No fuel pressure after running dry

[f2fitty]

Hey guys,
I jumped into the 84 f250 6.9idi this morning and started it up with no issue but noticed that my fuel guage was reading at 0 fuel.
I know i had at least 1/4 tank so I just figured it was no biggie.
I got about 1/2 mile down the road and the sputtering started and the truck died.
I made a mistake and tried to turn it over, and it's acting like its out of fuel.
So I get home and grab a couple Jerry cans and put over 12 gallons in the tank.
Fuel guage still showing 0 but I try to get it started anyways. I pressed in the Schrader valve and hit the solenoid with a screwdriver and turn it over. No more than 20 seconds and give it a few minutes of rest.
Nothing coming out at all. I barely hear air. I've cracked injectors, filled the filter and separator with fuel, everything I can think of and nothing.
I know it could be a fuel pump but I'm not sure why my guage is not working suddenly and why it would suddenly go out like that. Any help is appreciated!

 

[ihc1470]

How many tanks and if more then one are you on the one you put fuel in?

 

[IDIBOBS]

How many tanks and if more then one are you on the one you put fuel in?

That was my first thought also. Got the right tank? If you have 2 tanks I always keep atleast 1/2 in both. If the spuddering starts I can swap over quickly give it some throttle and stop the air from getting in.

It’s possible the whole pick up and sending unit dropped in the tank.

 

[Old Goat]

With 12 gallons added, should be at least 1/2 tank of fuel.
If you flipped between tanks, the FSV could be the culpert
not showing anything on the gauge.
I assume you have the mechanical Fuel Pump.
Maybe try splicing in a electric pump to purge the system.


Goat

 

[FrozenMerc]

The mechanical lift pump does not like to pull fuel that far in the event you ran the entire system out of fuel. If you have access to an air compressor, pull the feed line off the lift pump and use an air nozzle and rag to slightly pressurize the fuel tank (through the fill door) until fuel flows out the feed line at the lift pump. Reconnect the line and try cranking for a bit. It should now move fuel up to the filter quickly.

 

[f2fitty]

Thanks for the responses guys!

I'm running on the front tank, haven't switched to the rear in awhile due it leaking pretty badly.
Also, I tried (after a long time of it not starting) to switch tanks to see what happened and I dont here my electronic tank switch doing anything once I flip the lever down.

If I take the fill line off the lift pump, isn't that going to put more air into the system?

 

[IDIBRONCO]

It will if you turn the engine over with the starter. If you use FrozenMerc's method, then no it won't because the lift pump isn't trying to pump anything. Sometimes, if there's fuel there when you disconnect that line, it will actually siphon your tank.