2002 wont start

[markelectric]

A buddy of mine says his 2002 wont start. His wife drove it home one evening, shut it off and it has not started since. Symptons are the fuel gauge says empty even tho it was 1/2 full at shutoff (even added 6 gal to be sure), Cranks normally but "seems to fire about 1 time in every 4 revolutions". I first thought of a fuel delivery problem. He has put a new filter on, reprimed and no change in the firing. No SES light. He thought the batteries may be a bit old, pulled them out and a day later put new ones in.

I want to see this truck going again as when his and mine sit side by side, you cant tell them apart other than " who went to the car wash last".

Any ideas?

Thanks

[Kennedy]

So hard to diagnose long distance like this. Assuming there is adequate supply of quality fuel (not gasoline etc) and the system has been primed, it could be that injector return rates are excessive to a point that it cannot move enough volume to make adequate pressure.

If you are familiar with how to do a very moderate "sniff" start this could prove telling. Often this will enhance cranking speed to make enough pressure to start the engine.

And yes we do see them die just like flipping a switch.