I have a 2002 F-450 crew cab 2wd automatic 7.3 diesel with 298k on the body and about 120k on a Jasper engine. About a month ago I started it in the morning to let it warm up. Went to make coffee. Came back and it had died. It was low on fuel and I didn't pay attention. Played hell getting it primed back up. Now if I don't let it warm up for twenty minutes it won't run worth a flip and has been dying out. Changed fuel filter. Unplugged ICP. No change. When I crank it it will turn over for about thirty seconds then oil pressure gauge moves, then engine starts to run very roughly. It will die. I repeat a few times. It will eventually start and start and stay running. Blows whitish grey smoke until it warms up. No loss in power till CEL comes on. Still not too much loss. Sometimes it takes a long time to get it running. Sometimes it will die after I get out of the driveway if I don't let it warm up. Truck was serviced maybe 3000 miles ago. No water in fuel. New fuel filter. New air filter. It is a company truck. I work for a small company building cell towers. Don't wanna spend money at dealer or high dollar shop if I don't have to. Any help would be appreciated.

 

If the CEL is on, then codes are present. Your first step should be reading them. It will take most of the guess work out of your diagnosis.

 

My code reader doesn't pull anything up

 

What are you using?

I learned the hard way, most generic OBDII scanners can't read Powerstroke codes. They work great for a Dodge Dakota or some rinky dink little thing like that, but the diesels are a different animal.

Things like AutoEnginuity, or a Snap-On scanner, and I think there's a few others, work for our trucks.

 

Look up a member named Tugly, his signature has everything you need to know (and then some) for a low cost reader that works well with our trucks.....

FORScan is very popular, complete and cheap, especially if you already own a laptop or windows tablet.

 

Does it run after you get it warmed up?

Since you have a f450 I believe you have a steel fuel tank. They are prone to having the painted coating flaking off the inside and plugging up the in tank screens. Get a clean container of fuel and run a hose to the back of the fuel pump. See if it'll run on clean fuel.


1999-2010 Ford Super Duty Fuel Tank Replacement - Truck Trend