2001 7.3 Powerstroke problem

DLEDM

MEMBER
2001 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS

2001 F350 4x4 7.3L diesel auto 50,000 miles.
No problems with this until last fall after starting on a cold day it was running rough, had no power even after 30 minutes warm-up, and the "Service engine soon" light was on. Since then, it is very hard to start and runs rough if started. I obtained a code reader and even though the service light is on, it reports no DTC stored in the computer. The reader seems to connect to the computer OK, and displays real time data while connected and the engine running. I read about a common problem with these engines, the Cam Position Sensor, and installed a new one. No change. I am stumped.

2 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Could also be an injector or multiple injectors. Or even the glow plugs. Have also had to replace the wiring harness to the injectors on a 7.3

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Monday, May 14th, 2007 AT 5:28 PM

DLEDM

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I wonder how to tell what the problem is? If it were hard cold starting (glow plugs) it should straighten out once it is running and warmed up, but it doesn't. It is warm weather now and there should not be much problem with heat for starting. When cranking, sometimes it fires on one or two cylinders, sometimes not at all. If it doesn't fire there is unburned fuel coming out the exhaust. Sometimes, if you spend long enough and get it started, it seems to run on 5 or 6 cylinders - has just enough power to move.
It seems like the ECU doesn't know where the cylinders are and is injecting fuel at sometimes wrong, sometimes right times. That's why the CPS sounded like the culprit. Thel fuel filter and pump pressure are fine.