In trucks around 20 years old the fuel tank coating starts to degrade. Water content in diesel fuel makes condensation in the fuel tank. Condensation in turn leads to rust in spots where tank coating is failing. Rust and fuel tank coating starts to clog fuel pickup tube. The metallic flakes can get into entire fuel system leading to failure of fuel sending unit, fuel pump, fuel filter, injector issues/ failure.
Symptoms can include:
low power, dying while driving, rough running, not making fuel pressure.
Repair consists of remove and repair tank, reinstall tank. Flush fuel lines, remove and replace pick up tube, fuel sending unit, fuel pump and fuel filter. Generally this takes 6-8 hours. The tank is sent out for repair and they will clean the tank and coat the interior with a gas tank sealant. The outside service is about a 2 day turn around for our shop.
Note***Tanks are no longer available on some trucks that are 20 years old so this is the only option.