I have way more than half a tank. But I have the same problem if I bypass the tank and connect a jar of diesel to the supply and return lines in the engine bay.
But look, I made a movie! I taped my iPhone to the vacuum line (not very well as you will see) and recorded the IP as I cranked the engine with all the hard lines removed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwTOVujrZVU
The center one shoots fuel. The rear two sputter along. The front two do nothing. Is my IP shot? Could a severe IP timing problem cause this?
Rob