Truck in the dumps Help!!!

[txrdnek]

I have a 7.3L and last night I felt it sputter a couple of times and then the check engine light came on and it started running like crap. Sounds and feels like its missing out but I know no spark plugs. So I did the easiest thing and took the fuel filter out and drained the fuel bowl. Cranked it back up and it ran like a champ. I shut it back off and went into Walmart for a minute to get the wife and when we came back out it did it again and the light came back on and it ran like crap. I managed to limp it back home so this morning I went and got a new filter and replaced it. Same thing so I bought a cheap code reader and it shows no codes just a misfire. I'm not an idiot most of the time but I'm definately not a diesel pro. Help please!

 

[CHPMustang]

I know this may not be related but how many miles on your truck? Any modifications done(chip,programmer,etc)?

 

[95_stroker]

Im leaning towards a burnt valve cover harness by your description. Cheap code readers wont work on a PSD.

 

[BIG JOE]

Im leaning towards a burnt valve cover harness by your description.

Me too. If not Burnt, they could be Wet, or Loose. Try disconnecting'm, clean'm up good and reconnect'm.

Kind of a SWAG but a place to start T-shoot'n.

Tell us more about yer 7.3... Like CHP sez.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

I'm thinking UVC connectors too. Running problems which occur with the engine, that are consistant with different engine temperatures are often an indicator of a loose UVC connector.

The problem was so wide spread with the Under Valve Cover connectors, that Ford came out with some little plastic pieces that keep the connectors from coming apart. I don't recall the part number of those little plastic wedges, but I'd bet someone around here has it written down someplace.

 

[txrdnek]

I appreciate the info guys. The truck has 140,000 miles on it and all I have done is a MBRP 4" turbo back exhaust. I looked a little more after posting the trouble and noticed a new oil leak coming from the back of the motor but I can't see where. So I figured I needed to put the truck in the shop because I work out of town and I have no time to t-shoot or work on it. I will keep that in mind when the shop calls me with their diagnosis. Again I really appriciate the help all the members give on the site. Thanks I will keep you guys up to date on the fix.

 

[txrdnek]

You guys were correct it was the valve cover harness. Lesson learned to wait for replies from you guys a little longer.
I do have another issue the guy at the shop told me that the air cleaner box is broken which I was aware of but I thought it was tight enough and the motor has been sucking dust in over the filter for who knows how long. I have had the truck 3 months so I was not aware and didn't research the truck enough. But anyway he said that I'm looking at a rebuild within about a year. He put some kind of gauge on it for the back compresion or something but said it 2/3 clogged. Anyway he was way over my head but is very knowledgeable about these motors. Do you guys think a rebuild is worth it? He said 4,000 to use everything on the current motor but to do it right with upgraded parts he said plan on 7,000. I don't know what do you think?

 

[BIG JOE]

You guys were correct it was the valve cover harness. Lesson learned to wait for replies from you guys a little longer.
I do have another issue the guy at the shop told me that the air cleaner box is broken which I was aware of but I thought it was tight enough and the motor has been sucking dust in over the filter for who knows how long. I have had the truck 3 months so I was not aware and didn't research the truck enough. But anyway he said that I'm looking at a rebuild within about a year. He put some kind of gauge on it for the back compresion or something but said it 2/3 clogged. Anyway he was way over my head but is very knowledgeable about these motors. Do you guys think a rebuild is worth it? He said 4,000 to use everything on the current motor but to do it right with upgraded parts he said plan on 7,000. I don't know what do you think?

Glad you got the UVC issue corrected but just exactly what (?) is 2/3rds clogged ? Back Compression ? Don't know what that is.

4 to 7K is about right for a rebuild. Running with a Leaky Air Box aint good but....

 

[txrdnek]

When I pick up the truck I will find out more and update.

 

[95_stroker]

Yeah, not sure what the mechaninc means when he says 2/3's clogged but unless you are using alot of oil or cant build compression I would hesitate to say that you will for sure be rebuilding the engine within 12 months. I would start doing regular oil analysis to see what contaminants are present.