Big & Nasty

In the last two weeks my 1995 12 valve has left me stranded three times and has acted like it is out of diesel. The first time it happened driving down the freeway and it just died so i changed the fuel filter with new one behind seat and added 2 gallons fuel,primed it and cranked right up and when i filled up, it only held 17 gallons. I drove from Dallas,tx to Corsicana,tx and with only 320 miles off a full tank, stayed 8 hrs and would not crank, added 5 gallons fuel, primed it and it cranked right up. Filled it and only held 13 gallons, drove 65 miles back home 130 miles round trip on a full tank. I left it over night and it wont crank. If i prime it it will start with pumping pedal and run rough and then die. Each time upon removing fuel cap each time a heavy rush of air escapes like vaper lock (louder than normal) and i have had some loss of power in last couple of weeks. If you have some useful knowledge I am open for suggestions.

BigIron70

Most likely you have plugged up vents in the tank. The rush of air was going into tank. Look at the bottom of your tank usually the bottom will be pushed inward. If that is the case you need to remove mud from the vents in your tank. Install short piece of hose may help prevent vents from plugging up again. Long crank time is caused by lack of prime most likely you have leaking fuel hoses. Check hoses above transmission return hose from injectors and supply to lift pump always leak. Good Luck

Big & Nasty

It normally cranks very quick even in between the days it has given me trouble.

infidel

There is a vent on top of the tank module and the fuel cap vents as well.
Might have the wrong fuel cap or the vent in it is plugged.
Try it with the cap on loosely and see if the problem goes away.
Red cap in picture was installed for shipping when the truck was new.
Sometimes the dealer failed to remove it. Make sure there is no cap and the vent isn't plugged.