Patient:
2001 4X4 F250 7.3 PSD, AT, 160K miles, original owner, no tuner or aftermarket mods.

Symptoms when cold starting:
It shall be noted that the symptoms started out similar to that of a failed EBPS and cloged tube.

1) Difficulty starting on cold (35*) mornings with the "ROMP, ROMP, ROMP", however no smoke.

2) No power after leaving driveway, as if it were fuel starved, and will even die on occasion.

3) Terrible idle untill full warm-up is achieved.

Symptoms after full warm-up:
It shall be noted that I now 'plug' the truck in - always. This has (for the most part) eliminated the cold starting problems at home. On occasions where I cannot plug the truck in (while at work, etc.), I must let it warm up fully, otherwise #2 (above) happens, even if it's 50* outside and sits for only a few hours.

4) Truck will intermittently idle rough.

5) Truck has no 'lugging' power on inclines or if you put your 'foot into it', and will lose power as if fuel starved. When this happens, I must let-off the accelerater pedal to allow the truck to 'recover', or it will die.

6) When #5 (above) happens, I sometimes get a small puff of grayish-white smoke.

7) The "Service Engine Soon" light has only come on once durring a #5 (above) episode. I just recently tried pullng codes but none existed.

Recent powerplant medical attention:
New alternator (two years ago)
New CPS (year ago)
New batteries (6 months ago)
Oil change (2000 miles ago)
New air filter (2000 miles ago)
New EBPS, along with Guzzles EBP tube cleaning (1500 miles ago)
New fuel filter (1500 miles ago)
New fuel pump (300 miles ago)
Fresh fuel

As I said earlier, I thought this to originally be a EBPS problem (see my posts in "won't run for cr@p"). I changed out the sensor, cleaned/inspected the tube (it WAS indeed clogged), and checked the EBPV for proper opperation. When this didn't work, I replaced the fuel pump. Without any codes, I'm lost. I'll try you experts here first before a stop at the Stealership.

Dudes, I'm stumped. Please help.

 

It sounds to me like poor oil supply to the HPOP (maybe).
How long does it take the oil guage to rise in the morning?
Mine will pop up in less than 5 seconds, no matter what.

 

Hmmmm.
The other possibility is perhaps the spring for the fuel pressure regulator is broken and you only have 5 psi fuel pressure. (Kind of doubt this one, though.

 

Hmmm, never noticed. Is that best checked when cold?

 

It sure seems like a fuel delivery problem to me, but hey, I don't no shlitz about these oil burners.

 

I would think so. Also, next time you are looking at it, see if the HPOP level is good.
Another thought is fuel filter, but you only have 2k on the current one.
I need to head out now, and will be offline for the evening. (Social commitment)
I'll check back tomorrow.
Since you live in Seattle, perhaps I could stop by and take a look if it becomes a stumper.

 

OK, I'll check it.

HECK, if it gets down to that, I'll swing her by! - Thanks

 

Rep sent to you Dan.
That is a great offer of help Dan knows his stuff.

 

The idleing bad while cold sounds like glow plugs to me. We have a truck at work Im sure needs them because when its cold, it doesnt want to idle, and Im almost certain its the glow plugs. Have you done the stancor GPR on your truck? OR replaced the GPR at all?

 

Times 2

 

Well if you're wanting info from the experts it sounds like you're in good hands, and he's even close by.

From a non-expert, if you still think you are having EPB issues you could try unplugging the air intake temp sensor on your air filter box. That's supposed to cause the PCM to assume default settings for a warmed up engine for the EBP. It may not help anything but at least it's a free test.

Edit: 3 responses since I started typing

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't bad GP's usually accompanied by a smoke show when cold starting?

No.

 

Sorry Chris it seems as I always reply just before you but I really don't type that fast really I don't LOL...

 

Usually a white smoke, but the truck im talking about doesnt really smoke either, but if its cold out, and you start it, it wont idle, but once its warm, its just as normal, i think because one or more cylinders isnt getting heat from the glow plug, its not heating up enough tomake all the fuel work. It actually runs rough/slow also when its cold, but once the whole engine heats up its ok. which is more the reason why i think thats the issue. I could be wrong, its just what i think, it already has the stancor gpr, but it sits around alot in the last few months, and this problem has developed while its sitting. It just really makes me think thats the problem is all. But the stancor gpr is less then 60, and if youve never done a gpr on your truck, its not a bad idea to do so.

 

Yep, conversed with Dan many times here at FTE and have aslo talked on the phone. He's a great guy.

Tried that one already, but thanks anyway.