jej1963,
What engine is in this F450?
Does it run and start ok?
Thanks,
Tim
XXXXXXXX,
There are a couple of things. The low pressure oil system feeds the high pressure oil system. If the high pressure system has a leak it takes a high volume of oil. With the increase in the volume of oil needed, the low pressure system cannot keep up at times. There is a relieve valve under the oil filter. I have had some aftermarket oil filters cause some problems with leaving the drain valve open at the bottom of the housing. If you are using an aftermarket filter I would check to make sure it has not come apart or warped. The filter must push the valve down to keep the oil from draining into the pan. There also is a pressure regulator in the front cover right by the front crank pulley. You can pull the plug out, I think it is a 12mm allan head, there should be just a little spring pressure on the cap. If there is a lot of pressure, the valve may be stuck. Pull out the valve and see if it slides in and out easily or if it is scored. Sometimes this valve sticks, but it usually causes 0 pressure instead of low pressure. It sounds like a high pressure leak because of the hard start. This is a common problem for the later builds, but not so much for the 04's. I have had some O-rings leak on the injector rails, but again not on the 04. Let me know about the drain valve in the oil filter housing and if the filter is pushing it down.
Ford Technician
23 years Dealership experience, Ford Senior Master Technician since 2000, ASE Master since 1985