99 PSD 7.3 lost power runs very rough

[Jim & Trish Chandler]

Saturday while towing my 5er the truck lost power and began running rough. I am wondering if I filled up with bad fuel. It's at the ford dealer in Mount Pocono, PA and we are in the 5er at the tow service yard... Stranded and need some info so I can speak intelligently with the dealer later this morning. Any Ideas from other Ford owners.

[Jim & Trish Chandler]

Saturday while towing my 5er the truck lost power and began running rough. I am wondering if I filled up with bad fuel. It's at the ford dealer in Mount Pocono, PA and we are in the 5er at the tow service yard... Stranded and need some info so I can speak intelligently with the dealer later this morning. Any Ideas from other Ford owners.

[jrcnlc]

First thing ck for codes with code reader.If no codes probley fuel filter or pump.I have an extra filter on mine an when gets plugged loses power an misses clean filter an ok.

[K-Star]

Could be fuel delivery system issue or maybe a turbo hose popped off. Not sure what year your truck is, but the earlier 7.3's had an issue with clamp failures on turbo hoses.

[FleetMan]

Could be a whole bunch of things. Checking the codes would be one of the first things to do. Rough running engine is most likely fuel related; fuel quality, connection at a valve cover, under valve cover gasket wiring, connection at an injector, bad injector, etc.

Generally when a turbo hose connection comes loose, you have a very noticeable loss of power but the engine continues to run smooth.

[Hemi]

We have a 99 PSD, bought new in 98; except for cam sensor failure we have had no problems. We don't run a chip.

Here is the problem. On a trip to Atlanta on Sat carrying a bigfoot camper and towing a saturn vue I noticed a serious lack of power as we climbed some gradual hills entering the Atlanta area. On normal interstates there is no serious problem and I cruise at 60 mph.

But on driving on slight inclined at 60 mph the speed slowly drops...I finally can only get up the slight hill by going in the first (automatic), and even then I am going 20 mph.

Question:

Is my load too much; camper is 4500 lbs and the saturn vue is about 3000 lbs....

Or is there an engine problem.

I changed fuel filter about 10000 miles ago; the engine idles fine.

I have heard that the 7.3 liter can have a chronic loss of power problem related to injector 8.

Thanks, HEMI

[TXiceman]

You can get some good help over HERE.

Bunch of gear heads that live and breath PSD.

DO you have access to a code reader? Be a good starting point.

Ken

[K-Star]

you can also try here

Another bunch that eat and breath PSD. Nice to get different opinions.

A friend of mine had a similar issue a long time ago when we both had `99 PSD's. His turned out to be a loose turbo hose.

[Hemi]

Thanks John and Ken

I posted just posted the issue on TheDieselStop.com, waiting for some replies.

I had a quick look at the turbo, clamps seem snug.

I will search for a code reader...if not too expensive I will purchase,

again, thanks, HEMI

[Buzzcut]

I had the same truck and engine with the same symptoms once like you had. It was a CPS (Cam position sensor) Install takes about 5 minutes and the dealer sells them for around 80 buks but they can also be found on e-bay for around 65 bucks but that won't help you if your stranded. I can e-mail you some info about changing the CPS with photos also. If its not that, then in the future buy an extra CPS and keep it in the glove box. Once they go, you'll be very glad that you have a replacement on hand. Good Luck.
Dave

[Hemi]

Dave, thanks; I have had the CPS replaced twice.

Yes, if you have pictures to help me on the CPS, please send to:

duedall@fit.edu

Thanks, IWD

[TXiceman]

Usually, the CPS does not cause rough running. It either runs or it does not run.

It takes a 10mm socket, a pair of pliers and a screw driver. The CPS i s located at about the 7 or 8 o'closk position looking at the front of the engine. There are two wires running to it and ther is a plug just a few inches from the CPS.

You may have to use the pliers and/or screw driver to loosen the CPS. Put a light coating of engine oil on the o-ring before you reinstall it.

It doesn't take anymore than 20 minutes which includes getting the tools, getting a beer and putting up the tools.

Ken

[Hemi]

Ken, thanks.

Yes, I agree, if the cps fails, the engine won't run.

Thanks for the instructions on the cam sensor removal. In a few days when I get back to FL I will have a good look at the cps...to be ready to replace if I have to; many thanks, HEMI

PS: Did you see my post on loss of power...that is my main problem now...somehow the engine is not delivery the power is normally does.

[Buzzcut]

Heres some info on the CPS.

http://www.forgotton.net/mods/cps.html