I have just purchased a 2001 F250 4WD, Super Cab with a 7.3.. The truck has a lot of miles on it, 275,000, but it's clean inside and out.There are a few problems that I would like some help with.

1. Is there an easy way to tell if the engine has been chipped or reprogrammed?

2. I just returned home from a 3,000 mile trip pulling a 28 foot travel trailer. The "Service Engine Soon Light" has come on several times. I had the code checked each time and it is a P1211, "Too much or too little injector pressure". I stopped at a garage in Albuquerque, NM that was reported to be "Ford Diesel Specialists". The mechanic told me that the cause was definitely the ICP sensor. I paid them $400 to trouble shoot and replace the part. Eighty miles east of Albuquerque the light comes on again....same code P1211.

I had the engine checked again in Amarillo, TX. The mechanic was also reported to be a Ford 7.3 Diesel "Specialist". This shop looked at the engine and reset the ECM to get rid of the light. The mechanic said they were too busy to work on the problem but it was just a momentary issue and the truck was good to go. About 250 miles east of Amarillo the light came on with the same code P1211. I wiggled the wiring harness and checked the plugs at the turbo ICP sensor and the Injector Control Pump. The light went out and stayed out for another 200 miles.

My observation of when this problem occurs is when the engine is hot and you are putting the hammer down to climb a hill.

The issue/question is how do you determine exactly what the problem is?? I can't afford to keep replacing parts and hoping that I can fix it before I run out of money.

Note: All of the problems occurred heading east because I bought the truck in Colorado and live in Florida.

 

Moving to 7.3L Power Stroke forum.

 

i might check the IPR nut to see if it is tight.
how is the fuel psi?
HPOP psi?

 

Sounds like the hpop is not keeping up pressure in hi demand situations. How is the oil level and quality? Hpop oil within an inch of the top? New ICP at least rules that out. X2 on check the tin nut on the IPR to be sure it is tight. Could just be a weak hpop and a tune asking too much. You could pull the PCM to see if a chip is on there, but a tune flashed on the PCM has nothing to see. Would be obvious driving vs a stock tune tho, if you can find another truck to compare. If you plan to tow a 6.0 trans cooler is a wise investment.

Here's a great start to educating yourself on your new truck, and a pic to help with the acronyms.

Welcome to FTE!

 

I have no way of checking fuel pressure. I am not sure where the IPR nut is located. I am looking for a breakdown of engine parts so I can be more familiar with what I am looking at.

I was an over the road trucker for years and was pretty familiar with the Cats, Detroits, and Cummins. I have owned three of the 7.3's over the years and never had engine problems that I had to address. I always got rid of them before the warranties were up.....so I am new to the repair side of the 7.3's.

Thanks for your input.

 

David, Thanks for the graphic. I had just asked for a link a second before yours popped up.

I changed the oil 3,000 miles ago and I am using Rotella T 15w45.

A larger trans cooler is definitely in the works. The heat and humidity in SW Florida require it.

 

Does your truck have a mechanical boost pressure gauge? If so, what was the max reading you observed while under heavy load?

 

No gauges yet. The SES light shut off today. I was just driving around town with no load on. The light was on for five days. I didn't have a chance to try any of the advice from this forum. I will be looking at the mechanical issues to see if anything is obvious.