e350: Intermittent engine failure?
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e350: Intermittent engine failure?
I have a 96 E-350 w/ 7.3l powerstroke. It's an ex-shuttle bus.
I'm having an infrequent, but perplexing problem: my bus will die, seemingly at random, while going down the road.
When it does this, the engine goes off (my lights and dash stay on), and I have to coast to a stop.
I can always start it back up again, immediately, without issue.
It doesn't run rough or give me any trouble starting; in fact, I just changed the oil, and it seems to be running better than ever.
This has happened maybe 9 times over the last year or so...but three of those times were today. So, she's grounded for now.
About a year ago I replaced the cylinder lock -- different issue -- but I figured a faulty lock could cause such a problem, so I swapped the old one back in. A little later, the bus died again, but started right back up. So, no difference.
Could water in the fuel filter cause this? I'm going to try draining it and maybe getting a new filter.
I know this is a vague problem...but I honestly don't know what else to say about it. I'm just wondering where to start and how to narrow things down.
Cheers, Tim
I'm having an infrequent, but perplexing problem: my bus will die, seemingly at random, while going down the road.
When it does this, the engine goes off (my lights and dash stay on), and I have to coast to a stop.
I can always start it back up again, immediately, without issue.
It doesn't run rough or give me any trouble starting; in fact, I just changed the oil, and it seems to be running better than ever.
This has happened maybe 9 times over the last year or so...but three of those times were today. So, she's grounded for now.
About a year ago I replaced the cylinder lock -- different issue -- but I figured a faulty lock could cause such a problem, so I swapped the old one back in. A little later, the bus died again, but started right back up. So, no difference.
Could water in the fuel filter cause this? I'm going to try draining it and maybe getting a new filter.
I know this is a vague problem...but I honestly don't know what else to say about it. I'm just wondering where to start and how to narrow things down.
Cheers, Tim
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
Sounds like a bad CPS (crankshaft position sensor) it's a common problem with our trucks. Most of us carry a spare. Don't buy a parts store one, but only a international or ford replacement. The parts store ones can be bad right out of the box.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,111
Likes: 1,544
From: western SD
Do you get a check engine light when the engine dies? If the check engine light comes on, there is a code stored in the PCM. My 96 C&C started doing this, and I was getting the code for ICP above or below required amount. The tin nut and spacer for the IPR was missing in action. I replaced the IPR, and now all is good.
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farmert: I just don't remember about the check engine light. If it happens again, I'll take notice though.
Thanks for the feedback guys; I decided to look into the CPS before replying, and it sounds like a lock for my symptoms. I'm definitely going to get a new one.
First place I've found a motorcraft part is rockauto; I've read that some versions of the sensor are better than others. Rockauto has motorcraft DU87 (also listed as F4TZ12K073C or F4TA-12K073-AA). Is this the best one to get?
Cheers, T
Thanks for the feedback guys; I decided to look into the CPS before replying, and it sounds like a lock for my symptoms. I'm definitely going to get a new one.
First place I've found a motorcraft part is rockauto; I've read that some versions of the sensor are better than others. Rockauto has motorcraft DU87 (also listed as F4TZ12K073C or F4TA-12K073-AA). Is this the best one to get?
Cheers, T
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
Likes: 197
From: AZ
I have a spare CPS in a motorcraft bag with the first number you listed. I don't know if this helps for sure because I just used the bag to keep my spare in. Its 'probably' the one I'm running but can't swear to it.
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Okay, well, I decided to get the sensor from rock auto, but I actually managed to find the part at oriellys. Motorcraft DU-87, very dark blue. More expensive than rockauto, but surprising they even carried it.
New problem: while looking in the valley, I noticed a bunch of gunk in there. Had a pretty strong diesel smell. Well, I guess it's a diesel engine, but anyway, I cleaned it a bit, started it up and, lo and behold, my valley is filling with fuel. So...I'm a bit more flummoxed than before.
I can't seem to see where it is leaking--I think I'm going to have to take the turbo out to get in there to look around. But then...with the turbo off, I can't run the engine, so I can't see where it's leaking. Catch 22 anyone?
Anyway, I can't seem to get anywhere with the turbo on, so I'm working on getting it off (first time I've disassembled one).
New problem: while looking in the valley, I noticed a bunch of gunk in there. Had a pretty strong diesel smell. Well, I guess it's a diesel engine, but anyway, I cleaned it a bit, started it up and, lo and behold, my valley is filling with fuel. So...I'm a bit more flummoxed than before.
I can't seem to see where it is leaking--I think I'm going to have to take the turbo out to get in there to look around. But then...with the turbo off, I can't run the engine, so I can't see where it's leaking. Catch 22 anyone?
Anyway, I can't seem to get anywhere with the turbo on, so I'm working on getting it off (first time I've disassembled one).
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
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From: Orrville, Ohio
STOP! Don't take the turbo off. Nothing that is leaking in there requires that the turbo come off. You just need to soak up the mess with some rags, run it a little and see where the valley gets wet first. Then you can narrow your search, use an inspection mirror, etc and find the source of your leak.
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Well...I've tried all that, paper towels, mirror and the works. As far as I can tell, it's leaking from around the fuel pump, though I'm not sure exactly where.
I guess I should reclarify too: I have a van. So, basically, everything is is royal PITA to get to. From what I've found online, if I had a truck I'd be going at the fuel pump and fuel filter from the front...but in the van I'm going at it from the interior hatch (forget what it's called).
I'm gonna take a pic and put it up in a little bit, showing where the leak is accumulating. Maybe someone can make more of it than me.
I guess I should reclarify too: I have a van. So, basically, everything is is royal PITA to get to. From what I've found online, if I had a truck I'd be going at the fuel pump and fuel filter from the front...but in the van I'm going at it from the interior hatch (forget what it's called).
I'm gonna take a pic and put it up in a little bit, showing where the leak is accumulating. Maybe someone can make more of it than me.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
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From: AZ
Dog house I used to call mine. I don't know anything about PSD's in Van's but it seems like you could actually see on top of the motor better. In my old 72 Van I could get at the 302 anyway. I agree with Nate, taking that turbo off is a royal pain in the a**!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 900
Likes: 1
From: Cross Lanes, WV
I'm betting cps or ipr, or both. My truck would do that. Replaced the cps.. seemed to do better. Then pulled out of the driveway one day, went 50 yards, truck just shut down. New ipr fixed it.
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91 dually:
I'm getting another cps; I certainly hope it isn't an ipr but thanks for the heads up.
I still need to take that picture...maybe I ought to make another thread though, since the fuel leak has taken priority, and it doesn't really have anything to do with the original subject.
I'm getting another cps; I certainly hope it isn't an ipr but thanks for the heads up.
I still need to take that picture...maybe I ought to make another thread though, since the fuel leak has taken priority, and it doesn't really have anything to do with the original subject.
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