leaking returns
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Otego NY
leaking returns
The return lines on the right bank are leaking pretty bad. Also my truck is doing this crazy idle thing. It starts out smooth then shoots right up to 4 grand!!!! Is this caused by the return lines? Also on the 5 mile trip home it had a knock sound, it wasn't consistent, it would come and go, is this an ignition knock or a bearing thing, please tell me its the former. I'm freaking out right now, I need this truck an I cant afford to replace it or an engine rebuild. Please give me some advice. Thank you.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 7
Return leaks will cause hard starting, usually. You just need to replace the O-rings. Get yourself a 50-pack of '111' size code Viton O-rings from Mcmaster-carr, because it's cheaper than buying a few elsewhere(<$10 including shipping). And you'll end up needing them.
I'm going to suggest the others are fuel/injector issues. You probably want to try the ATF trick first -- pull the fuel/water seperator, empty it. Refill with ATF. Reinstall, and start the vehicle. Let it idle for 45 seconds and shut it off. let it sit over night. Start it and run it hard.
That will clean up a lot of deposits. and stickyness
edit:
Beyond that, give it a new oil filter(Get the oil filter for the next generation 7.3 Powerstroke -- it fits the same, but is 1qt larger and lasts longer) and some good clean oil and call it good.
These engines are remarkably robust, and chances are it'll just keep running for another 100K+, even if it is a problem. I've seen too many people on here turn what was a workable(if worn) engine into a costly project; if you don't have the money to fix it, just keep an eye on it to see if it gets worst, put some cleaner through the various bits, and she'll probably stay together, though I'd expect it might well use oil and/or not get good fuel economy(14-16 instead of 17-19).
I'm going to suggest the others are fuel/injector issues. You probably want to try the ATF trick first -- pull the fuel/water seperator, empty it. Refill with ATF. Reinstall, and start the vehicle. Let it idle for 45 seconds and shut it off. let it sit over night. Start it and run it hard.
That will clean up a lot of deposits. and stickyness
edit:
Beyond that, give it a new oil filter(Get the oil filter for the next generation 7.3 Powerstroke -- it fits the same, but is 1qt larger and lasts longer) and some good clean oil and call it good.
These engines are remarkably robust, and chances are it'll just keep running for another 100K+, even if it is a problem. I've seen too many people on here turn what was a workable(if worn) engine into a costly project; if you don't have the money to fix it, just keep an eye on it to see if it gets worst, put some cleaner through the various bits, and she'll probably stay together, though I'd expect it might well use oil and/or not get good fuel economy(14-16 instead of 17-19).
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Otego NY
The truck starts pretty darn good. About 4 years ago I did injectors, IP pump, return lines, glow plugs (the beru ones), and a bunch of other stuff. the truck sits a lot and doesn't get a lot of miles. could the injectors have gone bad already?
I will try the ATF thing tomorrow.
What do you think about the knonking sound?
I will try the ATF thing tomorrow.
What do you think about the knonking sound?
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 7
The o-rings, however... are finicky. You touch them and they leak. This is why you keep a large pack of them around; easy/cheap replacements. I also cover them with wheel-bearing grease when installing them; it seems to help.
And if it is serious, just drive it, because you can't rebuild the engine; unless it gets /really/ bad, you're probably fine. Though we'd need a video or something to see more.
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 2
One thing to add to what Mac has already told you. You can pull the filter and dump the oil out and inspect it. If the oil is "sparkly" then it has metal in it which is indicative of a bearing issue. Usually, if its a bearing, the knock is constant.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Otego NY
RC31080, that's news I wanted to hear. Ill try that when I do the ATF thing.
Also, I just went out to start it so I can take a video and the batteries are dead, so video tomorrow then.
I really appreciate the advice, I'm quickly losing confidence in this truck and just want to set it on fire. The advice gives me an place to start, thank you.
Also, I just went out to start it so I can take a video and the batteries are dead, so video tomorrow then.
I really appreciate the advice, I'm quickly losing confidence in this truck and just want to set it on fire. The advice gives me an place to start, thank you.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Otego NY
Sorry I didn't get back here sooner, life gets in the way of plans some times. I have a video now trying to remember how to post it.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Otego NY
I hope this works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPV3...ature=youtu.be
edit: well it kinda worked, It did idle up a lot higher the other day, but its still doing it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPV3...ature=youtu.be
edit: well it kinda worked, It did idle up a lot higher the other day, but its still doing it.
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 2
Have you done the ATF treatment and looked at your oil?
The knock is hard to tell from the video. If your oil doesn't look like it's got metal in it, then i'd do the following.
Get a new fuel filter, fill it with ATF and let it sit for a good 24 hrs. and then fire it up and drive it hard.
The knock is hard to tell from the video. If your oil doesn't look like it's got metal in it, then i'd do the following.
Get a new fuel filter, fill it with ATF and let it sit for a good 24 hrs. and then fire it up and drive it hard.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
brian42
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
18
Nov 15, 2021 09:54 AM
Justin Lawson
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
11
Mar 20, 2019 08:00 AM
eightball8
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
6
Dec 8, 2015 11:44 PM
terrapin88
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
9
Mar 27, 2011 10:51 PM