So I picked up my first PSD about a month ago 96 F250 with 223k on it. Drove fine and during the warmer days started fine. The previous owner didn't mention anything about replacing any ignition components and the truck is pretty much stock which is why I purchased it. Last week I noticed that the antifreeze was low so I filled that up with 50/50. Then started it and let it run about 10 minutes, temperate outside was about 40 but no issues starting, there was a decent amout of white smoke though. About 20 minutes later went to start it again and it would not start, engine cranks but no smoke and I don't hear it trying to turn over, WTS light does turn on for about 10-15 seconds. I tried this about 3 times with the same results for about 10 seconds each time, not to kill the starter. I ended up plugging the block in and 4-5 hours later tried again and it started right up, this time I took it for a 1/2 drive and everything seemed fine.

It's now a week later since I used it and its been a little colder but truck will not turn over, I had the block plugged in all night long last night, but no smoke and it doesn't sound like its trying to turn over. I forgot to mention I do have some diesel additive in the fuel for gelling.

I am not that experienced and even less when it comes to diesel and just do not know where to go from here. I have read some of the forums but with all the ICPs and HPOPs I am not exactly sure what is what. I was going to try replacing the fuel filter and adding some diesel 911 to see if that does anything but seeing that I am not getting any smoke I am not sure if that would be helpful. I did check the #22 fuse and its not blown, and I think I disconnected the ICP and try to start without it, but same results.

I would like to troubleshoot myself with your help before getting raped at a mechanic unless someone can reccomed one near danbury ct. I probably should have someone look over the truck to see if it needs anything else. I am very interested in learning more about the truck and how to keep it going if there is anyone local that I can bring this to who is willing to teach me. One step at a time though, I just want to hear that diesel again.

Any help would be appreciated thanks.

 

When you crank it does the tac move? Also is the engine not turning over or not firing? You said both

 

I am also a bit confused too, if it had turned over or not.

Red

 

Welcome to FTE.

I am also wondering if the engine is turning over or not.

 

I guess what I meant was that the engine does turn over but I do not believe it is firing as it doesn't sound like it and there is no smoke. I will check the tach but I do not believe it moves when I crank.

 

Just checked and no movement from the tach, would the tach move dramatically or just about a bounce.

 

The most common problem with these trucks is the cam position sensor (CPS). Get one from Ford. You will need a 10mm wrench and it will take you about 10 minutes to change. The CPS is located on the front of the engine passenger side near the crank pulley. It has an electrical plug on the front of it.

 

What Sam said^^^^^^^^

 

Would a bad CPS trip the check engine light?

 

It could since it is intermittent on your truck.

 

If the CEL is on scan it to get the codes

 

What Mike said^^^^^^

 

There was no CEL on, but I will replace the CPS in any regards if its a known problem and see what happens.

Is there anything else I should be looking at or can check.

 

Since you checked the #22 fuse and it's good I'd start with the CPS, also make sure your batteries are fully charged because the injectors won't fire if there below 10.8 volts I believe. Also make sure it's full of oil (crank case) when was the last oil change? Also whats the fuel filter look like and was there fuel in the bowl (under that big plastic cover dead center of the top engine)..

slick

 

Just an update. Thanks for everyone's help. The other night I came home around midnight the other night and figured it give it another shot before I changed the CPS the following day and it started right up. It had been on the plug for 2 days and plenty of time on the charger, both of which I think helped. Sounded great hearing that diesel.