I am new to working on diesels so bare with me. Dealer wanted around $1700 to fix my leaking pedestal actuator (they already got around $3k for turbo replacement out of me) on my 2002 7.3l PS wow. So I decided it is time to start my edumaction on diesels. So I am thinking about gutting and plugging the actuator for the pedestal and have been doing some searching/studying (great info on here! props out to those responding to these posts and sharing their wealth of knowledge/experiences) on here but there are a couple quick things I would like to clarify.

If you gut the pedestal (removing the piston, spring, etc) and plug it via pipe plug or bolt you just don't want to hook up the connector back or there could be a problem with oil getting to the turbo? Something to do with EBP sensor messing with the flow of oil?

Has anybody done it a different way? I was thinking running a bolt through the hole using a rubber stopper with a nut and washers setup. Run it to the valve to hold it open and not actually deleting the valve. I am mainly thinking of this since I might in the future want to turn the EBPV valve into an engine brake.

People who have deleted the Valve etc. has your mpg's improved? Which would add to my decision making process.

 

My opinion is either gut it and unplug the sensor, or buy a rebuild kit and rebuild it. If using the EBPV as an exhaust brake is a real possibility, then rebuild it. The rebuild kit is around $125, which should make it just a bit cheaper than the dealer quote.

 

I decided to do the rebuild kit I ordered it from Riffraff Diesel after the posts on here of good experiences with them.

Of course though I am impatient and need the truck in the mean time so I took the piston threaded it further put a nut on it a piece of rubber and ran it back through the hole in the pedestal then put a nut and washer on the outside to lock it down. Next I put the end piece that moves the valve on to the bolt and adjusted it to hold the edpv wide open. Got everything back together without connecting the pedestal connector up, let it warm up at idle then drove it about two miles and it start pooring white smoke out the tailpipe the turbo is now leaking oil inside bad. Dah, What did I do wrong?

Even with this screw up I am still not out as much as the dealer wanted to fix so I am not too upset as long as I can get it done it time for Country Thunder!

 

I like your Will Rogers quote very true.

 

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - beanhead6D5's Album: EBPV delete

Here's what I did with mine.

 

I've seen before with this article there being a difference in a pipe tap and a different tap - could someone explain that to me? And then what size plugs are used for both the pedestal and for the EBPV? And what's everyone's opinion on type of plug for the EBPV: bolt, freeze plug, or solid pipe plug? Thanks in advance.