I had just left work and about 5 mins into driving the truck just killed. After rolling a block or two to get of the highway i tried to restart it. It was to late and dark to do anything so after around 4 unsuccessful attempts i left the truck there till the next day. When i went back i tried starting fluid 2 or 3 times and still no start. I hear the fuel pump come on and i checked the fuel line valve. I noticed that when i turn the key the gas needle goes from 1/4 to pass full and then back. Right now i am baffled as to what this may be. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Well start by checking for spark, if there was spark it should have started with the starting fluid, but basic diagnostics are in order here. If spark, get a fuel pressure gage on the rail and look for 60 psi.

it has spark, i hear the fuel pump. i was told it could be the computer. how likely would it be the computer? also i had this problem about 2 years ago and my first thought was the fuel pump. when i dropped the tank i messed with the wiring and it started right up. my plan is to do this tommorrow if it doesn't rain and if that does not solve the problem i will finally take it to a shop.

ok so it turned out to be that the distributor cap burnt around the center contact diverting the spark or something like that. I changed that and the rotor and it fired right up. The mechanic also stated a blown head gasket. I just let it run for five to ten minutes and the needle is only a notch or two from the red. Well, I have another block so i will just put that in and take the old out. Is this something to complex for an intermediate with a chilton repair manual? Also i know that it will need new oil, oil filter, spark plugs and wires, and antifreeze. Is there anything else i missed? I just changed the cap,rotor, and fuel filter not even twenty miles ago so i didn't list them.