Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

Not Starting

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 31, 2011 | 01:14 PM
  #1  
atarasov's Avatar
atarasov
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Not Starting

Hey everybody, I'm a new kid on the block and I need your guys help.
I've been working on the work horse for 3 days now and having very little luck getting her started. A little background for ya: Truck has been working great for the most part... would do a little hiccup on the road and intermittently turn off while driving once in a blue moon. We parked her one night and I went on a trip, came back and she won't start. I was only getting 20ish PSI during crank and after inspecting the fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator block concluded that the fuel pump was faulty. Well replaced the fuel pump and still nothing. I'm still only getting ~20PSI during crank, and to be honest I have no clue what the heck is wrong..
additional info:
-new battery terminal clamps all the way around
-jumper box on battery to insure 12V during crank
-WTS light functional
-oil level good
-HPOP reservoir full
-fuel filter clean at time of inspection
-No Smoke from tailpipe

any ideas?
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2011 | 01:43 PM
  #2  
DIYMechanic's Avatar
DIYMechanic
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
Does the tachometer move at all while you're cranking it? If not, I am guessing CPS, but that's always a good place to start with these engines. Get one from Ford or International (less than $50) since the ones you get from the parts stores are junk. At any rate, it's a goo idea to have a spare, so I would start there.

BTW, 20 PSI fuel pressure while cranking is fine. You're looking for around 60-65 PSI at idle, so you may check that when you're done and it is running again.
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2011 | 02:09 PM
  #3  
atarasov's Avatar
atarasov
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
yeah the tach moves while while I crank it.
And really? I keep hearing that I need something in the 40psi range...
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2011 | 02:18 PM
  #4  
DIYMechanic's Avatar
DIYMechanic
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
FWIW, I would still try the CPS if it were mine. Like I said it pays to have a spare anyway.

20PSI of fuel pressure is fine for getting the engine started. I seriously doubt you'll ever make 40 PSI just cranking with the starter.

The only other thing you could try would be to try starting it with the ICP unplugged. Here is a picture of where the ICP is located in case you need it.



The ICP senses the HPOP oil pressure and reports it to the PCM so that it can adjust that pressure by way of the IPR. If the IPR gets stuck, unplugging the ICP can sometimes "unstick" the IPR and allow the engine to start. Also look inside the connector for the ICP. If it has oil in it, chances are good that the ICP is shot. Unplugging the ICP will allow the truck to run, but it won't run real well down the road and will set a Check Engine Light.
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2011 | 03:12 PM
  #5  
atarasov's Avatar
atarasov
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
tried it, nothing... no smoke or attempt to turn over.. I'm doing to grab a Cam sensor but like I said the tach is moving so not sure that'll fix it. I'm starting to think that maybe its the injectors? but like I said I really don't have much experience dealing with diesels so I'm hesitant to make that conclusion. Any testing procedures for the glow plugs or injectors?
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2011 | 03:22 PM
  #6  
Hussler's Avatar
Hussler
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 6
From: Medford Oregon
Club FTE Silver Member

How long did it sit?

Recheck oil level in HPOP reservoir because excessive cranking can drain it.
Pull the IDM and shake it to see if any water intrusion, not uncommon.
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2011 | 03:34 PM
  #7  
atarasov's Avatar
atarasov
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I was gone maybe 5 days? Not long at all.
IDM? sorry still don't know all the acronyms
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2011 | 03:42 PM
  #8  
Hussler's Avatar
Hussler
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 6
From: Medford Oregon
Club FTE Silver Member

Sorry, see you have only 4 posts and welcome to FTE.

IDM is "injector driver module" located on drivers side fender. Not saying that's it but many times it has happened and only after user replaced a bunch of other parts did they check. So ... it costs nothing to unbolt it and shake, just to eliminate the possibility.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 31, 2011 | 05:43 PM
  #9  
atarasov's Avatar
atarasov
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
yeah I'm a noob. lol. but no worries and thanks.

so tried shaking and water out of that thing and nothing. I'm seriously stumped on this one. its starting to seem very electrical to me. are there any testing procedures for the GP's or injectors?
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2011 | 07:20 PM
  #10  
F350-6's Avatar
F350-6
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Originally Posted by atarasov
its starting to seem very electrical to me. are there any testing procedures for the GP's or injectors?
Yes there are testing procedures but if you're not getting any smoke out the tailpipe while cranking it's not going to be your GP's or injectors. Bad GP's give off lots of white smoke and all 8 injectors don't die at the same time, so you'd still have some smoke from a couple of good ones.

Did you ever try a new CPS? Your random shut off fits some of the classic CPS symptoms. Be sure to only use a Ford or International CPS. Too many issues and failures with the aftermarket ones.

Got a chip or tuner in the truck? Any other mods? If we suggested trying to start with the ICP sensor unplugged or checking the tin nut on the back of the IPR, would you know what we're talking about or do you need pictures?
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2011 | 07:47 PM
  #11  
paddler's Avatar
paddler
More Turbo
20 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 664
Likes: 129
From: Columbia, MD
Also check Powertrain Control Module

PCM is the engine computer, yeah, a separate electronic box from the Injector Driver Module.

The hiccup-and-refire sounds electronic rather than mechanical. You may have a corroded or loose connection, resulting in an intermittent open connection that finally stayed open.

The PCM is mounted on the firewall, driver's side, low and close to fender. It's actually pushed through an opening in firewall, from the engine side into the passenger compartment. It sits just above your left foot. The wiring connector is on the engine side. I recollect that you can access the two screws holding the connector to the PCM without removing anything. It's worthwhile pulling the connector, checking for corrosion, spraying both sides of the connection with contact cleaner (and better cleaning if gunked up), then replacing the connection and snugging it up. Might also consider putting some silicone grease on the connector gasket.

Also, does the truck have a power chip? If so, check those connections. Loose connection can drive the PCM (and driver) batty.
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2011 | 08:08 PM
  #12  
RÖENTGEEP's Avatar
RÖENTGEEP
FOREIGN GURU
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,655
Likes: 7
From: Celaya, Gto. MX
Club FTE Silver Member

Question

Just a question, is your starter good with good RPMs.? Have you checked the #22 fuse underhood.?

 
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2011 | 07:05 PM
  #13  
atarasov's Avatar
atarasov
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
finally fixed the beast!
It came down a a **** on of connection cleaner, a CPS, and the PCM relay.
I'd like to thank all of you guys for for ideas and input I'd still be beating my head against the wall if it wasn't for y'all
 
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2011 | 11:40 PM
  #14  
BadDogPSD's Avatar
BadDogPSD
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 189
From: Reno, NV
Originally Posted by atarasov
finally fixed the beast!
It came down a a **** on of connection cleaner, a CPS, and the PCM relay.
I'd like to thank all of you guys for for ideas and input I'd still be beating my head against the wall if it wasn't for y'all
Glad you got it going! I'm having a similar issue. Did you just clean all the electrical connections, replace the cps, and the pcm relay? Where is the pcm relay?
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2011 | 09:16 AM
  #15  
RÖENTGEEP's Avatar
RÖENTGEEP
FOREIGN GURU
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,655
Likes: 7
From: Celaya, Gto. MX
Club FTE Silver Member

Thumbs up

Originally Posted by atarasov
finally fixed the beast!
It came down a a **** on of connection cleaner, a CPS, and the PCM relay.
I'd like to thank all of you guys for for ideas and input I'd still be beating my head against the wall if it wasn't for y'all
Glad you fixed the issue. Congrats.


 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:42 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE