7.3 role call

CJONE · Oct 14, 2013

Jeepnford said:
I have a 2001 crew cab six speed with about 170k miles I bought new. I started cutting wood a few years ago and that's taken a toll on the bed, along with rusting at the rear fenders. It used to get 18-20 mph empty but the last couple of years it's been more like 12. It's hard to start when cold, tested all the glow plugs and related parts good and I'm starting to wonder if I have some weak injectors. I was thinking of getting a new gas super duty but am not convinced I want to spend that kind of money and get rid of this truck.

Did you run it out of fuel by any chance? CJ

Piston · Oct 14, 2013

CJONE said:
Did you run it out of fuel by any chance? CJ

How come you ask this? I'm curious because my father ran his '99 out of fuel.

CJONE · Oct 15, 2013

Piston said:
How come you ask this? I'm curious because my father ran his '99 out of fuel.

Depending on how long the engine is cranked without fuel it causes damage to the injectors, or if they are ran with a air leak it usually kills the last injector in line over time. The injectors in these 7.3's are very good but they can be killed and starting and mileage usually suffer. Water does a number on them also. The D-max injectors are very sensitive to this and most of the failures could be traced back to bad fuel. Also you need to check your oil pressure in the HP rail. The IPR is known to get stickey on the 7.3 and it will cause the problems you are describing. If oil changes were neglected the HPOP will wear and give you fits also with starting and mileage but usually it is the IPR [injector pressure regulator]. Most of the time they can be cleaned. Anyway hope this helps. CJ

Soundguy · Oct 15, 2013

joecdeere said:
I love mine too!

nice orange power back there!

Jeepnford · Oct 15, 2013

CJONE said:
Did you run it out of fuel by any chance? CJ

Never ran out of fuel, but did get a bad tank of fuel once loaded with water. Didn't go many miles before I shut it off but how far is too far? I don't put a lot of miles on the oil either.

CJONE · Oct 16, 2013

Jeepnford said:
Never ran out of fuel, but did get a bad tank of fuel once loaded with water. Didn't go many miles before I shut it off but how far is too far? I don't put a lot of miles on the oil either.

It does not take much, if I remember correctly a 7.3's injectors run with 2-3000psi of oil pressure at a 7 to 1 ratio that gives around 20k of pressure at the tip. So the plungers will score fairly easy at these pressures. Don't quote me at the pressures again that is just from memory. Did your mileage go to crap after the water issue? CJ

VitaBene · Oct 18, 2013

7.3 6 speed with ceramic LUK clutch, tuner, tymar intake, MBRP exhaust, gauges.
202K miles, the trailer it is towing is 32' (I was just getting ready for Myrtle Bike week, WD bars not on yet!)

Jeepnford · Oct 18, 2013

CJONE said:
It does not take much, if I remember correctly a 7.3's injectors run with 2-3000psi of oil pressure at a 7 to 1 ratio that gives around 20k of pressure at the tip. So the plungers will score fairly easy at these pressures. Don't quote me at the pressures again that is just from memory. Did your mileage go to crap after the water issue? CJ

It's gotten gradually worse over time.

Btown · Oct 20, 2013

Well I have a 2001 with 63,567 miles. Owned it since March 2003. Bought it with 16,000 miles. Only minor problems. Still on original tires and batteries. The batteries need to be changed before winter tho.

terryknight · Oct 27, 2013

New guy to the site, I love the old fords. I currently own a 94.5 4x4 F250 Reg cab PSD 5speed, 4.10LS, with 272K on it. I have d60 (with a locker) swapped it, southbend clutch rear discs, rear airbags, hydroboost brakes, 160/100 rosewood injectors, t500 HPOP, D66, swamps IDM, DIY IC, DIY E fuel, TW tunes, 6.0 fan. NO RUST (this is my baby) I'm sure there is something i am forgetting.

a 97 4x4 F 250 Ex cab short bed PSD 5 speed, 3.55, with 184K, Fisher minute mount plow, D60 swapped, 6 pos chip, intake exhaust, boost/EGT gauges, 140volt IDM and rust issues.

last march i sold my 97 F250 reg cab auto 3.55s with 157K

Dad owns a 95 F-Super Duty rollback 5 speed with 183K, 96 F250 ex cab long bed with 168K, and a 00 F350 6speed dump with 110K