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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:04 PM
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Unhappy HELP HELP HELP - need advice

I've got a 2003 7.3L F250, shortly after i bought it, i changed the oil with the Shell RotellaT and started experiencing some running/starting problems. It would start a bit slower and once it got to runnin, it took about 10 minutes of drive time for all of the injectors/pistons to be working properly. It seems to be most effected by cold. when its 80+ degrees outside, this only lasts for a minute or so, but when its cold as hell, it takes almost 25 to warm up. i bought the truck in Simi Valley, CA, so i'm sure the previous owner didnt even noticed. now that the military has moved me to colorado springs, the winters are touhg on it.

i changed to full sythetic rotellaT and that helped a bit, but it still does it. DOES ANYONE have any suggestions as to what it might be? ive already replaced the glow plugs, wiring harness and injector seals and it still does it.

ive heard the injectors are going bad, any thoughts? please email me at ryan.barbour@schriever.af.mil. i would really, really appreciate your suggestions and expert knowledge.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:07 PM
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I'd start with a 203 thermostat....it sounds like the engine is overcooling, as in a thermostat stuck open..... I would tyhink the HPOP would either work or not work, not kinda work,, it may be a fuel pressure thing as well.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:10 PM
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I have a fully functioning stock thermostat and extra gasket I kept just in case. I can send it to ya and you can switch it out and see if that is your problem.

I also think he has a cold start issue, probably a bad glow plug relay.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:12 PM
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?

you think that might be it?
 
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:15 PM
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Welcome to FTE.

When did you change the, while its was still warm or recently? What grade oil did you change into, 5w 40, 15w 40, is it synthetic, or dino..

Lets start there.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:15 PM
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what would be the signs of a stuck thermostat?
 
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:16 PM
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i cant remember the weight offhand, but it was the full sythetic Shell RotellaT that comes in the large blue gallon bottles
 
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Hunter3285
i cant remember the weight offhand, but it was the full sythetic Shell RotellaT that comes in the large blue gallon bottles
Thats 5w-40...synthetic. It should run better in the cold with that oil in it.

Ryan you said the truck ran great before it got cold?
 
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:23 PM
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yeah, it seems to run a lot better when its warm/hot out. it starts better, runs 100% a lot quicker, and all 8 pistons/injectors kick in quicker too. it definitely seems to be temerature related. ive taken it to quite a few shops and everyone seems to be saying something different. so i am at a loss...
 
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Hunter3285
what would be the signs of a stuck thermostat?

Your temp gage should raise, but very slowly, and never get to the normal operating temp.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Hunter3285
yeah, it seems to run a lot better when its warm/hot out. it starts better, runs 100% a lot quicker, and all 8 pistons/injectors kick in quicker too. it definitely seems to be temerature related. ive taken it to quite a few shops and everyone seems to be saying something different. so i am at a loss...
Just for our own knowledge, what did these shops have to say about what was wrong with it?

Did they scan the truck for codes? Do any tests?
 
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Hunter3285
you think that might be it?
Did you say how many miles on it ?..

If it came from california ,,it might have a Glow plug controller ,rather than a Glow plug relay ..

A controller will tell you if there are any problems with the GP's
 
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:25 PM
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https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...pr-system.html

Reference this thread, do what test you can here, may/should help with the start.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:26 PM
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yes, it came from california. it has about 126,000 miles on it.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 01:54 PM
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THe only thing that comes to mind ,is may be the Engine Oil temp sensor thinks its still in california..

May need to get it scanned to get some live data on EOT & ICP & IPR DC% at cold start ,,

If you do have it scanned ,,may need to go to a dealer ,or a Diesel repair shop ,,for them to have the correct scanner ..

One test you can do yourself , is Unplug the ICP sensor 3 wire plug on the front of the left head ,,start it ,,see if it improves ,,,could be the sensor ,,or the IPR sticking when cold ...

Live data will help alot ...
 
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