When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Few weeks ago went to start the truck (97 f350) - started without an issue (-30 F) had it idle for a few minutes and put it in high idle to worm up and went inside for 15 mins. Came out and the truck was not running. Went to crank it. Motor turned over, but wasn't firing. No codes came up on the dash. My guess was it was a fuel issue. I looked at the fuel bowl - it was full of fuel and filter was good, so I ruled out gelled up issue. Had it towed to the local shop and the guy charged me $200 and told me he can't fix it. I went online and did some research - seems like it could be a bad fuel injection pressure regulator. Does anyone know what else I should look at before I tow it to the dealership where they will most likely raid my bank account?
This is an excellent diagram that I saw knottyrope post. I don't know the origin of it, but it can almost guarantee to pinpoint your no-start issue if you make sure to follow it:
Okay, then we can rule out the PCM not getting power or working improperly for now.
The next steps would be to make sure there is oil in the HPOP reservoir, your tachometer is moving during cranking, and see what your fuel pressure is.
If there isn't any white smoke during cranking, that's a good indication of there being no fuel supplied. It's possible your fuel pressure regulator is bad (or just clogged) like you are thinking, but a lot of other things could cause no fuel as well.
HPOP reservoir is full (cranked it with the cap/sensor off and the oil was getting pumped, so HPOP is working), tachometer is moving but barely off 0 rpm, cleaned fuel pressure regulator screen (wasn't too dirty), no white smoke during cranking.
A tire gauge would be sufficient for testing pressure while cranking. Anything from 25+psi is sufficient to start.
Make sure to use a rag around the shraeder valve!! that's a messy technique if you aren't prepared to wear and taste diesel! Even pressurized a little bit, that fuel will come out pretty quick.
You could always borrow/rent a fuel pressure tester for an afternoon at your favorite parts store, it's the cleanest and more accurate method.
Try unplugging the ICP before ruling out an IPR. If the truck starts with your ICP unplugged, it's bad, and then replace it.
IPR, well, unless you have AE, or a buddy around you that does, the only thing you can do is see if the nut holding the solenoid is tight, and pull it out of the HPOP to see the condition of the o-rings on the valve itself.
Both ICP and IPR are expensive little monsters though. Try to rule out the least expensive stuff first.
My general experience is it's usually so small and insignificant as the GPR being bad, I've overlooked it until after I've Invested another 1k$ into the truck!