Originally Posted by SkySkiJason

Ok, I do not think it is a fuel problem - directly. The LAST thing I would do is drop the tank for this issue. Next to last would be throwing parts at it. Dropping the tank and doing the 'in-tank' and 'pre-pump mods' (do a search and/or read the 'common mods' sticky in the 7.3 section ) is a great idea and so is upgrading the t-stat to a 203* unit from dieselsite.com (get the billet housing too!) - BUT, ya may still need to spend $$ later to fix your problem.

I said t-stat because the engine oil is heated (and cooled - confused yet??) by the coolant and a failed t-stat can allow unobstructed flow to the radiator, so you'd be trying to warm all (8) gals of coolant instead of the couple gals or less in the block. In my trucks (w/203* t-stats), the coolant temp gauge in dash hits 'normal' range in about 2 miles driving easy in this 35-40* AM weather and is near the center of normal in well under 10 miles. Anyway, the computer uses EOT to determine many parameters including timing, and a 'cold' engine MAY perform the way you describe.

I think you can find a copy of the manuals for your truck somewhere on this site, maybe the sticky in 7.3 section?

As soon as I get a minute, I'll go get another memory card for my anemic 'lil laptop so I can actually use the AWESOME Ford tech manual I finally installed. When I do, I'll look up your symptoms and post if someone doesn't beat me to it! (feel free!)

I wish I had bought the Autoenginuity years ago. BEST $339 I ever spent on my PSD's (thanks again Clay - Riffraff diesel!!!!) You only have to pay the stealership a couple times for 'diagnosis' to justify this expense, and with an AE and all yer helpful friends here at FTE - you NEVER have to go to the stealer again. IMO, there is very little you cannot DIY on your truck!!!

Meanwhile, maybe post in 7.3 section (more traffic down there!) and ask if there's anyone near you w/an AE. If I wuz closer, I'd hook you up in a heartbeat!!

Just to clarify... truck starts fine and appears to run fine after it does 'warm up', right? Btw, DA BUS is possibly misunderstanding 'flooring it' - the computer is limiting power, so flooring it is the equivalent of barely pressing the throttle - what he is reffering to is 'drive easy' until warm, no popping wheelies and laying rubber!! 'Warm' is actually EOT on these engines - I will have EOT gauges in both my trucks SOON, since EOT can lag behind coolant temp quite a bit depending on conditions...

Keep us posted!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Richard5873

Put in the new 203* thermostat and the billet aluminum housing.
THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP.
PROBLEM TAKEN CARE OF.
THANKS FOR THE WEBSITE OF dIESELSITE.COM

Richard Chamberlin