The beloved 86 F250 is now losing power while driving. The idle goes high for a few seconds then loses power for 10 or so seconds. Then a puff of smoke followed by normal operation. This on the front tank only. Operates normally on the rear tank. Thoughts appreciated.
Clogged filter? Idle going high to try to get the fuel pressure to where it wants it, then gets to much fuel hence the smoke? Contaminated Fuel or clogged lines could be an issue since it only happens on the front tank.
The tank switch valve was a common failure. Maybe its not fully switching to that tank, although in a simple non-computer diesel that should manifest as just low power/dying, not necessarily smoke.
The simpler explanation would be that the suspect tank has water or junk in it. Also possible that there is a slight leak that is sucking air into the line between the tank and valve. Cavitated fuel would show up as smoke since it messes with the poppet valve's ability to open. You get a few that can't open well and the rest see full fuel.
Yeah, start with all new lines, then tank solenoid/valve.
In reply to MrChaos :
Started with a new Ford fitler and a batch of the good Standyne cleaner. The problem did start right after a tank (front only) of fuel. Just drove it without the gas cap and it the same.
I would dump the tank and get another from some place else.
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