Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

7.3 Lifters

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 21, 2012 | 07:55 PM
  #1  
MauleOne's Avatar
MauleOne
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
From: Sequim. WA
7.3 Lifters

I have an e99 F350 with about 180K miles on it.

some mornings (cold mornings) the engine sounds like a lifter is collapsed.

Some mornings (warm) it doesn't. It sounds just fine.

Is this a normal sound for this engine?

If I have to change the lifters can I do it by just pulling out the old lifters and sliding in new ones? I mean without having to putll the heads or anything like that?

I really like this truck and plan to keep it for many more years.
 
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2012 | 11:52 PM
  #2  
aawlberninf350's Avatar
aawlberninf350
It's a Van Gogh
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Liked
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,817
Likes: 1,336
From: Elk Grove, CA
Club FTE Gold Member
I've never read about bad lifters being a common issue on these 7.3s. If it clears up when warm I'd guess you either have a bad glow plug or a tired injector. Ohm out the GPs (look up the 50 cent mod for directions) and replace the bad one. Autolites have a bad rep.

If the GPs ohm out ok determine which side the sound comes from. Use a mechanics stethescope (or a long screwdriver or socket extension placed on the bone behind your ear) and touch it down to find the loudest spot. Keep it well clear of the belt and fan, obviously. Take off the valve cover and watch to see which injector is not spurting oil like the others when cold. That's the lazy one and it's just worn out. Below is a good read on injectors.

I might be way off base. Any other symptoms you can give us?
 
Attached Images
File Type: pdf
7.3LInjectorDiagnostic.pdf (204.2 KB, 397 views)
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 12:01 AM
  #3  
BigAlsPSD's Avatar
BigAlsPSD
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,470
Likes: 3
From: Pea Ridge, AR
Club FTE Gold Member
Unfortunately the heads have to be pulled, the opening isn't large enough to pull the retainer plate out, or get to the bolt, that connects the pairs. Here is a pic with the heads off.

 
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 07:35 AM
  #4  
timmyboy76's Avatar
timmyboy76
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,793
Likes: 50
maybe its the #8 injector, making the noise?
 
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 05:48 PM
  #5  
MauleOne's Avatar
MauleOne
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
From: Sequim. WA
Noise

I recently replaced all of my injectors with Swamps rebuilt units.

Being that this noise come and goes in relation to oil temperature I think I will live with it and try to keep my truck plugged in any time it is cool outside.

Thanks to all that took the time to answer
 
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 05:51 PM
  #6  
weekendwarriorfsw32's Avatar
weekendwarriorfsw32
Master of Strokes
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,808
Likes: 25
From: CA
Club FTE Silver Member

I was thinking of putting new lifters in mine before buttoning it up as well, just in case. Interested to see what you find out. I found these on Riffraff's site.

Riffraff Diesel: Motorcraft Intake/Exhaust Valve Lifter
 
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 06:52 PM
  #7  
MauleOne's Avatar
MauleOne
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
From: Sequim. WA
Lifters

If I have to pull the heads we are into a whole new ball game. I would have the heads o/h then but don't think I am ready for this now.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cjgray1974
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
14
Nov 15, 2014 07:05 AM
queen of spades
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
5
Aug 21, 2013 07:49 PM
rayjann
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
4
Jan 26, 2012 05:42 AM
wameyer
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
9
Jul 17, 2011 01:34 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:30 PM.

story-0
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die

Slideshow: 10 Fords to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-22 14:29:44


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition

The latest Expedition is quite popular, but it certainly isn't perfect.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-22 14:23:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-4
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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