Hello, just bought a 97 f350 with the 7.3l turbo diesel. Upon driving the truck home, the truck lost power so I downshifted it but it kept losing power until it finally started running real ruff and dying. Pulled over to side of road and tried restarting it, cranks but wont start. Just sat in truck contemplating suicide haha jk for about 30min, went to try and restart it, cranked it over for about 45 sec non stop and truck eventually fired up and a puff of white smoke came out the exhaust. I thought great, we're back in business, got about 2-3 miles down the road and boom it happens again.


Finally got it home and replaced the icp because it was oily, thought that was going to be the fix. Truck started right up, again 2-3miles down the road, breakdown.


Took truck to diesel mechanic, he replaced the ipr, charged an arm and a leg. Told me truck was purring like a kitten and he had it idling for 3 hours. Drove truck 2-3 miles down the road and once again it breaks down.


Ive checked the oil, its full, replaced icp and ipr and truck still wont run right. NEED HELP!

 

Cam Position Sensor can cause these types of things. Do you have tach movement while cranking?

Also, how is your fuel level?

 

I will pick up and replace the cam position sensor, and see if that does it.
Also yes, the tach does move and I've got a full tank of fuel

 

Also in case you didn't know, make sure you get OEM Ford or IH CPS.

 

Check the fuel pressure at the Schrader valve on the fuel bowl. You should have 40 lbs. minimum while engine is running, 55-60lbs is better. You can use a cheap pencil type tire tester.

 

Alright I replaced the cam sensor and got a new fuel filter, truck started after cranking it over for awhile. Drove it around for a short period of time and so far so good, I'm going to take it out for a full test tomorrow.

Also noticed it idled a little rough, reminded me of having shoes in the dryer

 

Update! Replaced cam sensor, fuel filter, and thermostat and truck will start and drive without breaking down! However still idles a little rough and when I put the pedal to the metal it kinda hiccups like it's skipping a beat. Any suggestions? Is it still the cam sensor, because I bought a cheap non oem one from autozone?

 

Could definitely be it. Take advice on here from these guys when you ask for it. Jarrett told you to get a Ford or International part for a reason.