Hi, i would like to qualify myself as knowing nothing about Diesels or excursions. I recently bought a 2000 ex ltd with 7.3 psd. I have it hypertech programmed with the gauges and exhaust done. I am still having some troubles. Truck has 50,000 miles on it

#1) Starting, if below 20 deg F it really wont start unless plugged in. Is it the glow plug relay? Glow plugs check out since i had it in the shop earlier this winter.

#2) Boost- How do you know if a turbo has been overheated and burned up? I understand they are to run hot but how can i tell if it has bearing trouble, ect? any tell tale signs What amount of boost should i be seeing from the gauge??

#3) extra springs, i have extra leafs in front and back making the ride stiff, the original shocks are still in it, what shocks are best? It has 285 tires on it and rides rough, oh also it has air bags in the rear, i have take most of the air out of them unless hauling a heavy trailer.

#4) Fuel filter? Where is it located on the truck, i believe it need changing but dont have a manual. I understand the system is under pressure, any special considerations for changing it?

Any help is appreciated!



#4)

 

Whoa! Thats a mouthful!

I can answer 2 out of the 4 questions you asked:

#3) As far as shocks are concerned, I have a set of Monroe Reflex shocks. They really do get the job done. Other shocks Superduty and Excursion owners seem to like are the Rancho 9000 Adjustables. You can basically "dial-a-ride" with these shocks. It ranges from 1 being the softest to 9 being the hardest. It all depends on what you want and what you're doing.

#4) The fuel filter is actually in a relatively easy to reach place. It's right under the "Powerstroke" cover and sits on top of the engine. Once you unbolt the cover and pull it off, it's right there inside a round, black cylinder. All you have to do is unscrew the top and the fuel filter is right there. I highly recommend draining and cleaning out the bowl before putting a new filter in. There's a yellow "switch" that you can flip to drain the bowl completely. Make sure you have some sort of rubber hose that fits over the spout otherwise you'll have diesel all over your engine.

The best of luck to you, I hope someone can answer the first two. I did the best I could with the last two!

 

I got the filter done this weekend, wasnt bad at all. The psd manual steps you through it pretty well. Next thing is to replace the glow plug relay, hopefully that will help the starting problem. I may program it back to stock to see any codes as well. Right now it is programmed on the second level of the hypertech programmer III.

 

My suggestion is to leave your truck plugged in so it is ready to go when you are. Making your batteries and glow pugs do all the work is hard on the truck. If the temps are 25 or less and I have the opportunity to do so I plug mine in and the engine stays warmer....the oil stays warmer(hence better startup lubrication)..... and the truck doesn't take as long to heat up the interior as if it wasn't plugged in. Another tip for you is to cycle your plugs twice when you don't have the chance to plug it in. I follow this procedure and have not had any issues when out in the mountains where no electrical outlets can be found! Sometimes I even cycle the glow plugs three times before trying it but usually twice is enough...even in below zero temps. When I am out in the wilderness for a long time and the temps are well below zero I take the batteries out and warm them by the fire before trying the truck.

Kinda got long winded and off topic a little but hope some of this helps.