80 bird with 3208 cat keeps stalling - PLEASE help

[Harvey Lawrence]

I think Erinie is correct the fact you have the hissing noise when
you break the fuel line joint means it is taking a heavy suction, and
getting air instead of fuel, When it runs it uses the fuel in the line
and then quits until it gets some more. Check all fuel coupling ,
filter gaskets, gasket integrity on both filters, and while your at it
crawl under and drain a quart of fuel out of the tank for examination.
Pull off your secondary fuel filter and empty it out in a container to
see if it is contaminated. A diesel needs air and fuel and it will
run. yours is getting starved for one or the other.
By the way you violated a cardinal rule for maintaining a good fuel
line. Never reuse a gasket. They get indentations from the first use
and when you re use them they may or may not seat properly
Harv