter? I know their is a tank selector switch

 

It should have only one spin-on fuel filter, unless a previous owner (if there was one) installed one or two in line. Try this, on your fuel filter housing, there should be a schrader valve (looks like a tire valve). Next to that may be a fitting that has a line that goes down to the injector return line(s). If that line is still connected, get a small pair of vicegrip pliers and clamp it on, blocking its flow. If the truck starts, and stays running, then you found the likley issue. cap off the line and plug the filter housing where the line connected to. Back in 89-90 there was a TSB on which this line was removed. It appearently was not needed. IIRC that line caused air to enter the system and also caused fuel to empty out of the filter housing. My dad had an 88 Ford diesel that a similar issue and this line removal was done to it at the stealership. Just tossing out another bro.

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Also check your tank selector valve as it may be sticking, and not allowing fuel to pass through from both tanks.

 

That didnt work, should the return line caps bleed off diesel when I push down on them? Cause about 4 or 5 of them leak diesel when I push on them.

 

Now that Im not sure of bro.

 

Well bro I greatly appreciate your help. I think I'm gonna give in and take it to the ford place. Unfortunately we don't have any performance diesel shops around here.