this is kind of strange, I have a hard start problem, when I crank it the first time, it fires immediatly, kind of like a romp, but doesnt start, then when I crank again I get alot of whiteish smoke and no start. I read to try and unplug the ICP and try it. that worked, and I had oil in the connector. I replaced the ICP, but have the same problem. I still have to unplug the ICP for the truck to start. when it does start, it runs great! no injector stiction, no smoke, no rough idle, it runs and sounds great. any ideas why unplugging the ICP is still required to start? (only after sitting for more than 10-12 hours). any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

Is your pigtail going to the ICP sensor in good shape? Did you replace with an OEM sensor? these trucks don't seem to like any aftermarket sensors.

 

the pigtail appears to be ok, I replaced the ICP with an Alliant power ICP. what brand is the OEM?

 

also, I have never had the ses light come on, except when I unplug the ICP. seems wierd to me!

 

You are artificially elevating the Injector Control Pressure to run the truck. This likely points at a bad ICP sensor, an aftermarket ICP sensor (non-OEM), or 15W-40 oil on tired injectors. When the injectors near the end of their useful life, they need synthetic oil to start when cold. Even brand new injectors get a little fussy with cold weather and dead dinosaurs.

Other things can cause this, but an OEM ICP sensor and synthetic oil takes care of the bulk of hard/no-starts when the mercury falls.

 

Thanks Tugly, I replaced the injectors and gp's 2 years ago, when the injectors were bad I had very bad hard starting problems, and when the truck would start, it would run really rough until all of the injectors would come on line, miserable! but now, when it starts it runs really really good, I have rotella t6 5w-40 synthetic oil in there. I did replace the icp with one from alliant power. it does look different from the icp that was in there. what brand would the oem be? (I hate to think this is the problem, as this was the most expensive "oil pressure sending unit" I have ever bought! haha)

 

I have never (knock on wood) had to buy one yet, but I believe motorcraft is the OEM for this, much like most of the rest of the sensors on the truck, there may be an IH variant, but I don't know for sure. I am sure someone will correct me here soon if I am wrong.

Your right they are not cheap, I think the only thing I have found to be cheap/comparable to gasser parts on these trucks is the windshield wipers!! Lol

 

The new replacements don't require the crows foot to remove. That may be why it looks different.

Here is the one that you want for your truck. I believe it is the best price you will find on the OEM unit as well and you definitely want OEM. Clay's service is excellent also.

Injection Control Pressure ICP Sensor 97-03

 

That is one expensive little bugger. I like these guys for a lot of my genuine Ford stuff, their prices are hard to beat and they're closer to me so transit times are a little better than some others.
ICP sensor, 1997-2003 7.3 (I.C.P.)

 

Good info to have.

Thank you!