Hey everyone, Recently I've been noticing that when I start my truck (cold or warm) it runs smooth for about 2 seconds then it sounds like my engine runs rough. (2002 f250 7.3 auto stock, 180K) It sounds almost like a piece of rotating equipment is the cause, so I was thinking something associated with my serpentine belt system. So I checked my power steering pump and noticed that the power steering fluid was low, so I did went ahead and flushed the power steering pump fluid using mobil 1 ATF. It still sounds like its running rough. I went through every pulley with my stethoscope and couldn't pin point the noise. So I'm thinking there might be a bearing that is getting ready to go or maybe the HPOP? I watch my oil pressure constantly and it is rock solid. I also thought it might be the H2O pump getting ready to go, but my temperatures are rock steady too.

I really only notice the sound from inside the cab, when i pop the hood and try to listen I can't really tell with all the clatter. Also, it doesn't to run as rough when I'm in drive vs being in park. I had the transmission serviced at 170K and I checked the fluid. It looked fine.

Does anyone know of any trouble shooting I could try to do? My wife thinks I'm hearing things, but I would prefer to fix any possible problems before something breaks. Then I'll know for sure what the problem is. Thanks in advance.

 

Also, I was thinking it may be low fuel pressure just causing the engine to run slugishly. I turn the ignition switch to on (without starting) and quickly got under the truck to listen to the fuel pump. It sounded fine at first then at the end it made a gargling noise. Almost like air was getting in there. If this pump is running at low P, it may be the problem. I would change out the pump, but I'm not ready to drop the $500 on a new one if that's not the problem.

 

What is your fuel level around 1/4 tank or less? Have you done the intank mods? Welcome to guzzle's In-tank Hutch Mod Web Page

$500 for a pump? WOW. Although it sounds like yours is working you are at the right place to source parts.

Riffraff Diesel: Bosch Electric Fuel Pump

 

Yeah I was thinking about that. The tank was 3/4 full, so I ruled out the tanks inability to grab fuel. I still may do the hutch mod, but I don't think that's it.

I was also thinking that this may be a EBP problem, so I was thinking of doing the EBP Sensor and Tube Cleaning. Does anyone have specifics on the symptoms of a dirty EBP?

 

Symptoms could be rough idle, poor mileage, poor throttle response off idle.

 

So I've been driving my truck a lot recently, and the rubbing noise has been getting worse. Now it not only occurs at start-up, but it now seems to be happening all the time. I keep thinking it is associated with something on the belt drive system. So today when I get home from work I keep listening to the engine and keep trying to figure it out, and then I decide to take off the belt and spin the pulleys to see whats going on. I'm kind of zeroing in on the PS pump, but it was really smooth when i spun it, i hen spun the tensioner and ac pump, and nothing.

When I spun the water pump pulley, it made a rubbing/squeaking noise. Does this sound like the water pump is about to lose that bearing? When I put the belt back on and started the engine I did notice some wobble in that pulley.

So my theory is that I would hear the rubbing noise at start-up because the thermostat is closed and the system back pressure is higher, then once the engine warmed up the thermostat would open relieving that pressure. Now I am hearing that noise more because the temperature here has drop and the thermostat is cycling more when I'm on the highway due to air cooling. So now I am not only hearing it at start-up but also while highway driving.

Any suggestions on water pumps. I would order from Riffraff, but i don't think he can get it to me by this weekend. Normally I just get Ford/Motorcraft parts, but has anyone had any success with any of the box store brands?

 

I think this is what fixed my problem.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ort-fixed.html

These are my exact symptoms:
I don't think the water pump was related, but I'm still suspicious of it.