l tried to start the truck but id didn't go. Plugged it in and finally it ran. Ran it for a while and was happy. Well, Noticed a large oil patch under and it seemed to be from the rear main area. That was the best I could do in the dark with a small flashlight. Will look out more tomorrow but anyone have any ideas?

 

Turbo pedestal or HPOP lines on the top of the motor. Rear mains on the 7.3 rarely let go.

 

What could cause it to let go at this point if it is the turbo pedistal or HPOP

Is it dangerous to drive or what?

 

There are 4 orings in the turbo pedestal, 2 between pedestal and block and 2 between turbo and pedestal. The HPOP lines from the pump to the oil rails in the heads or the HPOP itsself can leak alot of oil in a very short time. I would try to find where it was comming from before I drove very much.

 

Start from the front of the valley and work your way back, look for puddles in the valley. Get a good flashlight if it's dark out. Check your HPOP lines & fittings, the oil gallery plugs, turbo pedistal (Top and bottom) and maybe even check your fuel bowl and lever (Yellow lever) to make sure there's no diesel mixed in it as well. Those are the most common places for the 7.3 to leak and drip oil/diesel down the back of the bellhousing. Like amiller93 stated, rear main seals don't usually go bad in the 7.3s. Report back and tell us what you find

 

So far I have found a 1211 and a 470 code. It wouldn't catch this morning after glowing it twice and cranking, stopping cranking, stopping. I finally gave up, found a power source and turned the heater on. Got it running and left it running for a while to charge the batteries. This evening I noticed the oil slick and the codes.

 

I doubt if your ICP or EBPV codes have anything to do with your starting problem. If you test your GP system, you will probably find a voltage drop between the GPR battery post and the GP post which will indicate you are in need of a new GPR.

Your oil leak also has nothing to do with the hard start issue. With the amount of oil you describe, your HPOP o-rings or turbo pedistal o-ring are the most probable culprits. If you drive it like that, you will make a big mess under the chasis and risk the o-rings blowing out and stranding you on the side of the road. Best to fix it ASAP.

 

I also see some oil spray at the back of the engine so I think it might be the turbo pedestal but light will tell. Thanx for all the help so far,

 

Just looked around with a mechanic. The valley is dry. He thinks my fruitless starting somehow caused oil to come out of the dipstick and get blown back by the fan. He checked the HPOP and the pedestal but it was dry. We cleaned it up and will see what happens next.

 

Could the cold, 10 deg, somehow combined with my vain attempts to crank it cause it to spill out? The floor is dry today. Will have to see more.

 

OK. Hope against hope but it was the turbo. Not too sure if it was the turbo to pedistal or pedistal to block. Should I do both while it is out? What parts are needed?

 

Might as well do both http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-...spagenameZWDVW

 

At Pure Diesel Performance it shows one large and one small. The ebay auction shows 2 large and 2 small. Is that how it is? Which ones go to which?

 

One of each on top and base of pedestal

 

Ah, I see. Thanx.