I am new to the diesel world. I have a 01 250 with a 7.3. I am getting no boost at all it seems. I can just hardley hear the turbo spool. In my buddies his is very loud. I checked the air filter and it was BLACK! I was looking for some help. Some have said to clean the intercooler. Also on the driver side valve cover, there is a hose that runs out and exhaust gas poors out. Also , does anyone have a link I can download a repair manual?

 

First off, if you are trying to diagnose a problem you are going to have to be a bit more scientific than it "seems" you aren't getting boost and your turbo sounds different than your buddy's. How much boost are you getting? Do you have a gauge? A stock 7.3 should hit at least 15psi under full load if it is running properly. If the air filter was black, then obviously it needs to be replaced. If you don't know the maintenance history, then you should probably change the oil and the fuel filter as well.

As for your truck sounding different than your buddy's, different model years have different turbos and will not all sound alike. Also, if the intake or exhaust is modified the turbo noise will generally be much more noticeable. Unless you are experienced with these vehicles, I wouldn't automatically assume there was a problem if your two trucks sounded differently.

The hose on the valve cover is a modification to the crankcase vent system. Normally, a hose routes these gasses back to the intake system. Some people don't want the oil going back into the engine and perform the modification that you have. This mod can result in oil fumes in the cab and oil drips on the ground, but some people don't seem to mind.

Jay

 

Welcome to FTE. I think Jay pretty much has it covered. Changing the air filter sounds like a good first step. As for the repair manual, scroll down a little further on the main forum listing page and you'll come across the 99 - 03 7.3 diesel section. Feel free to ask as many questions as you want down there. You'll find more info there than you will in a Chilton or Haynes manual.

 

I changed the air filter and it helped out a little bit. I have not had time to change the fuel filter but I am sure it needs it. It is a company truck and is not well maintained. As for the turbo noise, I can hear the turbo "whining" just barely. It sounds like the wastegate could be stuck open. It does not have a boost gauge. It is 100% BONE stock. It just has no power at all.