ham radio kills engine

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Jul 27, 2019 | 01:47 AM

DItR

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ham radio kills engine

I have a '99 f350 7.3 psd.
I installed a mobile ham radio in the truck with the antenna up front so I can still use the topper on the truck. With the truck running and the ham radio on but just receiving, all is good. But the moment I key the mic, the engine dies. I can immediately restart it. I even tried my handheld ham radio and when near the engine I key the mic the engine dies. If I stand by the driver's door the idle on the engine increases when the mic is keyed.
What can I do to keep this from happening? Is it the computer on the truck and if so, can I insulate it to keep it from happening? Like with a faraday cage.
Thanks!
John

Jul 27, 2019 | 05:30 AM

Tugly

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From: Puget Sound

The most common cause for this is an aftermarket sensor or control on the engine. I can't remember if it was the IPR or the ICP, but maybe one of my FTE brethren can jog my memory. Have you had any components replaced on your engine?

Jul 27, 2019 | 06:55 AM

Wes444

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From: Muskogee, Ok

I believe it was aftermarket ICP sensors that use less copper and cause interference. If they even work a month to begin with

Jul 27, 2019 | 08:07 AM

bigb56

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From: Arizona

I thought it was an aftermarket Camshaft Position Sensor
edit: Looks like you guys are correct, https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rence-rfi.html

Jul 27, 2019 | 08:21 AM

DItR

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I replaced the ICP and the Cam Shaft Position sensor, both BWD, 6 years ago. I have also replaced the fuel injector/glow plug cover gaskets with Motorcraft ones.
That's all the electronics I have records of or can remember.
Is there any way to shield the ICP?
There's a block of road that if we go down the engine dies and won't restart. The exact block everytime. Twice we've had to have the truck towed. 2nd time my wife got it about a mile down the road and got it to restart. We avoid that stretch with the truck. I'm now wondering if there's a ham radio repeater there.
Thanks for the input.

Jul 27, 2019 | 08:32 AM

DItR

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Thanks Big. I followed the link and they were all having same issue. Sounds like a quality ICP fixed the problem for a number of people. I see a purchase in my near future.
Thanks!