hey there, I'm reaching out to you ford guys cause my old man needs help. Dad owns a 2002 7.3 and has had classic issues with hard starting, glow plugs.
on dec 1rst my dad suffered a stroke, he is healing now but relearning how to speak,count, think etc.... communication with him is very hard right now, and much is lost in translation so to speak. His truck is responsible for pulling his horses around and doing all the truck chores. My question about the truck is as follows...

Truck surges heavy @ idle. will rev up around 1,000 rpm then drop down to 250 or less for a second then back up to 1,000. does not go away once truck is warm. I had to pull his horses back to Bellevue from pine and this truck seemed gutless. pulling two horses in a 20' aluminum trailer, I didn't think I would pull some really shallow grades. last but not least dad has been able to tell me that he has been smelling diesel a lot more lately, and this diesel smell would fit with what I'm guessing is wrong. I was thinking maybe a leak some where in fuel system somewhere? would a leak give a surge and lack of power? new to the diesel world, would love to hear from you guys that know these fords. this is my dad's only vehicle now and his girlfriend don't care enough to realize that the truck don't run like it should, she keeps driving it (partially out of need to) but I would like to look @ dad's truck to see If I can't help with getting it running good again before something bigger happens if it's not already. thanks in advance for all the help.....