Do we have a 7.3 Ford Powerstroke mechanic on here

[carpenle]

Anybody know anything about 7.3 power stroke? I've been having an intermittent issue...typically when I'm towing or under load the check engine light kicks on and I lose power. Kind of like it goes into limp mode. It has been going away when you drop down the rpms, the check engine light goes off and power returns. I checked codes already and replaced exhaust back pressure sensor (also cleaned the tube and it is clear), drove about 100 miles and it happened again this time with no codes. Has new cps sensor already... Any thoughts? My only code reader for this is a tuner that pulls the codes, so IDK if it pulls all of the codes.

I am ready to take this into a shop, but would prefer to pay somebody on here.:wrench:

I am thinking some kind of sensor, just because how intermittent the issue is, IPR, ICP, ect... but really do not know. Maybe under valve cover harness, I am going to pull the valve covers and look at them.

Levi

[The StRanger]

Poss IDM code. Need a # or to hook up..

[carpenle]

It pulled a PO470 Exhaust Back Pressure sensor, so that is why I replaced the sensor. When it happened again, it did not have a code stored.

[The StRanger]

Check for corrosion at the sensor.. But thats not causing this.
Theres something else doing this
Feel like fuel or elec.??

[Bob]

You've checked the fuel filter...?

[AccordRanger]

You're not too far from longmont. If you have time stop by luckys diesel in Longmont and talk to him. He might be able to help out.

[Bob]

You might want to check the injector wiring harness and connectors. They can go intermittent on these engines and cause various ills like this. I think Ford has an upgraded replacement.

[carpenle]

I looked at the fuel filter, it is not bad. I pulled off the valve cover and the harness is in great shape. I am leaning to a IDM, I found a service bulletin that describes the exact problem I am having. Now to find an IDM that is not going to break the bank. When I removed the Turbo Intake boot, it is torn, so I will also need to find one of those.

[carpenle]

Feel like fuel or elec.??

It really feels like a sensor is cutting in and out. I do not think it has anything to do with fuel, the bowl was full and it is so intermittent. Also weird that the CEL kicks on and off.

[carpenle]

http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo233/carpenle/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140728_173736_611.jpg (http://s379.photobucket.com/user/carpenle/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140728_173736_611.jpg.html)

[carpenle]

Ordered the IDM off ebay $119, got the intake boot from riffraff http://www.riffraffdiesel.com/riffraff-diesel-94-97-turbo-intake-boot/ Hoping this solves my issue.

[Jim]

$119 sounds like a deal!

I have been watching the thread, out of curiosity, and just looked up the IDM part number. :eek: prices.

$599
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GENUINE-FORD-MODULE-F7TZ-12B599-AC-F7TZ12B599AC-NEW-SURPLUS-/190741063441

$792
http://www.fuelparts.com/diesel%20fuel%20injector%20drivers.htm

[carpenle]

I have been watching the thread, out of curiosity, and just looked up the IDM part number. prices.

They are not cheep, that is for sure. The one on ebay is reconditioned and for the price it will help me rule out the IDM. I am really hoping it is fixed but we will see. They have a mod that you can do to up the volts on the IDM that is suppose to fire the injectors faster http://www.swampsdiesel.com/IDM/Project%20Overview.htm (what the inside looks like). My truck had the IDM-100, which is the lowest voltage. I am getting the IDM-110 which might make a little difference. The later trucks run IDM-120 and the mod pushes them up to 140.

[carpenle]

Put the IDM in and no change. Ended up taking to a shop and they can not get it to duplicate the prob. There were no codes stored, so no help there.

[glacierpaul]

Levi, had sort of the same issue. Have the injectors been cleaned or replaced? Chris at Kysar's Place has done that on mine, along with other elated items and has seamed to help on my issue. He would chat with you about your issue and have more possible suggestions or fixes. 303-582-3566. Also, 2 other sites I utilize at times are Colorado Diesel Truck Club, tons of info there. And Rocky Mountain Ford Truck Club :)
How is the alternator and batteries?

I do know owning my truck has been expensive, but worth it, the newer models just don't compare engine wise.

[carpenle]

Thanks Paul! The batteries are only a couple seasons old. I have cleaned the alternator and battery cables, seem to be working fine. The injectors have not been cleaned or replaced, but seem to function. I run Howes Diesel Treat http://www.howeslube.com/ , since they went to Low Sulfer diesel. It is so intermitant, that is what makes it tough.

[Unbalanced]

My only code reader for this is a tuner that pulls the codes

Hmm, is it tuned? Does it act up when returned to stock? A lot of performance 'tunes' can cause out of parameter operating conditions which can lead to codes.

Most of those tuner/code readers can only get to the generic codes. You might need to get a more sophisticated scanner.

Just my 2¢

[carpenle]

Hmm, is it tuned? Does it act up when returned to stock? A lot of performance 'tunes' can cause out of parameter operating conditions which can lead to codes.

Most of those tuner/code readers can only get to the generic codes. You might need to get a more sophisticated scanner.

It is not tuned, It is at factory settings. I did put the tow safe tune on it, to see if anything changed, and it did not. I had a diesel shop scan it and they did not pull any codes either.

[Unbalanced]

Boy, that's odd. If the MIL came on, it'd should have set a code in memory. That memory will clear itself if, after a certain number of key cycles, the problem does not recur. I just don't remember how many cycles it takes to reset.

But, if you catch it right away, you should find a code in memory.

BTW, putting a different tune in it will erase all codes. Well, it'll set a P603 for a KAM - Keep Alive Memory - error.

Is the shop scanning for 'Enhanced" codes?

As a side note, re: the TSB you posted earlier, I have seen injector solenoids fail, but they'd cause the system to shut down a whole bank. That was really limping... But it would blow codes for that.

[dieseldoc]

Sounds like a electronic issue for sure. The 7.3 is the last good diesel ford used. As well its a simple engine. But like all of the diesels the injectors only live so long. Just because you are using Howes won't mean they are not failing. The wire harnesses are much like the ones found in a Detroit 50/60 series, they are know to fair as they are always soaking in hot oil.
So just inspecting may not disclose a soaked and cooked wire.
But as mentioned above the tuner may be affecting your ecm.

[carpenle]

Thanks Brandon!

My batteries were only 2 yrs old and the terminals not corroded, but I found a service bulletin that said to pull them and clean them. I pulled my battery cables and really cleaned them good and the issue has not came back. Not sure if it is fixed, but I am hoping.

[dieseldoc]

Thanks Brandon!

My batteries were only 2 yrs old and the terminals not corroded, but I found a service bulletin that said to pull them and clean them. I pulled my battery cables and really cleaned them good and the issue has not came back. Not sure if it is fixed, but I am hoping.

Dam computers! The slightest corrosion and thing freak out.
good to here the issue has gone away.