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9 Common Problems With 7.3 Power Stroke Diesel Engines, And How You Can Fix Them

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Old 11-12-2018, 09:38 PM
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9 Common Problems With 7.3 Power Stroke Diesel Engines, And How You Can Fix Them

See link: 9 Common Problems With 7.3 Power Stroke Diesel Engines, And How You Can Fix Them



And this from Northern California Diesel Specialists:


Do ya'll concur?
 
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Old 11-12-2018, 10:37 PM
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Good post!
 
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Old 11-14-2018, 11:06 AM
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Damn that's pretty comprehensive
 
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Old 11-14-2018, 11:11 AM
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Start ordering parts!
 
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Old 11-14-2018, 08:32 PM
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They're grouping too many years into one article for my taste. For example, the picture you posted doesn't apply to 99 - 03 7.3 diesels. The BARO sensor is integral to the PCM in those years. The OBS trucks had a separate sensor.

As for the linked artilce and the experinece wtih my 02 running up to 565,000 miles

#1 Nope. Stock IPR working fine.
#2 Nope. Stock IDM working fine.
#3 Kinda. Had some coughing and sputtering on the factory CPS so it was changed, but never left me stranded.
#4 Never had a UVCH issue. I did shim them with the 50 cent mod, but mine were fine. At least this is an issue that I would call common enough to be recognized along with the CPS issue as being fairly common.
#5 You're an idiot that is not doing any maintenance if you let a fuel filter go long enough to get clogged. I've seen them start to get restricted and lose power at 60k miles, and that was from an idiot.
#6 I've had a fuel pump fail, but I don't consider it to be any more often than any other vehicle on the road. Sometimes it happens.
#7 Rare, but it has happened to some. Usually on long trips with no time to pull over and figure things out, or by someone not paying attention. Still, it's rare.
#8 Everyone likes to talk about bad ICP sensors, but that was mostly an OBS issue. Chaffed wires are more common on our trucks.
#9 Fuel heater does short out, but fuse 22 is for the OBS trucks. It moved to fuse 30 for 99-01 trucks, and I don't remember which one for 02-03 trucks. It happens, but isn't necessarily common.


That's my 02¢
 
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Old 11-15-2018, 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by F350-6
They're grouping too many years into one article for my taste. For example, the picture you posted doesn't apply to 99 - 03 7.3 diesels. The BARO sensor is integral to the PCM in those years. The OBS trucks had a separate sensor.

As for the linked artilce and the experinece wtih my 02 running up to 565,000 miles

#1 Nope. Stock IPR working fine.
#2 Nope. Stock IDM working fine.
#3 Kinda. Had some coughing and sputtering on the factory CPS so it was changed, but never left me stranded.
#4 Never had a UVCH issue. I did shim them with the 50 cent mod, but mine were fine. At least this is an issue that I would call common enough to be recognized along with the CPS issue as being fairly common.
#5 You're an idiot that is not doing any maintenance if you let a fuel filter go long enough to get clogged. I've seen them start to get restricted and lose power at 60k miles, and that was from an idiot.
#6 I've had a fuel pump fail, but I don't consider it to be any more often than any other vehicle on the road. Sometimes it happens.
#7 Rare, but it has happened to some. Usually on long trips with no time to pull over and figure things out, or by someone not paying attention. Still, it's rare.
#8 Everyone likes to talk about bad ICP sensors, but that was mostly an OBS issue. Chaffed wires are more common on our trucks.
#9 Fuel heater does short out, but fuse 22 is for the OBS trucks. It moved to fuse 30 for 99-01 trucks, and I don't remember which one for 02-03 trucks. It happens, but isn't necessarily common.


That's my 02¢
I also thought some of this didnt apply to the 99-03 7.3....
 
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Old 11-15-2018, 11:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Lex2002
See link: 9 Common Problems With 7.3 Power Stroke Diesel Engines, And How You Can Fix Them



And this from Northern California Diesel Specialists:


Do ya'll concur?
I can speak to the tie rods and ball joints. Haven’t replaced a single sensor yet, knock on wood. I did insulate the 42 (?) pin connector to prevent chaffing on valve cover and I also did the 50¢ Mod with a dab of super glue under the edges of the quarters for ocd purposes. Just installed 38r with deleted pedestal so I’m good there. Did CVDs with new Orings, good there. I’ve had to fix the leaking fittings on the oil lines a few times. I’m definitely coming back to this thread at the 200k mark.
 
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Old 11-16-2018, 07:56 AM
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With the age of these 7.3's nowadays.... the failure to maintain or be pro-active in finding little problems.... is the biggest problem. So many never lift the hood until the truck quits....
 
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Old 11-16-2018, 09:24 AM
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Originally Posted by MoBill122
With the age of these 7.3's nowadays.... the failure to maintain or be pro-active in finding little problems.... is the biggest problem. So many never lift the hood until the truck quits....
I think my hood is UP more than it's down!
 
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Old 11-16-2018, 11:20 AM
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Any vehicle that hits the 200k-300k mile mark is going to need lots of maintenance but its cheaper than buying a new truck plus the insurance on a new $40-80k truck.

Me no like car payments...
 
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Old 11-16-2018, 12:45 PM
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NIce find. Reps sent.

That will definitely help someone out until they find this forum.

Originally Posted by Lex2002
Any vehicle that hits the 200k-300k mile mark is going to need lots of maintenance but its cheaper than buying a new truck plus the insurance on a new $40-80k truck.
I agree. Now I just need to convince my wife of that too...
 
  #12  
Old 01-14-2019, 02:49 PM
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Here is a list from DeadHead Diesel on common issues with the 7.3. Many thanks to him.

REPAIRING THE 10 MOST COMMON 7.3 POWERSTROKE PROBLEMS

REPAIRING THE MOST COMMON 7.3 POWERSTROKE PROBLEMS

Believe it or not, the legendary 7.3 diesel engine is not problem free.

Common 7.3 Powerstroke problems can develop over the course of its lifecycle and those hundreds of thousands of miles.

Here are the most common 7.3 problems, how to spot them, and how-to articles on fixing them.

7.3 Powerstroke Problems aren't that Uncommon...

Like a gritty old hunting dog that just won't quit, your 7.3 Powerstroke diesel engine has officially become a legend. But despite being called the "best Powerstroke Ford ever built" and over 15 years since the last 7.3 left the production line, 7.3 Powerstroke problems are not as uncommon as you've been led to believe.

But the good news is, that as common as 7.3 Powerstroke problems are, most of the fixes for them are pretty straight forward.

Time, tools, and some tenacity go a long way in DIY repairing your 7.3 diesel's most common problems. You bring those and we'll show you where to point them...

7.3 Powerstroke Common Problems

7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem #1 - 7.3 CPS–camshaft position sensor

The failure of this sensor would create a no start condition or would shut the truck off as you were driving. An easy way to diagnose a failed CPS is to check for tach movement when you crank the engine over. If the tachometer doesn't move, the CPS is probably bad.**

**Careful though, because after 2001 Ford changed the way the tach received electrical signal and this is no longer a reliable method to troubleshoot the CPS. Read this article for details on 7.3 CPS troubleshooting and replacement.


Cam Position Sensor 7.3 CPS SYMPTOMS
Your cam position sensor 7.3 (CPS) can cause symptoms ranging from hard start to rough idle to your 7.3 Powerstroke simply not starting at all. The good news is that it's not too hard or expensive to replace, especially if you happen to keep a spare in your glove box.
Read More

7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem #2 - 7.3 Fuel Bowl - fuel filter/water separator

The filter housing develops cracks in the aluminum housing and leaks fuel. The heating element inside the fuel bowl filter housing can short out, blowing a fuse and causing no start. And the o-rings on the fuel filter drain lever on the back of the fuel bowl assembly would corrode and leak.

7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem #3 - Leaking turbocharger up-pipes

The pipes can leak from many points but most commonly at the joints. Leaking of the up-pipes causes the engine to lose power and for exhaust gas temps–EGTs–to increase.

7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem #4 - EBPV failure.

Aged Exhaust Back Pressure Valves would open up in cold weather and stick on. This would cause a loud whining, "jet-engine" noise to come from the exhaust.

7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem #5 - Fraying and/or melted electrical wiring

Many 7.3 common problems were due to worn, fraying, and/or melted wires. The under valve cover harness–UVCH–would stop communicating with the glow plugs or injectors. This would cause rough starting and/or misfires.

7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem #6 - Valvetrain

7.3 Powerstroke valve springs didn't have a high seat pressure. This led to valve float at high RPM's sometimes causing bent or broken pushrods. Aftermarket springs and shims are available to solve the problem.

7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem #7 - IPR

Injection Pressure Regulator is a valve on the 7.3 high pressure oil pump. It can stick, get leaking o-rings, fail, or have a faulty connector. Read this article for more detail on troubleshooting and fixing the 7.3 IPR.


7.3 IPR VALVE / SENSOR – Injection Pressure Regulator
7.3 IPR - Injection Pressure Regulator location, removal, rebuild, and replacement details. And how to spot 7.3 bad IPR symptoms!
Read More

7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem #8 - Overheated Engine

Several things can cause your 7.3 to overheat. Rusted thermostat, worn or perforated radiator, a failed 7.3 water pump, running the wrong or bad coolant, and/or a broken engine cooling fan.


Fixing a 7.3 Powerstroke WATER PUMP LEAK
A 7.3 Powerstroke water pump leak will generally require removal and replacement with an OEM or quality aftermarket water pump as soon as possible. Here's my own 7.3 water pump saga—let me tell you, it's no simple job...
Read More

7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem #9 - Fuel Bowl Heater

The 7.3 fuel bowl heater element sits at the bottom of the fuel bowl. A common problem with it, especially as your Powerstroke ages, is that it can blow the maxi fuse and/or fail or short itself out. When that happens it disables the PCM–Powertrain Control Module.

7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem #10 - ICP

A 7.3 Injection Control Pressure sensor–ICP–sensor failure, will make your diesel engine run rough. You can check to see if the 7.3 ICP is causing that rough running by unplugging it.

The PCM will then use default settings for the ICP and the rough running should go away.
 
  #13  
Old 01-14-2019, 04:17 PM
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confederate flag is part of America. Remember the reasons, bro.

Damn nice break down. thanks for that.
 
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Old 01-14-2019, 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by empiretc
confederate flag is part of America. Remember the reasons, bro.

Damn nice break down. thanks for that.
Hitler's swastika is part of German history too, doesnt mean decent people should be flying it with pride.

The guy at DeadHead does such a nice job! And he doesnt even do it for profit, as far as I can tell!
 
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Old 01-16-2019, 06:34 AM
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Originally Posted by brian42
NIce find. Reps sent.

That will definitely help someone out until they find this forum.


I agree. Now I just need to convince my wife of that too...
I cannot get to a place to post this so here goes. I plumbed my 1994 IDI 350 front tank to engine and my rear tank plumbed to front tank with
transfer pump to eliminate selector valve. What kind of connector do you use to go from threaded connectors to the Ford hard line ?
hardlines have a vinyl/ nylon flex hose from fuel selector with no clamps.
what is the fix here so I don't have to use rubber hose and clamps on the Ford hard line?
thanks
ken
this site is difficult to work with. I have received good info on previous posts.s
 


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