From what you explained about it runnin low/out of fuel. My first thought would be trash ie: rust, rubber from pump, solidified sludge from yrs of misuse/abuse) blocking fuel line or the fuel pump went on the fritz, still pumping, but not enough pressure to keep the eng running, in sence, the eng is starving for fuel. Depending on what type of trash, seefome b-12 or any other fuel cleaner may not "clean" the fuel system and could possibly harm the lines more than help. If it ran "fine" prior to letting it get low on fuel, i would try the fuel system FIRST, not tearing the top end of the eng down and then claim, well they needed to be replaced anyways. The lifters, valve springs, valve seats and guides, compression ck on ea cylinder should hav been done before the eng was installed, an oil n filter change prior to initial start up. How many fuel filters does the tck have, is there a filter built in with the pump if its an in tank pump, how much pressure is the pump producing, does it meet, exceed or just barely under factory specs? I find it hard to believe its the eng alone, w/o having any fuel issues. Is it efi, elec ignition, how much computorization is on the tck, not just the eng?
I'ma try and get you answers to those questions there.
It's a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport V8 5.9L for those who asked me.
