7.3 Diesel Help Needed in Norman, OK

bertdawson · 02-07-2018, 01:22 PM

Check lift pump located under floor boards below driver seat. Lifts fuel from tank up to lnjector pump Should make noise and pulse if working. Easy to change. Messy. Parts available at most parts stores

Keith 944 · 02-07-2018, 01:30 PM

Cam sensor. I carry a spare. Happened to a friend a couple times easy to change

Mike Pearson · 02-07-2018, 03:35 PM

Open up the fuel filter reservoir on the engine and look to see if there is fuel up to the top. Cam Sensor is next. Check the oil level. Those engines use the engine oil to compress the diesel fuel. Cranking speed is also important to build fuel pressure. also if its cold outside check to see if the glow plug relay is working.

SC1448 · 02-07-2018, 04:56 PM

Thanks for all the help guys! After plugging the block heater in for an hour or so, it started normally. He's also been to the Ford dealer to pick up a CPS. Back on the road to Breckenridge, CO currently, I'll suggest making sure the glow plug relay is operating normally next. He just bought the truck in Florida where cold weather starting was probably not much of an issue.
Any recommendations for a good Diesel shop in / around Breckenridge, CO???
Thanks again!
-Don

Keith 944 · 02-07-2018, 07:55 PM

He may also want to pick up a set of valve cover gaskets. I know that sounds funny but the wiring runs through them and over time causes problems with the glow plugs and injectors. it is another common problem.

FED 387 · 02-07-2018, 08:38 PM

Depending on the mileage and "IF" the glow plug harness has ever been changed those little wires disintegrate over time and the plug (plastic) at the valve cover gets brittle and cracks or just melts, and the valve cover gaskets start leaking a little they get brittle--- Get either the Ford OEM (very pricey) for the Dorman gasket/wire harness buy the whole thing they sell them by the EACH no set of 2 here-- don't buy any of the gippo versions you will be sorry later on--- plan on spending about 4-5 hours to replace them also while you are in there you might want to consider replacing the glow plugs at the same time get the
Motorcraft or Beru should run about $80-90 for eight ---STAY AWAY FROM AUTOLITE GLOW PLUGS pain in the *** job but if it has to be done you might as well do both at the same time--- If you ever replace the batteries ALWAYS replace both at the same time----check the starter too if the truck has a lot of miles they should crank over really fast when you hit the key ---FED 387

SC1448 · 02-08-2018, 01:52 PM

He made it back to Breckenridge with no problem and left it unplugged so it would be cold this AM. After replacing the CPS this morning, no change, cranks fine but no start. The tach is moving while cranking the engine. He's investigating the glow plug system next and will start with checking the relay operation. I've done the v/cover gasket dance with mine and I think it is going to be a little much for his abilities, especially out in the cold and snow. Fingers crossed for a bad GP relay next....
Thanks again for the tips!
-Don

02-07-2018, 01:22 PM	#1
bertdawson Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 24 Likes: 2 Liked 7 Times in 4 Posts	Re: 7.3 Diesel Help Needed in Norman, OK Check lift pump located under floor boards below driver seat. Lifts fuel from tank up to lnjector pump Should make noise and pulse if working. Easy to change. Messy. Parts available at most parts stores

02-07-2018, 01:30 PM	#2
Keith 944 VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dela-where? Posts: 2,193 Likes: 1,162 Liked 1,877 Times in 577 Posts	Re: 7.3 Diesel Help Needed in Norman, OK Cam sensor. I carry a spare. Happened to a friend a couple times easy to change __________________ KEITH MAYERS 2-1/2 X somebody Still many X nobody

02-07-2018, 03:35 PM	#3
Mike Pearson VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,451 Likes: 615 Liked 1,935 Times in 582 Posts	Re: 7.3 Diesel Help Needed in Norman, OK Open up the fuel filter reservoir on the engine and look to see if there is fuel up to the top. Cam Sensor is next. Check the oil level. Those engines use the engine oil to compress the diesel fuel. Cranking speed is also important to build fuel pressure. also if its cold outside check to see if the glow plug relay is working. __________________ Mike Pearson 2485 SS Last edited by Mike Pearson; 02-07-2018 at 03:39 PM.

02-07-2018, 04:56 PM	#4
SC1448 Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Southampton, PA Posts: 226 Likes: 5 Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: 7.3 Diesel Help Needed in Norman, OK Thanks for all the help guys! After plugging the block heater in for an hour or so, it started normally. He's also been to the Ford dealer to pick up a CPS. Back on the road to Breckenridge, CO currently, I'll suggest making sure the glow plug relay is operating normally next. He just bought the truck in Florida where cold weather starting was probably not much of an issue. Any recommendations for a good Diesel shop in / around Breckenridge, CO??? Thanks again! -Don

02-07-2018, 07:55 PM	#5
Keith 944 VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dela-where? Posts: 2,193 Likes: 1,162 Liked 1,877 Times in 577 Posts	Re: 7.3 Diesel Help Needed in Norman, OK He may also want to pick up a set of valve cover gaskets. I know that sounds funny but the wiring runs through them and over time causes problems with the glow plugs and injectors. it is another common problem. __________________ KEITH MAYERS 2-1/2 X somebody Still many X nobody

02-07-2018, 08:38 PM	#6
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,421 Likes: 529 Liked 333 Times in 180 Posts	Re: 7.3 Diesel Help Needed in Norman, OK Depending on the mileage and "IF" the glow plug harness has ever been changed those little wires disintegrate over time and the plug (plastic) at the valve cover gets brittle and cracks or just melts, and the valve cover gaskets start leaking a little they get brittle--- Get either the Ford OEM (very pricey) for the Dorman gasket/wire harness buy the whole thing they sell them by the EACH no set of 2 here-- don't buy any of the gippo versions you will be sorry later on--- plan on spending about 4-5 hours to replace them also while you are in there you might want to consider replacing the glow plugs at the same time get the Motorcraft or Beru should run about $80-90 for eight ---STAY AWAY FROM AUTOLITE GLOW PLUGS pain in the *** job but if it has to be done you might as well do both at the same time--- If you ever replace the batteries ALWAYS replace both at the same time----check the starter too if the truck has a lot of miles they should crank over really fast when you hit the key ---FED 387 Last edited by FED 387; 02-07-2018 at 08:47 PM. Reason: spelling

02-08-2018, 01:52 PM	#7
SC1448 Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Southampton, PA Posts: 226 Likes: 5 Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: 7.3 Diesel Help Needed in Norman, OK He made it back to Breckenridge with no problem and left it unplugged so it would be cold this AM. After replacing the CPS this morning, no change, cranks fine but no start. The tach is moving while cranking the engine. He's investigating the glow plug system next and will start with checking the relay operation. I've done the v/cover gasket dance with mine and I think it is going to be a little much for his abilities, especially out in the cold and snow. Fingers crossed for a bad GP relay next.... Thanks again for the tips! -Don

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode