Well, it sounds like I'm not the only one....

I've got a 1995 F350 Turbo Diesel with about 183k miles. Several days ago it started running very rough, spitting, sputtering, farting, and generally carrying on. The check engine light came on. I let off the pedal, got down to around 50 mph and it cleared up, MIL went off. Got back up to speed and it did it again in about two miles. This time I floored it, power was very low but it cleared up again after about 30 seconds.

I got home, changed the fuel filter and it cranked up fine. Success? -No. I drove about 100 yards to my barn and now it won't crank at all.

What's the deal with reading the codes? Chilton book says it's an OBD-II / EEC-V vehicle. I bought a scanner that is supposed to read this type of vehicle and it wouldn't work. The scanner's tech support said that this is not an OBD-II vehicle. I borrowed a diesel mechanic friend's scanner and it doesn't seem to work either (Vehicle Not Responding). What the heck do I need?

I've read about checking fuel pressure. Even running rough it was about 40 psi.

I've read about the cam sensor. Chilton "explains" how to replace it but doesn't give a clue where to find it on the engine.

I believe (hope) it is something simple, but right now can't even get it running to get it to the mechanic. It will start, but only run for about four to five seconds.

Any help would be appreciated. Sorry for the long post but I'm about to pull out what little hair I have left. The aggrevation is not being able to get the codes.

Thanks.

 

Low oil level in the high pressure oil pump could be causing some of this.

The cam postition senser is mounted in the front of the engine, down low. It's easier to reach from the bottom, looking up, than trying to look down from the top. You'll need a good quality, 10mm 6 sided socket, they are known for being pretty tight.

 

New Info -
Reading all of the other posts, I've decided to change the camshaft position sensor.

I called Ford to get their price +/- $150. Following advice others have written I also called International. Their price was better (+/- $90). However, they asked for the engine serial number (which Ford did not) because there are apparently two different types.

It sounds like the S/N is in an impossible place to get to (near the rear oil cooler?)

Is there anywhere else to get the S/N?

Thanks.

 

What year is your truck? they should know the difference between the two. ones an early model like 94-97 and the other is the newer one. I went to advanced auto and they quoted me 250 bucks but i told them IH would sell it for 78, so they matched the price. saved me some driven since i had to walk to the parts store. I even think the part numbers are in this forum somewhere, also if you take your old one out they can match it up with the old part number.

 

It's a '95. Manufactured I believe in May.

The truck is outside and it was raining today so I couldn't pull the current part.

I haven't tried Advance or Autozone, but two Napas told me they couldn't get the part. I figured if they couldn't get it, no one else could either.

Thanks.

 

F6TZ12K073A I think is the part # you want. I'll have one of my boys look it up tommorow. I'm a L-M parts dept. manager on a "stay at home and fix things" vacation this week. We sell a bunch of those things to our wholesale customers!

P.S.--To all 94-97 PSD guys, determine which cam sensor your PSD takes, buy it and toss it in the glove box along with the F85Z2L373AC rear end sensor you should already have in there. Make sure you carry a 10mm and 12mm wrench to change them with also. Especially if you travel long trips. I love my PSD but I still live in the real world!!

 

Yep, All 95's take the F6TZ12K073A cam sensor.

 

wheres the rear end sensor and whats it do? temperature or something along those lines

 

The "rear end" sensor as I call it is the VSS or "vehicle speed sensor". It is in the center section of the rear axle. It picks up speed readings from a toothed wheel on the ring gear. The VSS gives the PCM info for shifting, cruise control, anti-lock and so on. Very important and fails sometimes. When the VSS fails it won't put you on the side of the road like a cam sensor most often does. The VSS usually gives warning signs like CC not working, erratic shifting,etc. I sell a boatload of them every month. The part # F85Z2L373AC fits Rangers to F550s for a bunch of years. It started out life as a RABS sensor only but got other duties added to it in later years. There is a new smaller one that fits late models that is starting to sell well too. Can't recall the # for that one.

 

Thanks, i think i just may go pick one up

 

The little cuss is so tight my 10 mm socket nearly wrung off. I can get a wrench on it, but its no better.

I guess I'll have to try a pair of needle nose lock pliers?

 

I had to use a 10 mm box end to get enough leverage, and still had to grunt a little.

 

After much grunting and otherwise nasty words, I surrendered and begged my mechanic neighbor to come get it out for me. I don't know what magic he worked, but he got it out (after taking off the fan shroud, fan, radiator hose, belt, .... I guess it was a matter of getting the right tool on it. I wish I could have been here to watch.

The numbers on the sensor appear in two lines (C or O)(S or 5)05 on top, YC97 on bottom. Does this code jive with the part numbers listed above?

Thanks!

 

Really don't know about the numbers - just take it with you when you visit the parts dept. at your local International Truck dealer. Let them figure out what you need.