Big 7.3 Engine Problem...HELP !
New User
Joined: Aug 2013
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I have also had a lot of problems with the Cam Position Sensor and while I have finally found it has to be a Ford sensor not aftermarket...it is a really troublesome part, but normally this makes the truck engine shut off unexpectedly, repeatedly while driving, not so much a rough engine symptom.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,760
Likes: 27
From: Hampton, Maryland.
How low on oil? Off the dipstick? If you are too low on oil the truck will run bad and then if you go lower than that, it won't run at all. The injectors run on high pressure oil. If your mechanic did all that other work but didn't check the oil, I would probably find a new mechanic. You said you had changed the engine oil a few posts back, was that before or after these symptoms started?
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 263
From: North of Greenville
Well, the OP also stated that the oil level was good.
Another free and simple check is the tin nut on the back of the IPR which can also cause rough running conditions if it is not tight.
On the issue of fuel supply, you mention that you've already changed the "fuel pump filter", which I assume is a pre-pump filter... can you please confirm, and if the assumption is correct, what kind of filter element is it. If you're running one of those small inline filter elements, check it again... just because it was trashed and partially plugged once does not mean that a single replacement will have taken care of all the trash which could have been put into the tank through a fill-up with trashy fuel. Might take another change.
Another free and simple check is the tin nut on the back of the IPR which can also cause rough running conditions if it is not tight.
On the issue of fuel supply, you mention that you've already changed the "fuel pump filter", which I assume is a pre-pump filter... can you please confirm, and if the assumption is correct, what kind of filter element is it. If you're running one of those small inline filter elements, check it again... just because it was trashed and partially plugged once does not mean that a single replacement will have taken care of all the trash which could have been put into the tank through a fill-up with trashy fuel. Might take another change.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2006
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How low on oil? Off the dipstick? If you are too low on oil the truck will run bad and then if you go lower than that, it won't run at all. The injectors run on high pressure oil. If your mechanic did all that other work but didn't check the oil, I would probably find a new mechanic. You said you had changed the engine oil a few posts back, was that before or after these symptoms started?
It took 3 qts to fill back up !
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New User
Joined: Nov 2006
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Concerning the fuel filter I was refering to the filter at the center of the engine !! I have no idea about another filter !
BESIDES....MY MECHANIC HASN'T GOT IT RUNNING FROM THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS YET !!
BESIDES....MY MECHANIC HASN'T GOT IT RUNNING FROM THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS YET !!
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 263
From: North of Greenville
OK. My bad. I misread your post regarding the fuel filter.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
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From: Puget Sound
We're doing what we can to help and I understand this is very frustrating (believe me... I really understand how frustrating this can be), but we are all trying to help the best we can with what little we have.
There is a great link at the end of my signature - it has the "shopping list" of what needs to take place in a 7.3L before it will start. Click on it, print it, and you can hammer your mechanic over the head with it.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 492
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From: Jenkintown, PA
Or at least read through it, and you will have a better idea of the minimum number of "pieces of the puzzle" than must be in place in order to get a 7.3 to run. It isn't terribly complicated, but is very different from typical gas engines or older mechanically controlled diesels. Many mechanics don't know the operating principles of these engines and wind up throwing parts (and money) at them.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2006
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Sorry about the delay in responding...working my day job !
Went to see my mechanic yesterday he has it running but says it has a slight skip. He also says all injectors are operating. As far as readings mentioned I have no clue. Heck I'm just glad it's running although apparently not the way it should.
I've downloaded the information and will be sure he gets it and alson reads it. I think he's really trying but at the same time has been somewhat lost. Seeking info from other mechanics to come up with the answers to the problems. I have to credit him for the effort but not for digging the hole deeper.
I'll follow up with an update a.s.a.p. and quiz him on the codes and readings you mentioned.
Thanks for all the information and help you've offered !
Went to see my mechanic yesterday he has it running but says it has a slight skip. He also says all injectors are operating. As far as readings mentioned I have no clue. Heck I'm just glad it's running although apparently not the way it should.
I've downloaded the information and will be sure he gets it and alson reads it. I think he's really trying but at the same time has been somewhat lost. Seeking info from other mechanics to come up with the answers to the problems. I have to credit him for the effort but not for digging the hole deeper.
I'll follow up with an update a.s.a.p. and quiz him on the codes and readings you mentioned.
Thanks for all the information and help you've offered !
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