Hey All- New to forum, still trying to figure out how to navigate around it, I m sure this has been gone over before, i just cant find the right thread.

2000 F350 super duty 7.3L- 250000 miles. brand new to me so still shaking it down.

I am replacing the glow plugs, previous owner and my mechanic said it is time to replace.

Noticed that suddenly the turbo only works intermittently, low rpm's - nothing, 2500 rpm and second gear, it works but maybe not full power?
i never checked the boost gauge before to get exact ft lbs.
It doesnt make any BAD noises.

can you all direct me to an existing thread??? Thanks!!!!

 

Hi Jeff. Welcome!

First of all, make sure you are using genuine Motorcraft glow plugs from a reputable source. Lots of fakes running around out there. Other brands can swell and get stuck inside the heads. Can’t say that I would replace them if they are still working properly myself. You can do an ohm test to check each through the wire harness connector.
Fake glow plug thread link

I feel like we need some more information about your turbo issues. Why do you say “only works intermittently”? What are the actual symptoms?

My guess will be boost or exhaust drive pressure (uppipe) leaks. You could also have issues with the wastegate or turbo itself. Give us some more details before we proceed there.

Have you checked shaft play on the turbo? Pull the intake and wiggle the compressor wheel lightly. It should not move in/out. A little side to side is ok as long as it’s not touching the housing. Photos would be great.

Since it’s new to you, how’s the air box? The factory box is common to break at the latches and not seal well.

 

Jason covered it and I would also like to hear why you think it's working intermittently. This would be a new one.

 

Thanks for the reply, as I get comfortable with this amazing information source!

Glow Plugs check, i am going to get the Pro Source Diesel Kit with the Motorcraft Glow plugs. Sound good?

Now on to the unrelated and unexpected Turbo

I havent put a lot of time in driving her, yet and am new to the world of Diesels soo-

First couple of highway drives, i was enjoying looking at the aftermarket Turbo boost gauges, kicking the turbo in/on enjoying the power of the 7.3L nothing crazy no "redlining" just getting a feel for it.

next day hauled a ton of wood pellets for a neighbor, no problem with the turbo, watched the gauge move and she just had power to spare.

day after that, going out for a drive downtown and everything seemed fine. while accelerating while going 35-40 mph i noticed the turbo boost gauge wasnt moving, when it usually would. gave it a little jab of the accelerator pedal and it boosted to like 5 ft/lbs not the usual 15/20 ive been seeing. No odd noises no black smoke. not being very familiar with the truck, i can say i noticed no lack of power, just no "boost". i repeated the scenario over again a couple times on the way back home, as i didnt want to drive it until i knew what was wrong.

I havent physically checked the turbo shaft yet for play.

Also the factory air intake system is still all there(no apparent mods) and yes a latch is broken, but the filter is new/clean.

Appreciate your knowledge and direction!!

I will take a look at the hoses and the turbo for play.

 

Welcome to FTE Jeff!

For the boost it could be a problem with the gauge or something with the engine. No CEL?

I'd get GPs from Riff Raff diesel as I'm familiar with them unlike Pro Source. Clay at RR is very knowledgeable about these trucks and only carries genuine parts.

Shoot us a pic or 2 of the engine bay, get some experienced eyes on it.

A great tool is the Forscan app on your android along with a bluetooth adapter. Then you can read and clear codes from the PCM, and monitor sensors to see what's going on.

 

Never heard of Pro Source. I would stick to somewhere like Riffraff as aawlbernin suggested. If you do go with Pro Source be sure to check out the thread I linked earlier to confirm they aren’t fake.

No lack of power and no black smoke make me tend to believe this is a gauge issue.

Does the truck have a tuner?

Did you hear a “pop” before the lack of boost began? (Blown boot)

Broken clip needs addressed ASAP. Clean filter has no meaning, except that maybe it’s not actually filtering dirt. The broken box allows air past the filter seal so your turbo/engine can get dusted. I like to recommend the Ford AIS as a replacement but have heard they are difficult to come by nowadays. The cheapest fix is a 6637 filter install. People ‘love’ them. I’m actually not a fan but it’s much better than a broken box. You can pick up a quality filter from Riffraff as well if you go that route for the GP’s.

Stick around and ask plenty of questions. We’ll gladly spend more money than you had planned.

 

I would recommend checking your up-pipes for leaks as well as your intercooler boot connections. You might have a boot slipping off and leaking but not enough that you heard it pop all at once.

As for parts I would recommend many other over "Pro Source". Most of what they off is not OEM and what they do offer that is factory the pricing is way high. Go with a reputable shop like mentioned above, @Riffraff Performance or the like. Just glancing at the pricing Riffraff is almost $5 per glow plug cheaper and I know from experience they only sell actual Motorcraft / Ford OEM parts. They are also very knowledge and have been committed to help this forum specifically as long as I can remember. Here are some links to make it easier for you. Just call them and maybe they can help you as well narrow down your issue of the low boost since they actually work on these trucks and aren't just a website.

https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/glowplug-zd-11-94-03/

https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/contact/

https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/riffr...37-filter-kit/

 

What are you using to read boost?

 

Welcome to the forum! Have you already purchased parts for the glow plug repair? On these trucks, it does not seem like an in between on glow plugs...either they work and you enjoy starting and driving your truck, or they don't, and you are ready to put a bullet through the thing! I have used ProSource before, but that was for working on an International DT466E a while back.
On your boost issue, are you having any drivability issues, or just the visual feedback on the gauge?

 

Here is a good reference on testing for a boost leak that you can do with just a couple hardware store pieces that @SkySkiJason put together.

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

 

+1 on riffraff
+1 on gauge issue

 

As far as low boost and lack of power, look at MAP sensor hose and make sure it’s plugged in and not broken. Does SES light on dash stay on?

Broken air filter boxes are most often the reason I do the ‘6637’ mod.

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

I find glow plug relays to be the most common reason for hard starts. Try jumping the big lugs on the GP relay for 30-45secs then jump in and crank truck. If it starts easier, replace the GPR. Several of us are using this continuous duty Trombetta relay (part # 684-1221-012) and no complaints so far.

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/8043...8aAn9GEALw_wcB

All of these trucks need up-pipes by now. Upgrading to a bellowed style is a no brainer.

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

These write-ups and a virtual wealth of 7.3 PSD knowledge can be found above in the Tech Folder. Grab some coffee and a note pad and start reading! Feel free to ask questions as you’re learning.

Welcome to the forum!

 

No tuner- pretty much stock except the gauges and a lift kit.

i dont remember hearing a pop, i think i would have noticed it, but never say never.

 

aftermarket gauges on the window pillar

 

Check the feed line for your boost gauge for leaks, kinks and obstructions. Check any and all connections too.