2003 7.3
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2003 7.3
A couple weeks ago my truck started losing power . Every once in a while I'd get a check engine light and rough idle . After a few seconds it would go out and run ok . Still didn't seem like full power but was drivable .
the more time went on It got more and more often . I took it home and changed ipr . Now it's worse . Yesterday it would start but with check engine light and clattering real loud . I changed cps sensor and eot sensor . No change . So I gave up for the night . Put my batteries on charge before I went to bed . Got up this morning and tried to start and it wouldn't even turn over . Like the batteries are dead . But I know they're not . Please help . I feed my family with this truck and it's killing me being down like this
the more time went on It got more and more often . I took it home and changed ipr . Now it's worse . Yesterday it would start but with check engine light and clattering real loud . I changed cps sensor and eot sensor . No change . So I gave up for the night . Put my batteries on charge before I went to bed . Got up this morning and tried to start and it wouldn't even turn over . Like the batteries are dead . But I know they're not . Please help . I feed my family with this truck and it's killing me being down like this
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Need more information. Before throwing more parts at it, please log data and plug it into the charting tool: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...d-version.html
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It starts . But runs rough and clatters . When you pit in gear it just doesn't want to move . I'm kinda new to 7.3 . I'm not a dummy when it comes to mechanics . But I have no code reader , or meter .
and I can't get it anywhere to have someone check . All our local shops are booked out for weeks .
and I can't get it anywhere to have someone check . All our local shops are booked out for weeks .
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: San Diego, CA
I second that.
I don't remember the code but my truck started running incredibly rough (like it was missing on a cylinder) and the CEL came on. I couldn't find anything wrong externally so took the valve covers off and found one of the injector pigtails on the UVCH had come loose (even though I "locked" all of them when I had installed the harness). Re-installed the plug, checked all the others, and it ran like a champ.
There's almost no clearance for anything once the valve cover goes on. Without the gasket you can't even get the cover to fully contact the head. It doesn't take much to bump those connectors when putting the valve covers on.
Just my .02
I don't remember the code but my truck started running incredibly rough (like it was missing on a cylinder) and the CEL came on. I couldn't find anything wrong externally so took the valve covers off and found one of the injector pigtails on the UVCH had come loose (even though I "locked" all of them when I had installed the harness). Re-installed the plug, checked all the others, and it ran like a champ.
There's almost no clearance for anything once the valve cover goes on. Without the gasket you can't even get the cover to fully contact the head. It doesn't take much to bump those connectors when putting the valve covers on.
Just my .02
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Thanks guys. I was trying not to have to pull the valve covers . As I have never done it before on a diesel . But sounds like that's my problem .
have yall heard of the pick up pump screens being clogged ? I read something about taking gascap off and blowing air in behind the pump Into the tank . Anybody tried that with temporary success? I know it won't fix it but if It gets better after I do that then would that tell me my screens are clogged ?
have yall heard of the pick up pump screens being clogged ? I read something about taking gascap off and blowing air in behind the pump Into the tank . Anybody tried that with temporary success? I know it won't fix it but if It gets better after I do that then would that tell me my screens are clogged ?
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More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: UT
A lot of us have done the Hutch/Harpoon mod on the fuel tank, that's more work than checking your valve covers though.
If I were you, just pull the valve covers and check your connections. Its fairly easy to do (most of us were hesitant the first time too) and will give you confidence for future mods and upgrades. Look up the 50 cent mod....that's what you might end up doing if you don't replace the gaskets. I did it....been 6yrs and they are still in there. I've done it on 4 trucks since.
Take your time and report back
If I were you, just pull the valve covers and check your connections. Its fairly easy to do (most of us were hesitant the first time too) and will give you confidence for future mods and upgrades. Look up the 50 cent mod....that's what you might end up doing if you don't replace the gaskets. I did it....been 6yrs and they are still in there. I've done it on 4 trucks since.
Take your time and report back
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2018
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From: Butler, OK
Thanks guys. I was trying not to have to pull the valve covers . As I have never done it before on a diesel . But sounds like that's my problem .
have yall heard of the pick up pump screens being clogged ? I read something about taking gascap off and blowing air in behind the pump Into the tank . Anybody tried that with temporary success? I know it won't fix it but if It gets better after I do that then would that tell me my screens are clogged ?
have yall heard of the pick up pump screens being clogged ? I read something about taking gascap off and blowing air in behind the pump Into the tank . Anybody tried that with temporary success? I know it won't fix it but if It gets better after I do that then would that tell me my screens are clogged ?
A lot of us have done the Hutch/Harpoon mod on the fuel tank, that's more work than checking your valve covers though.
If I were you, just pull the valve covers and check your connections. Its fairly easy to do (most of us were hesitant the first time too) and will give you confidence for future mods and upgrades. Look up the 50 cent mod....that's what you might end up doing if you don't replace the gaskets. I did it....been 6yrs and they are still in there. I've done it on 4 trucks since.
Take your time and report back
If I were you, just pull the valve covers and check your connections. Its fairly easy to do (most of us were hesitant the first time too) and will give you confidence for future mods and upgrades. Look up the 50 cent mod....that's what you might end up doing if you don't replace the gaskets. I did it....been 6yrs and they are still in there. I've done it on 4 trucks since.
Take your time and report back
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: San Diego, CA
You can also check the continuity from the UVCH plug to start (does not require you to remove the valve cover). There's a pinout somewhere that shows what you should be checking. You can also check for burnt/discolored pins too that might point you in a direction.
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From: WV
Might want to check fuel pressure before diving in too much deeper. There’s a method outlined in the tech folder. Here’s a link. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...4&d=1592859516
Any maintenance or change points shortly before problems started?
Oil level ok?
Fuel level above 1/4?
Sorry, but I like to start with the simple stuff first.
Any maintenance or change points shortly before problems started?
Oil level ok?
Fuel level above 1/4?
Sorry, but I like to start with the simple stuff first.
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1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
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Oct 3, 2005 01:07 AM