First off, I've been a lurker for almost a year now, since I got my first (new to me) 2000 Excursion. Lots of great info and ideas here. I searched the forums, but have found nothing specific to my problems...

The vehicle is a 2000 Excursion 7.3 Diesel. I have never owned a diesel before....

First issue is that I have developed a hard start. It started last Saturday, and went from sporadically starting hard, to starting hard every time. I have 146,000 miles on her. She cranks strong, but will not turn over the first time, sometimes takes 2, 3, or 4 times. (Foot on gas pedal) I don't know if it's an issue of not getting enough fuel or what. Occasionally, even after she starts, it's very rough (shaking the whole vehicle, and acting like she wants to die) until I rev the engine and she smoothes out. After she smoothes out, there is no problem with wanting to drive, she's strong. If I kill the ignition, and start up immediately, she starts the first time, it's only after 10 minutes or so of being off.

My next issue is a clunking noise when I press the gas pedal. I don't know if it's the tranny, because she shifts pretty smooth for the most part, doesn't miss gears, etc. I could be travelling say 50MPH, press the gas pedal very little, and I can hear the clunking, and actually feel it every time I press it. (Don't have to be mashing the pedal, happens on very light presses as well).

I have the TS Performance 6 position chip, otherwise she's stock. I tow roughly a 7000 travel trailer every couple of weeks, never any problems before this. Any thoughts/info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

 

Usually, the first step in diagnosing any starting or driveability issues should be to remove the chip and see if it improves. In this case, you might start by disconnecting the ICP sensor harness first and trying to start it to see if there's any improvement.

 

well welcome to the site! thanks for you honesty and coming forward. don't be shy, lurking around. these guys on here know exactly what they're talking about. mine had something similar. my HPOP (high pressure oil pump) was not remaining full. from time to time it wouldn't maintain a full level and the truck would never start and run smoothly. always that roughness you described. i ended up changing out the oil pump on the front of the engine and boy did that ever make difference. the cheesy oil pressure gauge would always shoot straight into operating range. secondly, when i upgraded to the regulated return kit i forgot to tighten two fittings on lines prior to the fuel pump. this caused the pump to pull in air and when the air made it all the way past the filter bowl to the injectors, my god did it sound rough…
so i would definitely agree to removed the chip, try stock and see what you get.
check the oil level in the HPOP (it has a small 5 or 6mm allen wrench cap on top (fluid should be an inch or two from the top). if all those check good, i'm not quite sure where i'd go next.
somebody will chime in i'm sure.

enjoy the site man. make some more replies, join your chapter. start modding that thing!!
cheers!

 

Let me start of by saying welcome.

No matter how much you may want to. Do not use starting fluid.

Sounds to me like you have a fuel delivery problem. Unfortunately this can be a fuel system problem or an oil system problem.

Start by looking into both. Fuel pressure is not monitored electronically so you will need to hook up a gauge.

7.3L PSD - How To: Measure Fuel Pressure:
50-60 running is good, but while you're there get a WOT check too and make sure the pressure doesnt fall to much.

Next you need to check oil level, ICP, and IPR. Gonna need an advanced scan tool, AE, or torque app on a mobile device.

 

For some reason, 2 things pop into my head. Have you checked your glow plug relay to see if it's powering the glow plugs? Could also check the glow plugs as well. For the clunk, maybe the drive shaft slip joint needs to be disassembled and lubed. I typically do mine once or so.

Two sites that have great main thence and mod info and I use regularly are from Guzzle (1st link) and SpringerPop (2nd link)

http://www.guzzle7pt3.com/index.php

http://springerpop.net/F350/index.html

Look under Alan Millers common mods and maintenance links on SpringerPops page.

 

Thanks for the replies....

I'm thinking it is fuel delivery issue. I have done the following so far..

I have changed the fuel filter, oil pressure sensors (both, the one on top of the HPOP reservoir and the one on the HP oil rail), the hoses look to be OK, and the PSI from HPOP readings is right where it should be while running.
I have also replaced both batteries.

Would the GPCM prevent starting even when the weather is warm? I'm basically at a no start now, it has started once or twice, very hard. When it runs, it is smooth and strong, but I cannot for the life of me figure out what the problem is.
Should I change my focus toward fuel related issues? If so, where do I start?

 

Welcome to the site.

Have you pulled any codes? Do you have a scan tool?
Does it smoke on a cold start?
Does it smoke on a warm start?
Also I know this is simple but needs to asked...
Are you using the correct oil type and quantity?

The noise sounds like u-joint / slip joint. Have to get under the truck to find that whats causing that.

Take care.