I have an 88 F-350 with a 7.3 diesel with a problem. It used to start right up until a few years ago. Now it's hard to start, and it seems to be idling unusually low and rough, almost as if not all cylinders are firing. If it goes from high rpm's to idle quickly, then it stalls out. After stalling, I can't restart it for about a day. I've asked others and they said it sounds like it's losing its fuel prime. I checked the mechanical pump and it seemed to be pumping pretty well, although there must be a small leak in the connections due to the amount of residue build up on and around engine near the fuel pump. There is also a leak with the braided fuel return lines connected to one of the injectors. I'm going to replace the pump and lines to the pump, and I'm going to replace the return lines. I cant' find the lines for the return. Can I just use ordinary fuel line from the auto store, or do I need the special braided line, and if so, where can I find it? I've also heard I need to replace the O-rings in the return lines. Where are these rings located and are they just standard o-rings that can be purchased at auto store as well?

If anyone can help or has any other ideas about my problem, they would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Mike

 

#1 check the glo plugs
#2 get a fuel line return kit. the o rings and lines are in the kit.The o rings are under the plastic caps on the injectors.
Try these 1st and see what happens.

 

browning,

There is a return line kit called an "injector installation kit". I bought them and was pleased. R.A.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I ordered the install kit last night and hope to install it soon.

 

You can use regular fuel line and O-rings. They're number 111 in most o-ring kits (you need 16). The fuel line is 3/16" on 6.9s and the 7.3s went to 1/4". I used to buy the whole kits, but it's easier to just change the o-rings and hose. You can't go wrong with the kit though, you'll have everything you need.

 

Hello I had the same problem. in fact the previous owner had the problem and figured that it was the injection pump, so I got the truck for $1500.00 anyway, I had to fix the shifter for the transfer case and noticed a small puddle under the truck, come to find out that there was a hole rubbed in the steel line on the drivers side of the cab. cut it out and replaced with a rubber line and low and behold, it all stopped