Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

7.3 engine woes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 14, 2014 | 08:10 PM
  #1  
Smokey_7.3's Avatar
Smokey_7.3
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
7.3 engine woes

Hey everyone.

I have a 96 F350 with a 7.3l Power stroke with 189k miles.
Okay, here's my problem and bear with me.

my truck has started to take a little longer to start and smokes like a train. Smoke is blueish. She runs a little choppy (though I understand that it does naturally being a 7.3) but even after its warmed up its still choppy. When accelerating it's choppy up until 2500 rpm. After 2500 rpm, it smooths out and runs like warm butter down a knife.
Sorry, I felt being descriptive lol.

Any ideas?

It's got a different PCM and IDM on it. Just replaced one of the injectors and UVCH on passenger side. No codes, buzz test clean, cylinder contribution test good.
 
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2014 | 08:21 PM
  #2  
oldbird1965's Avatar
oldbird1965
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
Likes: 197
From: AZ
Club FTE Silver Member

Sounds like its time for GP's and injectors.
 
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2014 | 03:57 PM
  #3  
Smokey_7.3's Avatar
Smokey_7.3
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Could a bad IPR cause any of this?
 
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2014 | 03:06 AM
  #4  
Chris56ford's Avatar
Chris56ford
lost
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Worland, WY
Club FTE Gold Member
What did you use to do the buzz test, do you have AE, Scan Gauge or Torque App?

If you have one of those, post the ICP and IPR numbers. Also check fuel pressure at idle, needs to be 50-80psi. Check fuel filter (is it black?) and clean the FPR screen in the fuel bowl. Just some things to check to get started with a baseline.

Sounds like glow plugs and GPR are a must as Glenn said.
 
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2014 | 12:21 PM
  #5  
Smokey_7.3's Avatar
Smokey_7.3
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
I I had a shop do it for me with a SnapOn. Never told me any reading specifically, just performed the tests and the only odd one out of it all was the cylinder contribution test for Cylinder number 5. Swapped it out for a different injector I had in another good engine with new orings and its still smoking. Although I do hear a distinct "Tap" sound come from only the passenger bank. I know the motor isn't a quiet one and that they make noise but this tap was weird.
Any who, my fuel pressure last I checked 2 days ago was 45 psi.

Fuel filter is new and not black
 
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2014 | 04:17 PM
  #6  
MOOSE_MACHINE's Avatar
MOOSE_MACHINE
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,897
Likes: 9
The tapping is probably just air working it's way out. It takes time
 
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2014 | 05:09 PM
  #7  
Smokey_7.3's Avatar
Smokey_7.3
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
How do I correct the fuel pressure issue besides the BB mod?
 
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2014 | 09:30 PM
  #8  
oldbird1965's Avatar
oldbird1965
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
Likes: 197
From: AZ
Club FTE Silver Member

Electric fuel pump and turn up the regulator.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jul 16, 2014 | 10:38 PM
  #9  
Smokey_7.3's Avatar
Smokey_7.3
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Well I got my hands on a Snap On Solus Ultra. Ran another cylinder contribution test and cylinder 5 showed up again but the injector buzz test shows all 8 injectors test great.

What now?..
 
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2014 | 10:42 PM
  #10  
ReBilld's Avatar
ReBilld
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 11,132
Likes: 3
From: Southern West Virginia
Check the UVCH plugs, and pull the valve cover and check the wiring harnesses under there. You are looking for burnt or melted pins in the plugs and burnt or melted wires under the valve covers.
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2014 | 04:01 PM
  #11  
Smokey_7.3's Avatar
Smokey_7.3
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Turns out it was a bent connecting rod. Replaced and smoke went away. Thanks you guy!
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2014 | 05:21 PM
  #12  
MOOSE_MACHINE's Avatar
MOOSE_MACHINE
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,897
Likes: 9
Originally Posted by Smokey_7.3
Turns out it was a bent connecting rod. Replaced and smoke went away. Thanks you guy!
How'd you find that
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2014 | 05:53 PM
  #13  
fordpride's Avatar
fordpride
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 15,505
Likes: 18
From: Livoina,La
Got a picture if the rod ?
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2014 | 06:07 PM
  #14  
madpogue's Avatar
madpogue
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
Originally Posted by MOOSE_MACHINE
How'd you find that
Compression test, I reckon.
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2014 | 08:46 PM
  #15  
Smokey_7.3's Avatar
Smokey_7.3
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Yeah. I went out and bought a compression tester and all were at 500+ while number 5 was around 290-310. Took The head off to check it out and the piston didn't rise to TDC.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:21 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE