I usually hang around in the 86 to 96 forums. It was suggested buy the guys in that forum to ask about my Powers Stroke HD up here. I didn't notice anything on the early 97's so redirect me if I missed my mark. So with that said this is what I've got.
The truck is an early 1997 7.3 F250 Automatic 4x4 XLT. The issue I'm having and I'm not sure of is that when the truck is to operating temp. It has what I would call a skip or a vibration. If I were to describe the feeling in the truck I'd say it most closely reminds me of an out of balance drive shaft. It occurs under a load such as accelerating or adding more pedal up a grade, we live in the Smokey Mountains in Western NC, and when pulling a loaded car trailer on the flat. It will stop if I let up a bit on the throttle.
The truck also feels like it is holding back on power from time to time but not always. I know these things are not rocket ships but It just feels like something is missing.
There is no check engine light on. I've been told to go to the dealer for a scan and not to go because the engine light is not on. I'm hoping one of you might have some kind of an answer or give some direction as to what to do.
Thanks in advance!
Joe
Here's a pic of the truck.

 

Go to the 94.5-97 powerstroke section for your truck
Almost sounds like an injector, or maybe worst case scenario low compression

 

I think this is the forum you are looking for:

1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

I have a scan tool and will be coming through Otto in about a week to a week and a half if you don't have it figured out by then.

We need to find out if the OBDII is compatible with your '97 though.

 

Moved to the '94.5 - '97 PSD forum.

Stewart

 

^ possibly...I was thinking uvch issues? maybe just a loose injector?


How many miles on the truck?

 

Nice truck! Check the fuel pressure.

 

Good looking truck! You mentioned it feels like an out of balance driveline. It sounds sort of like a bad u-joint but you've probably already checked them. Does it still do it if you lock out the OD? I don't know much about automatic transmission problems but it sounds like it could be something in the drive train rather than an engine problem.

 

200K + and a little

 

Yes in overdrive too. Yes I've checked the u joints. A center bearing would only sueak or rumble. That's my issue...I cant tell if it's the drive line or a fuel thing. The truck runs like a champ, starts right up with no smoke.

 

This is my fist diesel. Almost 20 years in the car business and I have never seen one of these let alone how to work on it. Learning fast though. Yeah YouTube. Don't know much about checking the fuel pressure. At the risk of sounding like a dummy. what specific tool do I need to get and where do I hook it up?

 

Tire pressure gauge. There is a Schraeder valve on the drivers side of the fuel bowl. Fuel bowl is where the fuel filter is. While idling, check the pressure at that valve just like you check a car tire. Do it quick because fuel will spray and diesel does not taste good.

 

LOL! Thanks! I'll get to it tomorrow ,all cleaned up for dinner out.

Just to add to the confusion, I'm trying to make note of performance each time I take it out. Today I did an 18 mile turn around. As always starts up quick and fine. Idles and sounds like it should. I head down the road to the highway and the truck runs without a hitch. On the highway from a dead stop to 80 it ran without a skip, not totally up to temp by the way, and when it warmed up totally it started with the skip slightly. If I had headed to the mountain it would have been worse. It seems to get worse as it gets hotter. Never runs hot. I'm thinking I'm dealing with a fuel issue here. But I know nothing. I sure wish there was someone that really knew these old trucks that could physically drive it!
When I bought the truck last August the guy told me it had a new fuel pump and filters. I always buy fuel from a reputable station for what that's worth.
I'll check the fuel pressure tomorrow. What should I be reading for pressure?
Thanks!!!!

 

I experienced what I think you're describing and it ended up being a frayed IPR pigtail and an IPR on its way out.

 

Man, I wish we were closer!!!!!!!!!!! I'd love to get you drive the truck! Help me out with the acronym though and where do I find that part?

 

Check the engine oil level. Make sure it is full. If that is good, it may be a bad ICP sensor, or IPR o-rings.