Hi there! I just bought a 2001 Ford F350 7.3 liter diesel engine crew cab (long bed?). We got it to pull around a 5th wheel we will be living in part-time. I know nothing about diesel vehicles, and barely know a thing about vehicles in general, except I love driving a big truck. My husband, not so much.

The truck drives great, but it's very loud and it has a noise that reminds me of rockers or pistons hitting metal or something. Is that normal for a diesel truck? It also sometimes smells really badly in the cab like chemicals. One day, I opened the cab and it smelled like someone had spilled nail polish remover. Hmmn...

Is there anything we can do to the truck to make pulling around a 5th wheel easier or more enjoyable? We have had the truck for less than a week, and we haven't purchased our 5th wheel yet.

TIA!

ETA: I posted this in the wrong forum at first. Ooops. Also, by loud, I mean a LOUD knocking sound.

 

Welcome to FTE. You've come to the right place to learn about your diesel.

Let's start with the basics. If you just got the truck, I'd recommend changing all the fluids and filters. Our fuel injectors fire off of engine oil, so clean full oil of the proper rating is vital. Injectors can also make a knocking sound, so we need to see what difference fresh fluids make.

If you're not familiar with under the hood stuff, here's some links to get you started.

Oil change Welcome to guzzle's PSD Oil Change Web Page

Fuel filter change Welcome to guzzle's PSD Fuel Filter Change Web Page

Power steering fluid change Ford Super Duty Power Steering Flush | Superdutypsd.com

Sorry, but don't have a link to flushing the brake fluid, and we can get into the transmission fluid after you get a little work under your belt to build up your confidence.

Also, crawl up on top of the motor and look down in the valley with a flash light. The valley is the very top of the motor between the 2 heads. If you're directly above the motor looking down, the valley is down underneath all the stuff that is up there. Look for signs of any puddles of fluid. Either diesel fuel or oil is what you're looking for. You'll need to stick something in the puddle and smell it to determine what the fluid is. If you do find a leak, that may be your odor. Don't worry too much if you find one. It's probably a 50 cent o-ring.

For pulling the 5th wheel, you'll want to upgrade the exhaust and intake, add some gauges and probably a chip. We can walk you through doing all this stuff yourself to save you some $$$, just don't be shy about asking questions.

 

Couldn't have said it any better than Chris, welcome to FTE..

 

Welcome to FTE. Chris has you set on the right path for sure. We do mean it when we say, don't be shy about asking questions. These trucks are great but have some big differences over gas engines. But you won't find more passionate and knowledgeable people anywhere than FTE.

 

Where are you located? Maybe a member here is close enough to come check over your truck and educate you on some things.

 

Don't scare the newbie off yet Darrell. Remember we're just a bunch of strangers on the internet. Not too many places on the www like here.

 

Welcome to FTE, Stay here and we can have you truck pulling the 5th like it where not there.

 

Good point Chris. Other than FB and FTE I really dont get around much.

 

Welcome... Glad to have ya'!! There are several females on here that can vouch for us (and warn you about some of us ).

 

Welcome...Glad to have ya.You will not need to go anywhere else if you will stick with the folks here

 

Welcome Tia hope you find as much enjoyment in your truck as we all do on this site...

 

Welcome to FTE . We were one once.

 

Thanks!!

My husband isn't excited about trucks, like I am.

I'll change the fluids in the truck and check it out for leaks. The injectors make sense, because the sound is much louder during acceleration.

Now, adding stuff for the 5th wheel... um... is there a place that can do it for me? Or are they easy enough for me to install, myself? We'll have a 5th wheel within a week or 2 (OMG!), and we'll need the truck ready by then.

I really appreciate the help!

 

Oh, and how can I find reputable Ford mechanics?

 

HAHAHAHA.....
Sorry, couldn't help that....the only reputable ford mechanics I've found have been on this site and select few others.
If we knew what location you were in, I'm sure we could help locate a trusted mechanic.
Ask questions like others have said. Some of us sit at work waiting for the next new post so we can race each other to answer.... Not me though.....