First off i would like to say hi and introduce myself as i am new.

I have a 2003 7.3 with 150,000 miles on it.(love it ) It has always been a hard starter as soon as it gets cold, I usually just plugged it in and all was well. This past year, late December i decided to park it. I tried to start it about five days ago and well no go. The girl will roll over and over, it almost grabs but then seems to just let off. I have used this truck for my personal and business vehicle and it has a tow package with some rpm converter? I put a heavy duty tranny in about 3 years ago. The truck pull like know tomorrow, she always has and up until I parked it it was working great.

I have tried and tried with no result. I have now taken it to a mechanic and he gave it a try. Place a new glow plug relay, change crankshaft sensor, charged up and still nothing. He had it so close the one night he said he take 100.00 off the bill if it didn't start the next morning. The next morning no start.

He said he thought the engine was done, claimed it was dusted, thought there was some blow bye. needless to say i gave in a few days ago, but today i was talking with another mechanic and he claims that it doesn't sound done. may need some parts but not finished. meanwhile because i need this truck to work I have got a line on a 2007 6.0 lariate dually with 89000miles on it.

I am still having a problem giving up on the girl, is there anything I could suggest to this mechanic to get her going. Secondly I think if i had to I will keep the 7.3 and fix her up good because it was an amazing truck.

Time is crucial, every day down i am not working. is there hope to fixe the 7.3 fast and what could it be. Secondly i have never looked past the 7.3, I have heard the earlier 6.0 (2004-2005) were not good, some have said stay away from 08-09. Is the 07 dually even worth consideration. I am just worried I am not going to be happy after driving the 7.3.

If there is any advise on how to get the 7.3 running that would be greatly appreciated. and secondly. what is the best bet for a newer truck ( price range $25,000) we haul dump trailers with 5-6 tons, and equipment all day every day,( skid steers, loader, mini excavators) construction company, the 7.3 was a charm period.

Sorry for the winded post, but if there is a chance the 7.3 will run I would be a very very happy man.( it ran great when I parked it)..I have to make a move in morning either way to get working again.

Thanks1:-

 

hi and welcome......try changing out the cam sensor...had almost the same sympthoms with same year ,i changed that out and fired right up..a 30 dollar part....hope it helps

 

I said crank shaft sensor, is that the same. if so he changed that.

 

The motor shouldn't be " done" at only 150,000 miles, that's just broken in for a 7.3! I would change the cam sensor as well! Good luck!

 

I don't know how familiar you are with these, but the HPOP pumps high pressure engine oil to drive the injectors. Double check you oil level.

Double check that your fuel bowl is clean, and filter, and that there is fuel in it.

I have also heard a few stupid problems with those trucks where there was lots of juice to turn the engine over, but not enough to get the electronics working; replacing the batteries solved the issue.

That isn't really high mileage, and you said it WAS running, so maybe something small. Fuel lift pump? Just check the small stuff.

Leave a volt meter on the batteries while cranking to see how much power there is. I think you need at least 10 to start.

 

If possible, find a mechanic or buddy who knows the 7.3 and has a proper scan tool. A compression test will tell you a lot about the health of the engine core. If you want to work on it yourself then AutoEnginuity is a great scan tool. How does your turbo wheel look? If you can post a photo, then we can offer some opinions.

Have you tried plugging it in for a while to get it started? When it does start, is there excessive blow by (visual inspection by removing the oil fill cap)?

 

This is the 07...that i am considering

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...87debedafx.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...e9c801fecx.jpg

hope this works?

 

Link not working, but I'd say if time is a factor, find someone experienced and knowledgeable, and decide if it can be easily fixed, or it's a major job.

Excellent idea above, get some pics of the turbo vanes, the condition will loosely spell out the extent the engine might have been dusted.

 

Hi Mak7.3, welcome to FTE!

I'm going to move this one down to the 7.3L Powerstroke forum, you should get some more replies there. Good luck!

 

Had problems with h pressure lines, always seem to blow or crack. Pump is good, lines are good. He plugged truck in all night and still no go in morning. When it ran , no i did not see any blow bye to be honest.

The truck had allot of power. Was thinking maybe the batteries, but he put charger on, said was good. though i might get new ones anyway.

as far as going to another mechanic, that's probably what i will do, was just hoping it might be a oversight on his account. I am trying to get a truck back working in field by tomorrow end of day.

 

He said the fins were dusty, thought it had been sucking in too much dirt. I told him it seemed strong, and never seem to have problem when i was driving it. He said it seemed the engine was dusted, his words, and then said it was done

 

thanks, wish it was on different terms!

 

A photo will help us out here.
The attached file has some useful info...

 

Great advice above as well...
Always check the simple stuff. Oil level is a key one. Must have a certain amount or the engine simply will not start.

I forgot to ask....
Does your Wait To Start light come on? Is there any smoke out the tailpipe while cranking?

 

Do you have an aftermarket air intake, or aftermarket air filter?

I had a K& N on my 7.3, and it let dust by, but I caught it early.
The AFE air intake for my 6.4 cracked at the boot, I'm done with aftermarket air intake stuff, it's all expensive, and the quality is crap.