I have a 02 7.3 and it is running like crap in the mornings. There I'd no check engine light on but when I crank it up it will run bad and keep cutting off for about 10 mins or until warm. I just replaced the fuel heater but that didn't work any ideas

 

It also spits out white smoke if u mash the throttle till it warms up then it's fine

 

Do your glow plugs work? How old is your oil?

 

My truck was running rough when cold, I had about 5k miles on the oil, changed it and it was good, switched to 5w-40 and now it runs a lot smoother.

 

Glow plugs r good and 3k on the oil

 

Is the oil full?

 

What do you mean by runs bad? Try to describe it more for us

 

The oil is good and full. It sputters real bad and white smoke comes out until warm. Starts up runs a few mins and cuts off. Try to start back and takes a good 7 seconds to crank back up then will cut off again like it ain't getting fuel but after it warms up runs great

 

Sounding like worn injectors, how many miles are on the injectors? Have you performed a Buzz test, or watched the oil discharge from the injectors while it is running rough?

Is your glowplug system working properly?

 

Moved to the 1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel forum.

 

Glow plugs are working right. Not sure what buzz test is inform me please. And 180000 on stock injectors as far as I know bout it used. Not sure how to watch the oil on the injectors.

 

A Buzz test is a test performed with a proper diagnostic tool to electrically test and fire the solenoids on the injectors, a audible "Buzz" is actually heard as well to help a trained ear detect possible areas of concern.

Without a scanner you could remove the valve covers and physically watch the discharge of oil from the injectors while running, I would venture that you may have 1 or 2 that were not flowing the same if not at all. Obviously it is tough to determine and diagnose with the information that has been given so far.

Will it still run poorly if plugged in for a few hours?

 

It don't have a plug on it and we just drained the oil and it was pretty low. Could that cause it to do that. It just makes me wonder cause when it gets warm it quits

 

Since the injectors use oil to fire, the engine oil level and condition are the lifeblood of these engines more than others.

You say you don't have a plug? Did you remove it? I bet if you have not you have it and it is still tucked up inside of the bumper on the driver's side up towards the headlight.

 

Ok I just found the plug and just changed the oil. It was really low I guess it's been burning bad. Need to keep a check on it but I'll post back in the morn and let you know if the oil solved the problem thanks alot