I have a 99 F250, 7.3 diesel, 300+k miles. I just purchased this truck and we are fixing it up. My first problem is 'no power'. It seems to run fine but just lacks power. Any suggestions?

 

Well when you say no power, does it just feel sluggish and slow? What are you comparing it to? Are you gauging acceleration? A stock truck won't race off the line and won't burn the tires unless its in wet pavement.

First thing to check is for boost leaks. Here's a video by one of the members here that helps go through the common boost leak issues. Subscribe to his page and you can find other videos on how to make a boost leak tester (4" PVC cap drilled and tapped with a shader valve).

 

Also you need to check the ICP sensor for oil on the plug. Check the Backpressure sensor and clean/replace the sensor and tube. If you really want to know what's going on, buy autoenginuity from riffraff (link in my sig) and follow the thread titled "AE class is in session" for great info on diagnosing these beasts.

 

I can only describe it as if you were driving with the brakes on. My F150 4.2 can run circles around it.
I might mention that letting it idle for a while after taking it for a test ride it seem to load up then stall out. I have no idea what caused that.
I am at home in FL and the truck is in LA at my boat house. I'm trying to gain knowledge on how to fix it so I can bring it home

 

LA as in Louisiana, or las Angeles, or Lower Alabama? There are several guys throughout Louisiana that might be able to help if that's where it is. What part exactly?

In the meantime, you'll really want to check for boost leaks. A stock truck is already sluggish as far as acceleration, (compared to same era dodge and duramax). and take away some or all of the boost, it won't want to go anywhere.

Does it smoke at all? At idle, when cold, when warm, when accelerating? Black blue or white smoke?

Have you checked/changed the fuel filter under the hood and changed the oil? Flushed the transmission? These are all just things I recommend doing in the first month or so, especially before a trip.

 

The truck is in Louisiana. There is minimal blackish smoke warm or cold, at idle and on the road.
I've removed the filter bowl to repair a leak and cleaned it out and replaced the filter. Surprisingly the oil looks fresh but we plan on changing engine and trany oils upon returning.
Right now I don't believe it has the power to pull our 5th wheel.
I will check for boost leake also when we get there.
Thanks

 

It sounds like you have low boost, but not dead boost. This could be a combination of issues... like ICP, dirty air filter or boost/exhaust leak, need of a Hutch mod, etc.... AE, Infinity, or some other scan tool and a few extra sensors/gauges would not be a waste of money. Do you have a couple of days with the truck to sort it out before bringing it home? The PO probably sold the truck with the notion it was aching or deceased, unaware of our potions for waking the beast.

 

I made it back to Louisiana and am working on the truck. I drove it from a friends restaurant to where I keep my boat. In doing so again it had no power so I just dropped gear (auto 4sp tranny) and kicked it in the ***. Surprisingly enough it started running much better. Since then I've put on over 50 more miles and it seems to run better each day.
I do have some more issues I need to correct.
After starting I hear a beeping. 5 sequential beeps for 5 times. Any input?
Next is I've gotten the A/C working but! I can hear the fan on high but limited air coming out. Any input here?
Next is it seems to lunge forward each time I go to accelerate. This happens even if I am trying carefully not to give it much throttle. Any input here?
Next is I'm loosing power steering fluid. I believe it's coming from the small canister device on the turbo booster but I'm not sure. I tried watching while the wife turned the wheel, hit the brakes, and combination of both but I just can't find the source. Any suggestions ?
If its the canister device is it fixable without replacing the entire booster?
One more thing. I'm looking for a used bed short wb super cab.
Any input and suggestions you have are welcome.
Thank you
Captain George
99 F250 Super Duty 7.3 diesel
397k miles
No vehicle history available