7.3 towing power.
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New User
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7.3 towing power.
Hi:
I have a 1997 f250hd 7.3ps. I pull a camper at about 11000 lbs. The truck pulls ok for about 3 or 4 hours then starts losing power. By ok I mean I can run 65-70 out on the flats and 55-60 on the hills on the the east side of South Dakota. But still after 3 or 4 hours I struggle to keep 55mph on the level. I am a retired heavy equipment mechanic and truck driver. I had a 1996 f250 7.3 that pulled really well.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thanks
I have a 1997 f250hd 7.3ps. I pull a camper at about 11000 lbs. The truck pulls ok for about 3 or 4 hours then starts losing power. By ok I mean I can run 65-70 out on the flats and 55-60 on the hills on the the east side of South Dakota. But still after 3 or 4 hours I struggle to keep 55mph on the level. I am a retired heavy equipment mechanic and truck driver. I had a 1996 f250 7.3 that pulled really well.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thanks
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,698
Likes: 12,823
From: Wyoming
I don't know jack about the 7.3L diesel. So these are just guesses.
- Engine overheating
- Fuel pump losing its mojo
You're probably going to get better/more answers by posting this question in the 7.3L subforum: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum170/
- Engine overheating
- Fuel pump losing its mojo
You're probably going to get better/more answers by posting this question in the 7.3L subforum: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum170/
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 412
From: Washington Coast
does sound like low fuel pressure. Mat test fine for pressure at idle but if the pump is getting weak or there's a restriction in the lines or clogging of the suction strainer in the tank that would do it. Longer it runs the more heat produced hence worse performance.
I had a old Bronco II that when it was cool it ran OK also, when it got hot I'd loose power so basically it was drive only at night in the summer time. Finally gave up and had to replace the fuel sending unit in the tank and when I dropped the tank I found the power lead to the lift pump was disconnected. Went ahead and replaced the pump and sending unit and never had another issue. We also had the same issues with the old 7.3s in the E-350s that U-Haul used to use for their trucks, if the lift pump was failing it'd do the same thing.
I had a old Bronco II that when it was cool it ran OK also, when it got hot I'd loose power so basically it was drive only at night in the summer time. Finally gave up and had to replace the fuel sending unit in the tank and when I dropped the tank I found the power lead to the lift pump was disconnected. Went ahead and replaced the pump and sending unit and never had another issue. We also had the same issues with the old 7.3s in the E-350s that U-Haul used to use for their trucks, if the lift pump was failing it'd do the same thing.
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Thanks I did have the tanks cleaned, vent lines replaced, filters replaced. As an old wrench myself I remeber Detroit's having hot fuel problems. Wonder if there is a rebuild kit for the fuel pump? Or are they not to expensive?
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Wyoming
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,334
Likes: 306
From: Mills River
The folks over on the early 7.3 Diesel forum might be able to provide additional perspectives:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum170/
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum170/
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2015
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From: DFW
Much better addressed in the 7.3 sub forum though.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2007
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Data logging would help narrow down the focus area(s).
If you simply want to throw parts at it, as CarterKraft mentioned, converting to an efuel solution will not hurt anything other than the wallet. There are many different paths to go from picking parts from a SuperDuty to a complete kit.
If you simply want to throw parts at it, as CarterKraft mentioned, converting to an efuel solution will not hurt anything other than the wallet. There are many different paths to go from picking parts from a SuperDuty to a complete kit.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,580
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From: knoxville, tn
Fuel is easy to check. When the power drops off check the pressure at the fuel bowl. Data logging would be helpful. How old and what kind of oil? Does it have any trouble restarting when it gets hot?
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