engine dies for no reason
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engine dies for no reason
I have a 2002 7.3 diesel with 62k miles on it. Cam position sensor was replaced in 2004. While driving on highway, pulling a fifth wheel RV, engine just dies with no sputtering or any other warning. After repeated attempts engine will restart in 30-35 min. then runs ok for a few miles before stalling again with another wait of same duration. One good samaritan has a 2001 that he says had the same problem that was resolved by replacing the computer. Any ideas? thanks Jack
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,047
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From: Snohomish, WA
Most likely a wire shorting issue. I would first look at the fuel bowl heater wire. It is on the back of the fuel bowl and is often the culprit for issues like this. Next place to look is the drivers side valve cover. The engine harness can chafe on the cover after several years. The wires in that harness control everything on the engine.
Try looking at the harnesses with the truck running, then jiggle the wires around and see if it affects it at all. If it does, you found the place to look at.
Try looking at the harnesses with the truck running, then jiggle the wires around and see if it affects it at all. If it does, you found the place to look at.
Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
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From: Concord NC
Just because you replaced the CPS doesn't mean it's not bad again. Easy enought to put a new one in and try it. If it's not that, worse thing is you will have a spare. Other than that, check your main harness where they come through the fire wall. If you can get so someone with a good scan tool, it might show you something. Also, next time, pay close attention to what does and doesn't work when it stops. Dash lights, gauges, headlights, ect.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Lancaster, Pa.
In regards to Barry's post above about the CPS, get one of these Riffraff Diesel: International "Black" CPS - Original and put it in like he suggested. These are the better of the CPS's that are out there and if your truck does shut off again, you know its not the CPS. Also check the CPS wire and connection, the connection has allowed moisture into the contacts in the past compromising smooth operation.
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Thanks for the tips guys, the second part of this equation is that I am currently enroute to Fl. from Colorado pulling a 38 ft. fifth wheel. I am suppose to be there tomorrow for a closing on a property, not gonna happen! I am currently near Hattisberg Miss., so, I guess the plan will be to find the nearest Ford dealer Monday am and have them repair it. Bonanza: I am not sure what a pcm is? My mechanic in Colo. put the engine on his computer but could not find anything, so we headed out; 1200 miles and no problem but once it started, it ocurred many times. Problem is that there is often no room to get off of a major highway on the shoulder, then we sit for 35 min until it restarts. Luckily no major accidents, but scarey as hell!
I will check the wiring today but I think it is more of an electronic problem,as everything works (headlights,gages, etc.), it just cranks and fails to start. I try every 3 min to prevent damage to the starter, then after 35 min or so, it starts.
The RV is parked now, so plan to head to the Ford dealer tomorrow, thanks again for the ideas. Jack
I will check the wiring today but I think it is more of an electronic problem,as everything works (headlights,gages, etc.), it just cranks and fails to start. I try every 3 min to prevent damage to the starter, then after 35 min or so, it starts.
The RV is parked now, so plan to head to the Ford dealer tomorrow, thanks again for the ideas. Jack
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From: Rochdale MA
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Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Concord NC
Sounds way to familiar. Problem is, one of these times it's not going to start. CPS failure is hardly ever the same, but I've heard stories like yours way to often.
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From: Morganton, NC
After it quits and you try to re-start it, does the tach needle move while you're cranking? If the CPS is bad, the tach will not move.
However, if you're driving through a lot of moisture that can be bad for the CPS. You may want to pull the connector and make sure it's dry. Put a little Noalox (grease for electrical connections available in the electrical dept at HD or Lowes) around the sealing rings on the connector before plugging it back in. It might get you down the road...
However, if you're driving through a lot of moisture that can be bad for the CPS. You may want to pull the connector and make sure it's dry. Put a little Noalox (grease for electrical connections available in the electrical dept at HD or Lowes) around the sealing rings on the connector before plugging it back in. It might get you down the road...
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2010
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From: Snohomish, WA
IIRC it should be on the 99-01 trucks. Easiest way to tell is if has a analog odometer it will work. If it is digital it will not register on the tach until higher than cranking speed RPM's.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: BoCoMo
I believe that you are getting moisture paste the CPS o-ring. When it drys out is will start up. Coming from Colorado there is a lot of snow and water being thrown into that area of the engine. Take it out and reseal the o-ring with vasoline/ electrical grease, do not put so much wehere it covers the electrice senser area.