Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Surging idle

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 2, 2020 | 03:30 PM
  #1  
Ambo01's Avatar
Ambo01
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Surging idle

New here again, have a 7.3 that won’t cooperate. About 8 months ago, I replaced the injector o-rings with what I didn’t know was a bad batch. Went on a 200 mile drive and when I got back it was running rough again and wouldn’t start the next morning.
it had pumped a lot of oil back through the fuel system into the tank. Bad O-rings, I sent the 8 injectors away to be rebuilt, now to cut a long story short, not it has lost a little power, surges at idle, sometimes so bad it stalls at a stop light and sometimes the sea light comes on, then very hard to start, but this only happens when it reaches operating temp.
Now it throws no codes, and I’ve cleaned out the fuel tank and screens, blown out the lines, changed the oil, swapped off a great running truck the cps, ipr, hpop, fuel bowl, fuel pressure is good hot or cold,
bled out the air 100 times.
ipr values and cps psi and volts are perfect while running except go up and down with the idle. Does not blow any smoke on start up hot or cold, no big clouds on wot while driving. Oil comes out the injector exhausts while idling the way they should.
I’m just about to pull the engine and dump it in a hole🤬.
any thoughts?
cheers
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2020 | 04:56 PM
  #2  
FinnishStroker's Avatar
FinnishStroker
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 2,907
Likes: 788
From: Kinnula,Finland
Welcome aboard!

Let's start with these.

What size injectors?
What tunes?
​​​​​​How many miles after injector swap?
Tried unplugging ICP?

 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2020 | 05:08 PM
  #3  
Bitterroot Diesel's Avatar
Bitterroot Diesel
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 695
From: Florence, MT
Did you pay a company on Ebay to "rebuild" them for you?
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2020 | 05:53 PM
  #4  
Ambo01's Avatar
Ambo01
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Ok thanks for the reply, stock injectors, no tunes, done about 80 ish miles since injectors.
yes eBay guy “rebuilt” so probably not done then.
but ran fine before the oring incident.
also changed map sensor and vacuum hose, accelerator peddle sensor, did the unplug cps thing etc.
What controls the idle on these trucks? Also if I knock up just off idle, soon as I let off it drops back down and stalls.
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2020 | 06:00 PM
  #5  
Bitterroot Diesel's Avatar
Bitterroot Diesel
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 695
From: Florence, MT
The question would be what was done or not done during your injector rebuild it seems. Maybe the injectors aren't injecting the proper amount of fuel at idle. Possibly one of the injectors aren't even idling.
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2020 | 07:12 PM
  #6  
udsuth78's Avatar
udsuth78
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 1,919
From: Ponca City, OK
Checking the harness for the IPR and the ICP for worn or questionable insulation, never hurts. I suggest unwrapping the pigtails back a few inches. I had a bad IPR wire that haunted me for a while because I didn't dig deep enough into the harness.
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2020 | 07:34 PM
  #7  
IDI-Charlie's Avatar
IDI-Charlie
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 73
From: Staunton, VA
What are your pressures (oil and fuel) and IPR duty cycle at?
 
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2020 | 12:53 AM
  #8  
FinnishStroker's Avatar
FinnishStroker
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 2,907
Likes: 788
From: Kinnula,Finland
Try first to put some more miles in it,really step on it!

Still air in the system is an possibility.
But also sounds like badly built injectors..🤔
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 5, 2020 | 12:52 PM
  #9  
Ambo01's Avatar
Ambo01
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Sorry for the delay, here’s an update, I ran the engine until the surging or hunting for idle started and then unplugged the icp and it idled fine. Plugged it back in and the up and down started.
the icp works because it works on another truck and also it gives readings on the scanner.
at cold idle it shows around 630psi and ipr 12.5%
hot idle (bad) it’s between 490 and 580 ish...ipr between 977 and 11.72%
rpm fluctuates between 560 and 775.
Air in the system?
 
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2020 | 06:31 AM
  #10  
udsuth78's Avatar
udsuth78
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 1,919
From: Ponca City, OK
Originally Posted by Ambo01
Sorry for the delay, here’s an update, I ran the engine until the surging or hunting for idle started and then unplugged the icp and it idled fine. Plugged it back in and the up and down started.
the icp works because it works on another truck and also it gives readings on the scanner.
at cold idle it shows around 630psi and ipr 12.5%
hot idle (bad) it’s between 490 and 580 ish...ipr between 977 and 11.72%
rpm fluctuates between 560 and 775.
Air in the system?
Sounds like it's definitely linked to the ICP or it's pigtail. If you're sure the sensor is good then replace the the pigtail. I suggest soldered connections with heat shrink.
 
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2020 | 06:49 AM
  #11  
FordTruckNoob's Avatar
FordTruckNoob
FTE Chapter Leader
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 13,139
Likes: 4,733
From: Henderson, NV
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by udsuth78
Sounds like it's definitely linked to the ICP or it's pigtail. If you're sure the sensor is good then replace the the pigtail. I suggest soldered connections with heat shrink.
I second this. These solder seal splices make the job a lot easier and neater:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2020 | 01:05 PM
  #12  
Ambo01's Avatar
Ambo01
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Changed pigtail, no different.
I didn’t think it would since it only does it when hot and starts like you’re flicking a switch.
Sound electrical I know but I’m not so sure now.
 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2020 | 02:18 PM
  #13  
FordTruckNoob's Avatar
FordTruckNoob
FTE Chapter Leader
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 13,139
Likes: 4,733
From: Henderson, NV
Club FTE Gold Member
Ok. Next thing to check is your IPR. Is the nut on the back of it tight? If it is, then when the truck is warm and the surging is apparent, hold a can of computer duster spray upside down and spray the electromagnet. The idea is to cool it. See if that resolves the surging. If so, that magnet needs replacing.
 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2020 | 06:48 PM
  #14  
jstihl's Avatar
jstihl
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,860
Likes: 365
Club FTE Silver Member

Subscribing, I also have similar problems as you but mine aren't nearly as drastic. Being that is only happening when the truck is hot , that definitely sounds like your ipr. Aside from replacing the ipr, ftn has some good info on cooling down the ipr to see if the problem persists. There have been a couple other threads on fte in the past several months that had the same symptoms and the ipr was to blame. It's best to test the ipr first before spending the coin. Let us know what you find out, good luck
 
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2020 | 08:15 AM
  #15  
Sous's Avatar
Sous
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Veteran: Air Force
Community Builder
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,357
Likes: 5,954
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
FTE Emeritus
@Ambo01 , welcome to the FTE!

It seems the fellas have you on a path to success, but I wanted to share another thread with you by ArmyLifer that was dealing with a similar condition as you are.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...excursion.html

If you skip toward the end of that thread, you will see where he replaced his IPR, even though he had recently replaced the o-rings and his problems went away. I am not saying this is for sure, 100% your issue, but signs are pointing toward the IPR. You may have some other underlying problems, but the corrective actions you have taken thus far with the ICP and the anomalies you have told us about while the ICP is plugged in or unplugged are leading you down a path.

If you have a multimeter you can test the coil on the IPR for resistance.



Performing this check will not tell you if the IPR is working mechanically, but it will allow you to check one more box as not the problem.

jstihl is dealing with a similar issue, but we are starting to think his issue is an electrical gremlin, although the jury is still out on that.

Keep us posted, when you can!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MillennialAntiTheftDevice
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
16
Oct 1, 2020 01:39 PM
gearhead351
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
4
Apr 30, 2012 08:38 AM
snowmanroy
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
12
Jun 17, 2009 05:23 PM
RedStroker6
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Jun 8, 2009 10:25 PM
SrqScion
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
15
Oct 7, 2007 09:28 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:36 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE