7.3 hard starting
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7.3 hard starting
I just purchased a 1989 F-350 with a 7.3 Liter diesel with 150,000 miles on it. I'm having a problem starting it when cold and even when warm (but not as bad). It has a new starter, glow plugs, batteries and connectors, fuel filter. I just replaced the injector pump and it made no difference, in fact it lost power after that, I set the timing mark back to where the old one was. After reading some of your form questions I plugged off the return line from the fuel/water filterit made no difference. I put a clear piece of tubing from the top of the IP to the return line and after it sits a while air bubbles appear? Is this normal. I'm thinking I have a air problem. Also there are no visible diesel leaks anywhere.
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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
Hi and welcome to FTE! Be sure to read this to help you around this site: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=300691 There are also State, Provincial and International Chapters located near the bottom of the main forum page.
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Thread moved to Pre-Power Stroke Diesel forum.
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We are glad to have you. Hope you enjoy the site. Check out the various forums. Lots of great info for you.
Thread moved to Pre-Power Stroke Diesel forum.
See ya on the boards!
-Matt
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Manitoba
No not normally large bubbles, some smaller ones are normal, bubbles usually indicates an air intrusion. Visit http://www.intellidog.com/dieselmann/idi2.htm and read all about filter air leaks. There are also rubber seals under the filter to IP steel line cap nuts, ensure they are in cood condition, 5/16 inch ID.
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Check for a kink in the fuel line.Starting with under the drivers side all the way down to the tank.I have a 85 that did the same thing and it took a few mechanics to figure it out.The first mechanic was a joke.The second one new what he was talking about,but i dont think he wanted to get his hands dirty.The third guy was amazing.He went right to work and had it started in a hour.Plus he hooked up a electric fuel pump under the hood.The truck sits for a month or two in the winter,and looses fuel pressure.I just turn the electric fuel pump on ,builds pressure and the motor fires right up.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Huntington Indiana
Also check the return lines from injectors. If painted gray - replace them. Air will go in thru small cracks in the line but not leak fuel out. Also replace the end caps and hose clamps. This was the area I found my air provblem coming into the system.
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swc
I've been hoping that it is not the fuel lines since they are so hard to get to. I may have another issue with that, I ran out of fuel in one tank (I thought it was full) and it only took 16 gallons to fill up the tank and I know it hold more than that.
The guy I bought it from said he replaced the tube lines at the injectors and they have the squeeze clamps not screw. The injectors though are grey, does that mean they are the originals?
What electric fuel pump did you use and how much do they cost?
Thanks
The guy I bought it from said he replaced the tube lines at the injectors and they have the squeeze clamps not screw. The injectors though are grey, does that mean they are the originals?
What electric fuel pump did you use and how much do they cost?
Thanks
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Huntington Indiana
Has the injectors been pulled or changed? 150K your getting close to needing to at least have them checked. Running out of fuel might give you some problems for a few tank fills. Does switching from one tank to the other change the startup? My 93 holds 16 gal in one tank and 15.5 in the other.
Another thought - look where the return lines on the injectors clamp on look for a hairline crack possibly where the hose hooks on to injector. Also relook at the end caps. I've had a mouse chew on the end cap - gave me fits.
Another thought - look where the return lines on the injectors clamp on look for a hairline crack possibly where the hose hooks on to injector. Also relook at the end caps. I've had a mouse chew on the end cap - gave me fits.
Last edited by bigredtruckmi; Dec 26, 2005 at 07:37 PM.
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Don't know if the injectors have been replaced or worked on. They are grey so does that mean they are the originals? Can any mechanic check them?
Haven't driven it enpough to see if changing tanks helps.
When you talk about the return lines do you mean the rubber lines between the injectors? The guy I bought it from said the hose lines were fairly new and they look like it.and what do you mean end caps?
Haven't driven it enpough to see if changing tanks helps.
When you talk about the return lines do you mean the rubber lines between the injectors? The guy I bought it from said the hose lines were fairly new and they look like it.and what do you mean end caps?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
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From: Manitoba
Check out these pages for return kits........got pictures.
http://www.mwfi.com/Dieselpage.htm
http://www.dieselpage.com/
http://www.mwfi.com/Dieselpage.htm
http://www.dieselpage.com/
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Huntington Indiana
Diesel mechanics normally have a test stand to check injectors. If you have not had any experience in doing this I would take it to a diesel mechanic or have him help you thru it. Older worn injectors will/could shoot a stream of fuel into the cylinder instead of a mist. Plus there are popoff pressures that have to be checked. If you find that a couple need to be changed I would go for a full set as they are probably getting weak.
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Well I changed 4 of the injectors, as my "friend/mechanic" advised me. It did not make any difference!
I pulled the glow plugs and found they were Autolite - on another thread I read that they are junk. So I replaced them with Ford OEM and guess what, it started within 8 seconds when cold and found that the glowplug igniter stayed on for about 14 seconds instead of the 5-6 before! Now I think if I get it timed it will help even more. Thanks to everyone that helped, this is a great website.
Steve
I pulled the glow plugs and found they were Autolite - on another thread I read that they are junk. So I replaced them with Ford OEM and guess what, it started within 8 seconds when cold and found that the glowplug igniter stayed on for about 14 seconds instead of the 5-6 before! Now I think if I get it timed it will help even more. Thanks to everyone that helped, this is a great website.
Steve
