Long story sorta short...
I've had my 2001 SD for about 12 years now and had the first replaced CPS about 6 years back by Ford with OEM part. It was a recall that I received in the mail so I went for it. (Only time I've stepped foot in that place. LOL)

Fast forward to last month, I start getting a shutter, rattle, cackle, popping, hesitation, SES, shutdown after stop (couple times) AFTER I change oil and fuel filters.
WTF!!! Things always run smoother after this maintenance?! Thought maybe I screwed up the fuel filter/ return line so I thought what the hell...lets do some maintenance. Did a fuel bowl scrub with Orings, IPR rebuild, ICP sensor (oil inside connection).
Should all be good now! NOPE, same symptoms but a little smoother at top end speed.

I put truck back in Stock mode with Edge programmer, pull the codes a couple times for a few days...typical EBPV sensor, Air intake removed. After one SES I got the CPS circuit error code. Run to Auto Zone get a new $25 CPS with absolutely no change other than no code error.
So I jump on FTE for a few days and came across thread saying CPS can be crap out of the box and some guys swear by the International dark grey, purple o-ring brand used in the Harvester. I run to International and pick one up for $62...IHC#1876736C91

HOLY CRAP!!! What a difference in motor "smoothness", throttle response, and start up...IN STOCK MODE.
Granted, I did do other maintenance which may have contributed to the improvement, but it has NEVER run this smooth.
Only International CPS for me!!

 

Glad it worked out. What motor did you say you had? I ask because I once asked on the road one time and they keep telling me not the same motor, won't work etc.. I new better but it was something else that was wrong. Had my tank messed with. Someone dumped something in it that eat everything up.

 

I believe that the parts guys are programmed to tell you that parts are not the same in cases like this to avoid any problems on their end. There really is no upside for them (other than a couple of bucks in profit) and the downside if it doesn't pan out is something that they don't want to deal with.

 

This lesson is learned over and over again.

 

That sux about your tank getting messed with!!
It's the 7.3L. I was totally amazed at the difference the CPS made, as well as something brand new being garbage out of the box.

When I changed out the bad OEM and switched to the AutoZone one, I did notice the insert was larger in diameter on the AutoZone one.
The International is also smaller in diameter than the AutoZone one.
Not sure if that means much in performance, but definitely different design.

 

Agreed!!
I can hear the Ford Service Manager pointing out that I have the "wrong" CPS in there.

 

I've installed two 'generic' CPS from the parts store, roadside repairs so I went with what was local and quick to get. Both have been on for a few years without issue. When I can I buy OEM Ford or IH. I think they're the same part, not positive. The one I carry in my Ex as a back-up is a Ford part, it's grey and I think the o-ring is purple but not sure.