Hey guys, I'm having a hell of a time with my truck. Local mechanics are not doing any better than I am it seems, so since I can't find anyone with the exact same issue, just related ones, here goes:

First, it has a hell of a time starting from say 35 degrees on down, and from what I have read, the 7.3's should be fine without a plug in down to about 15? It's getting awfully old plugging it in if there is a chance of a frost!

The new trick it learned the other day when temps got to about 10 for a few days on end was I would plug it in for three hours, as per the manual, it would start right up and immediately stall, or run for a 3-10 minutes and stall. The stall wasn't a cough or anything, just as clean off, as if the key had been turned.

Other info: Iv'e got 15w40 oil, which I know is less than optimal in sub freezing temps. Normally we don't see temps much below 20 ever.

My WTS light and the whole associated light console doesn't work. I have had TWO shops tell me that since I am getting power to my GP's and my GPR tests fine, I don't need to replace my PSM/ECU (are those they same in these trucks?) However I am becoming less and less inclined to believe them.

I have a new starter after last winter of these same problems. New batteries (700cca) after last winter with starting problems.

New HPOP in the spring due to some *** blowing my threads.

I haven't checked the fuel filter and don't know when it was done last. I bought the truck at 150k and it's 169k now. Also, how often should I service that?

When it got cold I added some stanadyne to my gas as per a recommendation by my local riebes guy.

I haven't checked my cam position sensor.

My fuel bowl fuses are not blown, but again, haven't opened up the fuel filter/bowl.

I've also got my exhaust butterfly valve solenoid unplugged, because when it's cold it flaps shut when I am driving and puts a ton of back pressure on the engine. (PSM related again?)

All in all, REALLy hard starts in the cold which I am having a hard time believing is totally normal. I would love some help, because I can't figure it out, and apparently my reputable ford diesel mechanics can't either. So it's time to turn to the experts.

Thanks fellas.

 

I recently had an issue with Hard Starts and Stalling, I rebuilt the fuel bowl and found fuel bowl heating element not working ,changed out element and fresh set of GP's and an oil change and she is back in business !!