This is about my truck in the sig.

It seems to have a real problem starting, and has for a while. If I barely touch the accelerator, it start right up. It doesn't smoke when I first start it in the morning, but if I've driven it, shut it down, then come back out later it normally will send out a puff of black smoke.

Also, the truck will randomly die. Normally right after I've started it. I normally give it about 30-60 seconds before I start driving (its in the 100's here in Texas...), but it'll do it for sure if I have to make a wide turn (which is often to get out of a parking space) or have the A/C. Which means it doesn't like having a load on the engine for whatever reason.

I am suspecting a lift pump, any thoughts?

 

Do you have a fuel pressure gauge? When is the last time you changed the fuel filter?

 

I don't have a fuel pressure gauge, and I changed the fuel filter 2800 miles ago.

 

So I never got a straight answer...basically I need to check fuel pressure, yes?

It died twice again yesterday. All my wife was doing is backing out of a parking spot.

 

1.) What Idle speed is it running with the AC on and in gear? If it is less than 850 or so, turn it up.
2.) Check the pre-filter as well, many never get changed until they cause problems.

After that, then yes, it is time to check the fuel pressure. If it is low, pinch off the return line to mostly narrow it down, if the fuel pressure comes up, it is likely the overflow valve, if it does not, probably the lift pump.

The P7100 pump trucks are supposed to get a little bit of throttle while starting, it is in the manual. I barely crack mine and it lights off in less than a 1/2 revolution, without the throttle it takes 3-4 seconds.