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Injectors 1-7 on a late-model 7.3 are AD and #8 is an AE or "long lead." #8 sits at the end of the rail and fires immediately after the #6 cylinder goes boom. This means #8 gets shorted on fuel pressure and causes it to get an irregular rap at lower speeds, aka idle cackle. Ford addressed the issue by using an AE injector that has a longer primary shot of fuel to compensate for the lack of fuel caused by it firing immediately after #6. When running a CCT the #8 cylinder doesn't match the contribution of the other 7 so it shows as failing.
Injectors 1-7 on a late-model 7.3 are AD and #8 is an AE or "long lead." #8 sits at the end of the rail and fires immediately after the #6 cylinder goes boom. This means #8 gets shorted on fuel pressure and causes it to get an irregular rap at lower speeds, aka idle cackle. Ford addressed the issue by using an AE injector that has a longer primary shot of fuel to compensate for the lack of fuel caused by it firing immediately after #6. When running a CCT the #8 cylinder doesn't match the contribution of the other 7 so it shows as failing.
I know yours is a Diesel, but the worst driveline vibration I have had went away last weekend when I replaced the plugs and cops. It was rough at take off and everywhere else, but smooth as silk now. Can't help but wonder if this is engine performance driven.
mecDac - you mean just in general (per the "long lead" discussion) or for my issue?
The2003 - thanks for the input. I've run buzz tests and CCT's and all pass as they should besides #8 which is expected by design. Unfortunately the vibration seems directly related to the speed of the driveline and has nothing to do with the speed of the motor (vibrates when braking, with torque converter locked or unlocked, transmission in neutral or in gear, independent of RPM) or the load the motor is seeing (coasting, cruising, accelerating). It's definitely worse with a trailer hooked up (vibrates at lower speeds and also more intensely both driving and braking) so I originally suspected wheel bearings but I replaced them (Timken units up front, Timken bearings/races out back) and still had the issue. Then I was thinking a bad hub, however unlikely, or a wiped spindle but I get the same vibration with the new-to-me axle...
I really don't mean to come across as unappreciative (if I am) as I really do value any input. Just trying to delineate thought process regarding stated possibilities.
mecDac - you mean just in general (per the "long lead" discussion) or for my issue?
The2003 - thanks for the input. I've run buzz tests and CCT's and all pass as they should besides #8 which is expected by design. Unfortunately the vibration seems directly related to the speed of the driveline and has nothing to do with the speed of the motor (vibrates when braking, with torque converter locked or unlocked, transmission in neutral or in gear, independent of RPM) or the load the motor is seeing (coasting, cruising, accelerating). It's definitely worse with a trailer hooked up (vibrates at lower speeds and also more intensely both driving and braking) so I originally suspected wheel bearings but I replaced them (Timken units up front, Timken bearings/races out back) and still had the issue. Then I was thinking a bad hub, however unlikely, or a wiped spindle but I get the same vibration with the new-to-me axle...
I really don't mean to come across as unappreciative (if I am) as I really do value any input. Just trying to delineate thought process regarding stated possibilities.
As related to the "long lead" and "fuel pressure" issue.
I know yours is a Diesel, but the worst driveline vibration I have had went away last weekend when I replaced the plugs and cops. It was rough at take off and everywhere else, but smooth as silk now. Can't help but wonder if this is engine performance driven.
Interesting. Did you have any codes or misfires before you decided to do this?
Interesting. Did you have any codes or misfires before you decided to do this?
Kept getting 0720 code. But it has been going on for ~2 years- probably 6 times it happened - then 4 more times the week before I did the work, but no other codes. Finally got an autoenginuity and saw how many misfires were happening. I really thought it was still the slip joint in the driveshaft. I lubed it up before my 4000 mile trip. I was ready to get a new shaft made it was so bad. Like I said, I know a Diesel is different, but if an engine runs crappy, but not crappy enough, it can fool you. I was just not looking forward to getting at the plugs closest to the firewall.
Might try mounting a Go Pro underneath to maybe see if anything is visibly shaking.
Thanks for the thought. Unfortunately I don't have a go pro or access to one, perhaps an old cellphone...
As far as being engine related I guess it could be but with passing buzz and CCT tests I'm a bit hesitant to throw new injectors in - at 150k miles its arguable that they should be replaced anyways... But at $275 each its an expensive endeavour to undertake with no definitive signs...