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Runs rough when cold

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Old Dec 27, 2006 | 11:03 PM
  #1  
J. Kearney's Avatar
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Runs rough when cold

2002 7.3L F350. Mileage 200,000. In cold weather it runs rough till warmed up, then runs real good. Has new glow plugs, new fuel filter, new #2 & #4 fuel injectors. Starts up with no problem whether plugged in overnight or not.
If not plugged in, needs at least 10 minutes run time before it will get up enough power to creep forward.
As long as weather is warm or engine is not stone cold, it will start up and idle and drive off normally.
Here in TX weather is not bitterly cold but some nights get down to freezing on occasion. It doesn't have to be real cold for this problem to occur.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2006 | 11:19 PM
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Tenn01PSD350
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How old are your batteries? Stock units? I assume the shop/dealer replaced the injectors? Why? Also is it still the stock Glow Plug Relay and Glow plugs? Does it smoke during startup?
 
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 01:41 AM
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From: Kokomo Indiana
check inj o rings
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Tenn01PSD350
How old are your batteries? Stock units? I assume the shop/dealer replaced the injectors? Why? Also is it still the stock Glow Plug Relay and Glow plugs? Does it smoke during startup?
The batteries could be suspect although no problem starting up as long as truck is plugged in.
Ford dealer replaced # 2 & 4 fuel injectors b/c was missing really bad. They said needed replacing. They said the # 8 had tested bad (?) one time but upon being retested twice more, was ok.
Glow plugs and relay were replaced 4 weeks ago by local diesel mechanic. They did show quite worn/burned.
No smoking upon start up.
Have put 1 quart transmission fluid into oil and another into fuel tank to supposedly help clean injectors.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 02:47 PM
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From: Middle of a field CT
When it starts does it romp romp romp? This is often caused by cold oil not reaching the HPOP and the injector won't fire off correctly.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 03:12 PM
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Can ATF handle the pressures made by the HPOP? I've heard of mixing it with the fuel but not the oil.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 03:34 PM
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powrstrkn'
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Interesting point Alan, but wouldn't it see some pretty extreme pressures in a trans as well?
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 03:43 PM
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I cant see line pressures being anywhere near 2000psi or greater, maybe one of our tranny guru's will chime in for us
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 04:41 PM
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I've never heard of ATF in the oil too. I would just stick with a good DFA or biodiesel in the fuel for cleaning. Clean oil is always your best bet for long lasting problem free injectors.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 06:29 PM
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Damn, This sounds like my problem too. Please keep us informed of what problem is found. This sounds exactly like my problem.

House22 mentioned injector o-rings. Can you elaborate some more on that?
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 06:47 PM
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I had same problem with 03 F-250 6.0 I took it to shop they reflashed the comp. no problems latley thank goodness going duck hunting in the morning
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 09:10 PM
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HPOP (High Pressure Oil Pump?)
It sounds like someone shakin a box of rocks. I have been faithful with my oil changes and other maintenance for the whole 205,000 miles I have on it.
A do it all fella who works on alot of diesel tractors told me he puts a quart of ATF in at every oil change and about every 3rd tank of fuel. Says he's been doing it forever.
He drives an older F350 with high mileage and has been doing this with his all along.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 09:13 PM
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What does the ATF in the fuel and oil do? Does it help lube everything up and clean the varnish off of stuff. Isn't the detergent in the engine oil enough?
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 09:17 PM
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You should not even hear the HPOP at all. I would bet the engines he puts ATF in the oil in do not have HEUI injectors and HPOP's that compress the oil up to 3200psi to fire the injectors.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 09:28 PM
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Sorry. I am not hearing the HPOP. When the truck is first started up the engine sounds awful if it has not been plugged in.
As long as it's been plugged in, you wouldn't know it has a problem.
It's just when it's cold and has not been plugged in that any of this is noticable.
I'll have to ask the fella about the HEUI injectors and HPOP in his truck and the tractors he works on. He knows what kind of truck I drive and the diesel mechanic who replaced the glow plugs put his blessing on the ATF in both oil and fuel.
It did not seem to affect the perf. of the truck but I have only added the ATF to the oil one time. I will be due for an oil chg. in another week and he is planning on adding it again then.
 
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