Truck Starts But Wont Idle

[ccbuddee]

08 6.4 has 12,000 miles on it. Has run great until tonight. Went out to start it and it just sputters and dies with no throttle response. Acts like a diesel with air in the fuel system. Can get it to start but it won't move and runs like you know what. Will definitely need to be towed if I can't figure it out. What gives??????

[Greenhorn Diesel]

Just a stab in the dark but do you have your original fuel filters? Water in the fuel? Just because the light isn't on doesn't mean that there could be water in it. Do you have a tuner in the truck? If so can you read any codes.

[ccbuddee]

Couple dumb questions. I am assuming you mean radio tuner???? And if so how do I read the codes??? And yes it does still have the original fuel filters in it.

[Greenhorn Diesel]

I mean performance tuner. A lot of them have the capability to read codes. I personally have a Spartan Phalanx. I still have the Diesel particulate filter on my truck with an extra 150 rear wheel horse power. I also see that this is your first couple postings, so welcome to the org. I am willing to guess that your problem revolves around the fuel filters. These trucks at idle need 5000 psi or so of fuel rail pressure. If your filters are clogging, it is hard for them to build enough pressure. Is it cold where you are when this happened? Gelled fuel can cause syptoms similar to that. Another thing, there is a small chance that your high pressure fuel pump could be going bad. Some people have had that happen to them. Even with only 12k miles, anything could happen. I went through 2 radiators and an idler pulley and I have 25k on my truck. I work with mine, and it loves it...it has been a great truck

[ccbuddee]

First of all thanks for your patience with the ignorance of my "tuner" question. The truck is still stock with no tuner. The temperatures here in St. Louis are actually not that bad, so I don't believe gelling is the problem. I'm gonna head out and check the filters. Hopefully that will resolve something. Thanks for you input. I'll let you know what it turns out to be.

[Greenhorn Diesel]

Originally Posted by ccbuddee

First of all thanks for your patience with the ignorance of my "tuner" question. The truck is still stock with no tuner. The temperatures here in St. Louis are actually not that bad, so I don't believe gelling is the problem. I'm gonna head out and check the filters. Hopefully that will resolve something. Thanks for you input. I'll let you know what it turns out to be.

No problem. When it comes to these new highly sophisticated trucks, there is no such thing as a dumb question. Some people will bite your head off for it. Usually it's just in jest, but some people can be an azz. If you check your filters,(unscrew them) be sure to follow the proper priming/bleeding method in the owner's manual. Underneath the truck, under the driver's floorboard you will see your water seperator. There should be a green pet**** that you can turn to let any water/heavy sediment out. Let this drain for 15 seconds or so, and start the truck.

[rollthecoal]

I agree with Greenhorn, sounds like fuel issues....starting with the filters is wise, maybe try running some fuel conditioner through as well.

[forddieseldoctor]

Just out of curiosity is there some reason that you aren't taking it in to the dealership if there's only 12000 miles on it?

[Atkinsapproved]

Could also be an EGR valve stuck open. You'd probably get codes p0404 and p1335 and egrvp voltage at like 2.43v at rest. A ford dealer will be able to tell you whats going on. Ive done 4 egr valves in 6.4's in the last 2 weeks. Same concern your having.. truck will start but wont idle and just dies. All 4 have also broken off inside the intake elbow when trying to remove them...

[thbd77]

good luck ..probally trying to get it running to get to the dealer