Engine Stumbles
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 92
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Engine Stumbles
My 7.3 has been running pretty good. Of course once started it will restart in a second. And cold starts get better all the time as I make adjustments. 
So it was disheartening to have the engine develope a case of the shakes. Its done it twice now. After starting and running nicely for a trip home from work (7 miles) the engine acts like its running on four cylinders for about 30 seconds. This happens when stopping. It appears to accelerate from the condition normally. Then all is well.
Tonite when I get home I will remove the fuel filter and pour whats in it out into a glass jar. I have not been able to figure out how to drain it for water content per the owners manual.
The water in filter light on the dash does not come on when you turn on the ignition.
Is there anything else I should be checking?
Thanks!
So it was disheartening to have the engine develope a case of the shakes. Its done it twice now. After starting and running nicely for a trip home from work (7 miles) the engine acts like its running on four cylinders for about 30 seconds. This happens when stopping. It appears to accelerate from the condition normally. Then all is well.
Tonite when I get home I will remove the fuel filter and pour whats in it out into a glass jar. I have not been able to figure out how to drain it for water content per the owners manual.
The water in filter light on the dash does not come on when you turn on the ignition.
Is there anything else I should be checking?
Thanks!
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2011
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Ive heard of filling the FF with diesel Kleen and running it.
Does that work?
Really Im hoping its just water or something. The truck runs great when started. If it was injectors wouldnt it run crappy all the time?
Does that work?
Really Im hoping its just water or something. The truck runs great when started. If it was injectors wouldnt it run crappy all the time?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 278
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From: Jupiter, Fl
Yes Diesel Kleen does work. Best best is to fill the FF up and start the motor over and turn it off so it can sit in the injectors and injector pump over night. I had a problem where my truck would run great at idle and up to full throttle but once would give it a tap on the pedal and let off or hold the throttle to the floor and let off, the motor would shake and shut off. All problems were fixed the next day after letting the Diesel Kleen sit in the truck. even added to the fuel and it ran better than normal
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 4
From: Victor, MT
your in the wrong forum, this is the pre-powerstroke diesel....but it sounds as if its just having GP issues from a cold cylinder, i would check your glow plugs for wear and tear or them not working...
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,303
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Hey brain, here is the link to the powerstroke forums. Come on over and repost your question.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum170/
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum170/
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
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Some atf or diesel clean will usually sort things out, or at least make it go a while longer. I got into some bad diesel a while back and mine would do the same thing youre describing. Rev it up, let of, stutter, tap the throttle and it was fine. Dropped the filter, put atf in, let it sit in the pump. put some heat and diesel clean in the tank along with fresh fuel and no more problem.
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New User
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Hey brain, here is the link to the powerstroke forums. Come on over and repost your question.
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Elder User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 973
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From: Bellefontaine, OH
If you put ATF in it make sure it is not type F but other than just filling your ff with diesel kleen just follow the recommended dose of it in the tank for ATF in the tank I have heard of people putting 1 quart or more per fill up but be warned ATF makes your fuel appear as if it's red dye and if you are pulled over you can be fined for it!
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,501
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From: Faibanks Ak.
You need to do as mentioned earlier, remove filter and fill with a good cleaner, lubricant.
I use howes, but diesel kleen, lucas, seafoam and others works as well. start your motor and let it run app 20 seconds, long enough to get straight cleaner in the pump and injectors, then kill it and let it sit overnight. Anytime you have to remove the filter, it is best to do with a warm engine, and I always use a new filter. I would not do this with tranny fluid, as it is sometimes hard to start on tranny fluid and a cold motor.
I use howes, but diesel kleen, lucas, seafoam and others works as well. start your motor and let it run app 20 seconds, long enough to get straight cleaner in the pump and injectors, then kill it and let it sit overnight. Anytime you have to remove the filter, it is best to do with a warm engine, and I always use a new filter. I would not do this with tranny fluid, as it is sometimes hard to start on tranny fluid and a cold motor.
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