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1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

starting issues

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Old Aug 19, 2006 | 11:13 AM
  #1  
helifixer's Avatar
helifixer
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From: Chino Valley, Arizona
starting issues

Some times my '97 PSD when I start it only runs on about half of the cylinders. I have to shut it off and re start it and it normally runs fine. Some times it takes 2 or 3 starts to run right. After it is started it runs fine.

Any ideas?

2 new batteries

Cables are good

No idea on age of starter

Haven’t found any burnt wires in vc gaskets

New fuel filter

New wix filter mod (love that one)

 
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Old Aug 19, 2006 | 11:55 AM
  #2  
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MDB
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From: Northern IN
Bad under valve cover wiring harness. 100% guaranteed! You are lucky if it runs right for now, but I guarantee you that the day will come when it won't, and then it will only run on 4 cylinders.

Let it run for a little when it does this and check the exhaust manifolds to see which side is getting warm. This way you know which valve cover to remove, as it will be the side that is still cold.

Basically, the IDM will shut down one whole bank of cylinders whenever the injector resistances are out of spec to protect itself. Shutting off and restarting the truck may fix the problem breifly, if the resistance is close enough to the specs that it may not cause a shut down the second time. Usually you will need one valve cover gasket and at least one set of injector/gp wiring harness that goes under the cover.

Do a search, and you will find tons of info.
 
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Old Aug 19, 2006 | 02:33 PM
  #3  
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bodabdan
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From: River Valley AR
Let it run for a little when it does this and check the exhaust manifolds to see which side is getting warm. This way you know which valve cover to remove, as it will be the side that is still cold.
I second that one. That's one of the best troubleshooting tools I've ever known. I'll bet that it's the same cylinders that fail every time.
 
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