Got a fella in camp with a 7.3 that has 479,000 miles. It won't start. It smokes out the pipe when he cranks it.I have already talked to him about my opinion.He disagrees. He just keeps charging the battery with a generator and continuing to crank it more. Says he just needs to give it a good 30 second crank to get it to fire up.I don't see it happening.Any thoughts?

I have no idea but, please keep us updated if he gets it started.With that many miles he's probably familiar with its quirks.

If that's the diesel, sounds like the glow plugs aren't working.

x2 I had one, was a very good engine back in 1991

There was a recall on the 7.3L cam position sensor. If the CPS went bad it wouldn't start or run. They'd be running down the road just fine then quit. Really simple and cheap to replace. Cost is about $20 on line for the CPS. Just need a 10mm socket and probably a flat blade screwdriver to pry it out. There are some videos on YouTube showing how.Before the recall it was common for guys with the 7.3L to carry an extra CPS.

7.3 no start | Good Sam Community

nevadanick
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
Then its not turning over fast enough.
Jerrybo66
Explorer
Jan 19, 2017
Chrisatthebeach wrote:
On mine it will not start if one of or both of the batteries are not good.
I had issues 2 years ago with it not starting. Both batteries were less than 24 months old. One was bad and took the other one out with it.

I am coming up on 2 years on this pair of batteries and expect it to give no start issues again before the year is up.

I had the same problem with batteries. Two Ford dealerships couldn't find why it didn't start. Now if it doesn't start immediately I replace both batteries. Usually only one is weak. If the truck is run every day the bad one doesn't have time to drain down but if it sits for a few days it won't start.. I think two batteries may be cheaper than a starter.
cummins2014
Explorer
Jan 19, 2017
Huntindog wrote:
nevadanick wrote:
I had 2 97's NRALIFR probably has the right answer. Ford has a fix for it that doesnt require replacing the whole wiring under the valve cover. If the guy doesnt want to spend any money then he could disable the glow plugs completely and give it a shot of ether.
He's been using ether

And yet we have not heard whether you suggested the CPS to him, or suggested anything. :@
Huntindog
Explorer
Jan 19, 2017
nevadanick wrote:
I had 2 97's NRALIFR probably has the right answer. Ford has a fix for it that doesnt require replacing the whole wiring under the valve cover. If the guy doesnt want to spend any money then he could disable the glow plugs completely and give it a shot of ether.
He's been using ether
nevadanick
Explorer
Jan 19, 2017
I had 2 97's NRALIFR probably has the right answer. Ford has a fix for it that doesnt require replacing the whole wiring under the valve cover. If the guy doesnt want to spend any money then he could disable the glow plugs completely and give it a shot of ether.
FishOnOne
Nomad
Jan 18, 2017
NRALIFR wrote:
Geez I hope he got more than just a glow plug relay for $500.

With that many miles though, if the valve cover gaskets and "under valve cover" glow plug/injector wire harnesses have never been touched I can guarantee you they need to be replaced. Tell him to unplug each of the external connectors on the valve cover gaskets and look for any signs of burning or melting. The connections under the valve covers will be in even worse shape.

:):)

I think the OP is busy eating pop corn
cummins2014
Explorer
Jan 18, 2017
Huntindog wrote:
He just spent 500.00 last week getting the glow plug relay replaced. That is how he got it started to get here. He is considering getting it replaced again.

While I do think the it is possible that the compression may be OK.... With that mileage, I would check that before throwing more money at other things... IOW, there my be several things wrong.... Why bother with them if the basic motor is shot.

I don't know the year, but it appears to me to be one of the newer ones.

It is a long way into town for more popcorn. Sigh.:B

My experience with a 7.3 nearly 16 years, a glow plug relay will prevent a cold weather start. Had a bad one, but no problem when it was warm, don't remember the exact temperature ,but it seemed like 50 degrees or above.

It would be so easy to check the relay either with a meter, or simply plug it in for awhile, and see if it will start. Glow plug relay IMO is not his problem. Has he done anything with the CPS, thats the first thing I would check in that warm climate.
NRALIFR
Explorer
Jan 18, 2017
Geez I hope he got more than just a glow plug relay for $500.

With that many miles though, if the valve cover gaskets and "under valve cover" glow plug/injector wire harnesses have never been touched I can guarantee you they need to be replaced. Tell him to unplug each of the external connectors on the valve cover gaskets and look for any signs of burning or melting. The connections under the valve covers will be in even worse shape.

:):)
Wild_Card
Explorer
Jan 18, 2017
Huntindog wrote:
He just spent 500.00 last week getting the glow plug relay replaced. That is how he got it started to get here. He is considering getting it replaced again.

While I do think the it is possible that the compression may be OK.... With that mileage, I would check that before throwing more money at other things... IOW, there my be several things wrong.... Why bother with them if the basic motor is shot.

I don't know the year, but it appears to me to be one of the newer ones.

It is a long way into town for more popcorn. Sigh.:B

I am with you. A "V" configuration diesel engine only has a 250,000mile before a major failure lifespan. Yes they regularly go to 500k and beyond with meticulous maintenance.

Pop corn and beer
Huntindog
Explorer
Jan 18, 2017
He just spent 500.00 last week getting the glow plug relay replaced. That is how he got it started to get here. He is considering getting it replaced again.

While I do think the it is possible that the compression may be OK.... With that mileage, I would check that before throwing more money at other things... IOW, there my be several things wrong.... Why bother with them if the basic motor is shot.

I don't know the year, but it appears to me to be one of the newer ones.

It is a long way into town for more popcorn. Sigh.:B

Forum Discussion

7.3 no start

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

7.3. problem

New Ford 7.3 V8

De-Chipped my 7.3

7.3 repair bill ouch

2000 F250 7.3