7.3 diesel in my Ford

family xj

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2006
Location
Jacksonville NC
My truck started running rough when it was cold. I would be idling fine then act like it was missing for a split second and then go back to running fine. Almost like it shut off. It only does it when it's cold. Once it runs for 20 minutes it runs fine. I ran the codes and it said I had a bad cam sensor and a bad glow plug so I replaced the cam sensor and ran the codes again and nothing came up. Like I said it only does it when it's a cold engine after it gets hot it is fine, well every once and a while it will falter but it's not that noticeable. I know nothing about the diesel other than changeing oil and filters.
I was told that the glow plug only plays a part in it when starting it and that once it is running the glow plug isn't really a factor.
Anyone got any ideas. I am hoping it is nothing major but knowing my luck it will cost a lot of $. Thanks

Doug
 
does it smoke when its cold, what color is the smoke? If it smokes white on a cold startup, you need a glow plug. If the smoke is a grey to darker color, time for some injectors.
 
Some details. It's an 01 excursion with 130k. It does smoke a little bit of white on start up but not very much and as soon as it is running the smoke is gone. I was thinking about replacing Glow plugs and injectors. I can get the autolite glow plugs for around $50.00 a set. It looks like the injectors will be around $190.00 for remanufactured minus the $75.00 core. That is for each of course. At that price we might have to run rough for a long time. Thanks for the tips and any more would be appreciated.

Doug
 
Yo,
Appears to be one glow plug from the white smoke at start. That cold cylinder is the likely culprit until it heats from the other cylinders and coolant. Start cheap and work your way up meaning replace the bad glow plug or all if you want the warm fuzzies with all new glow plugs. If one is bad be sure others will follow which is reason to change them all. After that, go find you some B20 fuel and run a tank full to clean things out so to speak. Then change the fuel filter and you will likely end up with a easy starting, smooth running oil burner. I see no reason to suspect an injector/pump or lifter pump if its got one.

My $0.02 :beer:
 
I would suspect a glow plug possibly. After you replaced the CPS did you clear the codes? The glow plug relay also has a history of giving problems. If it fails all the glow plugs will fail to work. I would only use OEM parts on that engine. Autolite is not OEM. Drive it some and see if any new codes appear. You could also have a wiring harness possibly giving you a problem also.
 
Back
Top