97 7.3 no start :(

dstad · #1 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 12:58 PM

drove the truck about a 20 miles yesterday towing , got back to the shop shut it off and now it wont start. The reservoir at the front of the engine is full, the engine oil is full,the battery's are good, the tach goes up to about 250 when cranking, i have oil pressure while cranking but still no start. Its acting like its not getting fuel but it has fuel at the schrader valve. What could be the issue?

I use the truck everyday for work and im dead in the water without it. its a 97 f250 4x4 non extended cab with a built auto. It is completely bone stock.

Kijutsu · #2 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 01:16 PM

Couple of things... I'll admit I know nothing about diesel motors.. however...

1. check the fuel bowl, make sure that it's getting fuel up there.
2. check codes on the computer, see if it's throwing any. (autozone should be able to check for free with their scanners.)
3. try the f250 diesel forum, you may have better luck there. this particular one is just 97-03 F150s gas engines.
4. hope you find the problem and get you're truck up and running.

FYI: 1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums is a link to the 94.5 - 97 7.3 Diesel forum.

Good luck

redwood · #3 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 02:33 PM

Definitely confirm this in the other forum, but I'd lay my bets on the cam position sensor.

Ron W. · #4 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwood

Definitely confirm this in the other forum, but I'd lay my bets on the cam position sensor.

That would be a good guess, another guess would be the glow plug controller.

b1corr · #5 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 08:03 PM

The Cam position sensor and crank position sensors are quite often the problems with this kind of situation. I had the problem on my 1999 power stroke and my brother had the same problem with his 1999 F150 with the 4.6Ltr engine.

Hussler · #6 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 08:28 PM

Read your other post but will go with this one. To determine the problem we will need some additional information.

First what is your fuel actual pressure? If you don't have a real pressure gauge then go get a cheap (stick type) tire gauge that can read 70-80 or above psi. While cranking read the pressure on it and it needs to be 20 PSI or above just to start. Usually it would be much more than that.

If that indicates good then we will go to step two. I need to take off and run to the hospital and see my sister but will check in in an hour or so. Next step I can throw some pictures at you on different sensors you can unplug to try and isolate the problem further.