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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 12:10 AM
  #1  
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beefey
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Lower Power Issues

Hello--

I have a 2002 7.3 with about 280k on the clock. I drove a 180k 7.3 and felt like a COMPLETELY different engine. WAY more power and they are both stock.

The 2002 is a dog. I checked the fuel pressure. 50WOT to 55-60 idle. Checked at the low test port on the fuel bowl.

The ECU is reading 15PSI at WOT. Can this be believed? Is there an actual sensor giving readings to the ECU?

I really wanted the fuel pressure to be low. What else could be the issue if it isn't boost or fuel? Could the engine literally just be 'old'?

Thanks,
Beefey
 
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 03:14 AM
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Fuel pressure is good, 45 is minimum per Ford. 15psi boost is also typical for stock with some miles. The sensor for that is the MAP, located on a bracket above the fan motor.

What did you use to read the boost? Not always easy to get correct info without an analog boost gauge. I mention this because my first guess would be boost leaks. You can make a boost leak detector for not much money and check for leaks on the intake side. The other common reason for low boost would be worn donut gaskets on the up pipes going into the back of the turbo. Sometimes you can see soot on the firewall or streaks on the pipes themselves. Less exhaust pressure on the turbo equals less boost. Seeing any black smoke at WOT? That is another typical symptom.

Also maybe the other truck is not exactly stock. Tunes are invisible.
 
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 08:42 AM
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beefey
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I took boost readings off the ECU (my laptop connected).

Are these readings not valid?

No black smoke. If you take a reading at the manifold and it's spot on then done deal right? You're getting the pressure you need?

When you say fan motor you are referring to the interior HVAC fan on the passenger side firewall?

Thanks!
 
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