Hey guys, I just picked up a '97 project pretty cheap. It's got some major problems and I need some adivce on what to do to fix it.

I picked up it up pretty cheap. Money isn't really an object if it fixes the problems. The truck has 181,000 on the clock which shouldn't be too much for a good ol 7.3! I need to figure out of it's internal problems or powertrain control/hardware issues?

1. It starts up fine when cold. But won't restart when warm! It's gotta cool down 20 mins or so before it'll run again.

2. It smokes BLUE/WHITE smoke like a freighttrain, especically when cold. But still pours it out when warm, especially at idle.

3. During the making of the video it blew a MASSIVE oil leak. Appears to be the high pressure O-rings went bad possibly?

4. Engine makes some weird bellowing noise from driver side of motor?

Well, a picture is worth a thousand words, and a video is worth a thousand pictures! So, please check out video and let me know what ya guys think!

YouTube - '97 7.3L Powerstroke Problems: Need Advice

 

IPR is general warm start issue causer.

Joey at terminator has a good priced IPR if yours is bad, or it might just need o-rings.



Probably needs new Injector O-rings.

Check the turbo for end play on both the exhaust and intake side as well.


Duno about your oil leak, I cannot watch the video ATM. I'll have to wait for it to download.

 

You can pick up the IPR o-rings though Clay or guzzles.

 

1. IPR, as Talyn said
2. Blueish smoke is oil, you should inspect the turbo for seal failure. Injector O-rings may do it as well
3. I'd say yes you blew an HPO line since the everything under the hood is covered
4. There is a 2 wire plug below the turbo inlet on the driver's side, unplug it and see if the noise goes away.

 

looks like the Meter is working at the start of the video. It did move.

The GP's will hold it down in the negative range till they are off.
Could just be a weak alternator or weak batteries?
Might only be charging when the alternator warms up.

It's running really rough at start up.
Sounds okay when you getting on it.

Then later in the video it sounds like it's having a rough time going.
Bout 28 seconds in i think that was?


Per your comment in the youtube video.
Check with Jim for getting the injectors rebuilt. He's our forum sponsor here in the OBS section.

http://www.diy-injectors.com/

Holy cow! you sure sprung a leak!

Hope this helps some.

 

hey guys, thanks for the advice! Well, heres another thing I just found out. The dipstick was pushed out about an inch after that video. After the truck cooled down and was able to restart it was blowing massive oil of the dipstick hole! Aparently causing that oil everywhere.

So, that's gotta be internal damage... a bad bottom end...?

 

Sounds like you have a ported piston...

 

I was goign to suggest that, because i spoke to soon before that part of the video loaded.
IT looked like it came outa the dipstick, cause thats how my gasser looked when It belched a qt outa the dipstick randomly one day.

Hopefully you didn't port a piston as Chase has mentioned.

 

Well, I'm not against pulling it and rebuilding it..... Sure would learn a lot about diesels as I haven't worked much on them.....

So, if the cylinders are still good, I get a new piston/rod and slap it together, new gasket set, inspect everything, put back together. Right?

 

or bore and hone all 8 with new pistons since your there already

 

CeetWarrior, You used to be over in the f150 forum didn't you?
I recognize your name from somewhere.

 

Here are a few links you should hang on to:
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Tips - Idea - Hints
97-15A 7.3L DI Turbo Workshop Manual
1996 Bronco/F-Series Workshop Manual

 

If she's blowing oil out of the Dip stick then that's deffinety a cracked piston she runs awesome for 7 cylinders!!! Basically yank the motor, 2 new head gaskets, injector orings would be wise! Easy to do, ipr orings as well, if your going tokeep tue truck forever then do I right and hone the whole thing and new rings, piston kits are actually extremely affordable. If not then drop 100$ on a piston and ring hone it and drop her in!

We want pictures!!!!

Good luck dude ask anything if you need us

 

$$$$

I'm everywhere. But I usually hang out in the 67-72 and 87-96 forums. I'm also knee deep in SVT Cobra forums elseware.. Love my Fords =)

Thanks for the links... I need more pictures though!!

Dunno if I'm keepin the truck forever. It's more or less a toy for now. It's extremely beat up compared to my '97 F350, or mine is just that nice, lol. Plus my dad has a 02 7.3L that he bought new...

 

Yeah, I thought i remembered you from the 87-96 forum. =)