I have an 02 F250 SC 7.3 auto with 43K. Picked it up last April. Very clean and well maintained. No mods except the HPX and pre-pump. Runs ok but I'm not sure if it's running as it should be. Never driven another 7.3 so I'm not sure. It starts good but when warm at times you need to crank it longer.

I have gone over the truck since I have gotten it. I replaced the fuel filter and air filter. Replaced transmission filter and flushed the fluid. I changed the oil and filter using Motorcraft rated oil. Treated the oil pan with Rust Bullet. I replaced the CPS to have a spare. I replaced the GPR to have a spare. I did do the pre-pump mods. I added a sponsors under hood fuel gauge. Shows just about 60psi at idle. When fall hit I thought I might be having an issue with the EBVP. Cleaned sensor and tube. Pretty clean except where tube attached to manifold. Cleaned that out. Truck seemed to have a bit more go but seems to have retreated to its former state. On a small grade, not towing, it seems to labor. Like a slight chug or shudder. I had thoughts about fuel pressure until I added the gauge but then again I'm only seeing the pressure at idle.

Been doing a lot of reading and as yet don't have the cash for the AE software. Wondering if there could be an issue with the IPR? Some reading suggests the long warm cranking times as a pointer towards the IPR or the batteries. Batteries are the originals. Instead of guessing it might be best to wait until I can get the AE software to get a better picture of how it is running. What reasonable brand battery tester might be used to check on the batteries? I have enough other equipment around it might be nice to have a tester. Also, if one pulls the IPR to look at O-rings will the entire HPOP come pouring out?

 

Do you have boost and pyro gauges? If so what are they reading?

 

No gauges as yet. Used truck yesterday to pull a 10K trailer with a pretty good size load of tools I purchased. Got the job done but it really seemed to labor at it. My friends who came along even commented. They were surprised it didn't have more power. I had to move the truck a few times while we were loading and it took a few seconds of cranking to get it started. Could be the batteries getting weak. Just don'e know but something just doesn't seem right. It doesn't miss but has a chugging feeling almost like it is lacking fuel. As I said the fuel gauge I installed shows good pressure at idle. Might just get the AE software so I can check things out.

 

If your batteries are the originals, then replacing them will probably help with cranking.

I asked about gauges because most power loss issues are simple common problems. Usually the first things to look for are boost and/or exhaust leaks. Pyro and boost gauges will help you see what's happening. Check the exhaust manifolds and up-pipes for any leaks, and also check the intercooler boots for any problems. The clamps for those boots should be pretty tight.