Crank, no start...........occasionally.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 27
Likes: 5
Crank, no start...........occasionally.
Hi all. About 2 months ago I purchased a Ford F250 4wd with the 7.3 diesel. All in all, a very stout truck. I believe everything is stock engine wise except for the air cleaner. It runs great generally and usually starts right up, until recently.
In the last week or so, I get a crank, no fire issue. When it happens, the guage likes flash rapidly, and the fuel guage jumps all over the place. If I let it sit for a while, it will start right up. I can tear down and rebuild a gas motor, but have very little diagnostic experience with diesel.
A little background on the truck. It currently has 206,000 miles on it. For the last 6 years the previous owner has kept meticulous maintenance records, with oil, filter changes, fuel filter changes, and air cleaner cleaning. He also has documented all repairs including crank position sensor, front hub replacement, etc.
I'm looking for ideas on suggested things to diagnose rather than throwing parts at it that aren't needed. I really like this truck and powertrain, and hope to keep it around for a long time
In the last week or so, I get a crank, no fire issue. When it happens, the guage likes flash rapidly, and the fuel guage jumps all over the place. If I let it sit for a while, it will start right up. I can tear down and rebuild a gas motor, but have very little diagnostic experience with diesel.
A little background on the truck. It currently has 206,000 miles on it. For the last 6 years the previous owner has kept meticulous maintenance records, with oil, filter changes, fuel filter changes, and air cleaner cleaning. He also has documented all repairs including crank position sensor, front hub replacement, etc.
I'm looking for ideas on suggested things to diagnose rather than throwing parts at it that aren't needed. I really like this truck and powertrain, and hope to keep it around for a long time
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 120
From: Mcdonough, GA
Hi all. About 2 months ago I purchased a Ford F250 4wd with the 7.3 diesel. All in all, a very stout truck. I believe everything is stock engine wise except for the air cleaner. It runs great generally and usually starts right up, until recently.
In the last week or so, I get a crank, no fire issue. When it happens, the guage likes flash rapidly, and the fuel guage jumps all over the place. If I let it sit for a while, it will start right up. I can tear down and rebuild a gas motor, but have very little diagnostic experience with diesel.
A little background on the truck. It currently has 206,000 miles on it. For the last 6 years the previous owner has kept meticulous maintenance records, with oil, filter changes, fuel filter changes, and air cleaner cleaning. He also has documented all repairs including crank position sensor, front hub replacement, etc.
I'm looking for ideas on suggested things to diagnose rather than throwing parts at it that aren't needed. I really like this truck and powertrain, and hope to keep it around for a long time
In the last week or so, I get a crank, no fire issue. When it happens, the guage likes flash rapidly, and the fuel guage jumps all over the place. If I let it sit for a while, it will start right up. I can tear down and rebuild a gas motor, but have very little diagnostic experience with diesel.
A little background on the truck. It currently has 206,000 miles on it. For the last 6 years the previous owner has kept meticulous maintenance records, with oil, filter changes, fuel filter changes, and air cleaner cleaning. He also has documented all repairs including crank position sensor, front hub replacement, etc.
I'm looking for ideas on suggested things to diagnose rather than throwing parts at it that aren't needed. I really like this truck and powertrain, and hope to keep it around for a long time
Flashing gauges, lights and relays usually indicates low battery voltage. What does your batt voltage drop to when cranking?
What year model truck is it. 2002 and later models have a junction block that sits on top of the driver side fender that is know to corrode. This one usually presents itself by causing gauges to go blank while running but would be worth looking at after you've checked batt voltage and all Battery cable positive and negative connections, especially the grounds.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 1,919
From: Ponca City, OK
GO(edit: sorry didn't realized I yelled there, ignore the caps) to the tech section in the sticky section and read up on the Forscan info there. You are going to require a compatible obd2 dongle and pc laptop or android device. All the info is there for what to buy and how to get started. If you are serious about wanting to diagnose you problem instead of playing part darts, then proper diagnostic equipment is a must. Welcome to the 7/3 say good bye to your money and free time. Gotta love these trucks.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 27
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Well, as it turns out, being the awesome trouble shooter I am, I totally missed the cause of my problem. I tend to look at the hardest, most expensive fix to an issue. I keep forgetting K.I.S.S. By keeping it simple, I would have found my problem very early on. It was a loose battery cable on the negative post of one of the batteries. Yes, I can be a dumb a$$ sometimes. 
FTE-Spread The Knowledge
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 240
When your gauges present like that, it is either the batteries or one or both of the battery connections.
Good job!
Good job!
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2021
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Thanks! After work, I checked all battery connections, and they were all sketchy. I tightened all, and life is good! I have a lot to learn, but you guys rock! I really like this truck, and hope to have a good experience with it.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2021
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the air cleaner is a S&B.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,953
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From: Mcdonough, GA
I think it's a good looking rig. Like the bumpers, fender flares, and other add ons. Drive it, enjoy it.
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