I just purchased a 1997 F-350 4x4 in Georgia. It was a fleet truck that appears to have well maintained.

Drove it back to St. Louis and got about 15 MPG and ran like a top.

This morning (about 15 degrees) it started on third crank. Had the usual cold morning smoke. Might add that when it ws started cold (40 degrees) yesterday when I picked it up, ther was zero smoke and it fired on first crank.

I let it warm for about 2-3 minutes and then drove to get fuel. It idiled while fueling and when I started driving again it would go to about 1500 rpms and start smoking and loose power and not accelerate further. Also there is this wheezing sound. My experiences with Semit tractrors and farm tractrors says there might be a turbo problem. Turbo looks almost new. Do not have maintenance records so I am only assuming.

I tried FAQ here but probably am not using the proper terms to zero in on my problem.

When I drove it home yesterday, it would effortlessly cruise at 80.

I would appreciate any assistance or inpur or suggestions. I know there are a number of 7.3 experts here.

I have not had time to acquire manuals to use on this unit. I have maintained all of my vehiles for the past 42 years, including 18 wheelers in my trucking co in the 80's as well as my farm tractors, all perkins in MF's.

This was the only truck in the copnfiguration that I could find used within 1000 miles. Wanted a manual with crew cab, 4x4 and F-350 SRW. Kind of a tall order so I had to jump when I found something. Have been looking for months.

If you are an expert and don't mind calling, e-mail me and I will provide you with my toll free number so you can possibly help me.

Thanks in advance
Frank

 

I'm sure it would have set a code when it stopped accelerating. Get a code reader and find out exactly what happened.

Also, when it started running poor, what color was the smoke? How much smoke did you have?

 

>started driving again it would go to about 1500 rpms and start smoking and >loose power and not accelerate further. Also there is this wheezing sound

This sounds like the exhaust back pressure valve working normally. It is a valve after the turbo that will close and restrict the exhaust leaving the turbo. This helps the motor warm up faster. Also makes the wheezing noise.

 

Yeah it's probably just sticking shut when cold. It's a very common problem with these trucks. Just unplug the solinoid valve and your problem will go away.
This picture is out of my '99, your's might be different but the idea's the same

 

Or you can just delete the valve all together like I did and open her up a little more

 

Thanks for the responses. One person asked the color of the ehxaust....White.

Will try tomorrow and see if that is the problem.

Heard the same thing when I picked it up but when I got on the open road..it went away so it probably heated up faster there then here where it is much colder...

Again..thanks all. Frank

 

I'm new to the PSD. I've been reading this site religiously. What would be the reason to remove this vale? Are there any negative effects?

 

Welcome to FTE. There are multiple reasone for removing/disconnecting the valve. Alot of folks here are having problems w/ the valve sticking, and the lines cloging up w/ soot, thus the valve actuates at random. Disconnecting it solves these problems. To completely remove or "gut" it would lessen the exhuast gas restriction in the outlet side of the turbo, allowing more gasses to escape. The valve should only function then the air temp is less than 37* and oil is less than 0* (Both or one or the other will trip the sensor, turning it on). And the only negative is slightly longer warmup times in these conditions, if you live in a warm area GUT IT!!, cold area, you could set up a toggle switch, (i have one) so you can turn it on when you need it.... hope this helps and enjoy FTE!!

-Robb

 

KWIK.....
Thanks for the pic...
Problem is mine is does not look like yous...
I can see the shaft extending out of the exhaust port with the linkage but cannot find the wire/plug. May need a tin monkey to crawl behing and look for me.

While I am asking quesions....If this beast starts on first try and the temp is only 6 degrees...can I consider that the engine is fairly decent? It has the usual cold moring smoke.

Also on the EBPV item again...can I just warm for a longer period or is the cold temp causing the problem to persist?

I am not new to fords, just diesels...First ford 53 in 63, 67 in 67, 2-81's in 81, 83 F-250HD(4x4) in 83, 81(F-250HD) (4x4) in 91 still using today.. and 83 (donor) and now the 97 PS. I do abuse my fords and they take it all. Use 4x4 daily and usually retire them around 4-500000 miles...I use 4x4 so much that I have winches on both ends of the tuck. One in bumper and the other under the back of the utility bed/converted to survey equipment bed. Current truck weighs in at almost 9000 and has specially made springs front and rear to carry the weight.

This is why I decided to go the F-350 route. Also did the crew cab thing as I need more room for sensitive equipment. I prefer manuals as they work better in 4x4 conditions....can rotate the wheels very slow and that will many times get you out quicker than spinning like a racer...
Also, where is the drain petcock for the water seperator...I can find the tube outlet but cannot find the petcock...

Thanks all..am sure I will be asking further questions as I get more into this beast..

ps.
Just also noticed the captions such as "New User" . Kind of interesting that I have been a member longer than all the respondents. Just a light hearted side bar... I have been reading the info since 03, just not finding a need to post, as I usually had the answer before I looked, just finding support for my findings. I actually constructed my current 81 4x4 from scratch...I taylored it exactly Like I wanted it so I could do what I needed to do. Just yesterday, I was in SE MO. buying some land in the mountains and the current owner was more interested in my truck than selling the land. His first comment was, is there anywhere that you cannot go? How heavy is that front bumper..ans 500 plus.. Are your tires low...no, 80lbs..just too much weight. So, my point is that maybe I am a new poster, not a new user...Not much on an older ford that I don't know...from engine clear through the rearend. Have had everything apart including doing my own ring and pinoin set-ups.


Frank

 

I am in the same boat at you with my PSD. I have had lots of gassers and this is my first Powerstroke. That said, I have never lifted the hood on a earlier PSD to know for sure, but I'll be very surprised if there is no electrical connection for the EBPV. I had to hold the camera at an angle that I would never have been able to get my head in there to see for myself to take that picture. The plug is on the very bottom of the housing directly behind the "Y" pipe intake on my truck.

 

Thanks for the info. I'm in southern La. so I could gut it out.