I am asking this for a friend at work. He just bought a 1999 7.3 with 140,000 miles on it to pull his work trailer. He said the truck runs fine with no load (trailer) and even with a loaded trailer on flat surface. However, when going up a grade, the truck continually sputters and dies. That is with the loaded trailer only. Unloaded, or with an empty trailer, no problem. The loaded trailer is about 12 to 14K.

Any ideas? We ran his VIN and see there is an open recall on the cam position sensor, would that cause this issue? Any ideas would be appreciated.

BTW. This truck is replacing a Chevy 2500 HD, that was totally gutless. Hate for his Ford experience to start off this way.

 

I don't know but get that CPS fixed. That has been known to cause all types of problems to include stalling the truck out while cruising at highway speeds.

 

That brings me to another question. Since we ran his VIN and it showed the recall info, would that mean that this work had not been done to his truck? Meaning, is the recall info generic because the VIN generated a 99 7.3? Or is it showing the info because the work hasn't been done? Sorry if that is confusing. Thanks...

 

The CPS usually shuts one down completly. Low oil or old dirty oil will cause those problems you decribed. Any check engine lights?

EDIT: A clogged fuel filter will also cause stumbling when under high fuel demand.

 

They are replacing all OEM CPSs free of charge. The will even pay repair bills if you have had to have it done already. Takes about 15mins if you have an appointment. If it stills shows up on the recall, then it hasn't been done.

 

Agreed. A little more info is needed. Fluid conditions & levels, filter conditions, dash lights flashing, any other symptoms you can tell us.

 

does the engine completely die or could it be defueling?

 

It was the cam position sensor. He had it in the dealership yesterday, he said it took all of 20 min. Loaded up his trailer and said it didn't skip a beat. I told him he can get a spare and change it himself next time (if need be).

Thanks for the help guys.

 

Thanks, I would have bet on something else, glad he got it fixed.