[howardtm]

Marc...I know that by now this sounds like a broken record but this 7.3 problem is driving me nuts (granted it's a short trip..but) The SES light still comes on, usually when pulling a grade, steep or not, loaded or not. Initially, it would result in a complete loss of power, no guts to turn the wheels(no joke) and massive amounts of black smoke out the pipe. However, about 5 months (or so) ago, it was losing power again, I heard a small ping sound and it seemed to correct itself, at least in that regard. Althought the SES light would come on, it didn't seem to make any noticable difference in driveability and would usually go out within 3-4 miles, although it never had the power or mileage I expected from a diesel. Well...it's back! went on a 40 mile run and was lucky to get it back to the shop. I seem to recall the last code they pulled was 1211, something to do with the HPOP etc. Granted, and I'll be the first to admit, that I'm not the brightest bulb in the box when it comes to diesels, or any other such mechanics, but it would seem that (a. if the HPOP ot injector O-rings were leaking, they'd leak ALL the time, under all loading conditions?? (b. That the black smoke and rough running are indications of way too much fuel being pushed into the cylinders..hence major flooding, hence again, to my simple mind, would indicate too much fuel and/or not enough air. Now that Allegheny Ford has possession of my truck once more, I see major dollar signs flashing before my meager bank account. This problem doesn't manifest itself on a continous basis..example..drove from Pittsburgh to Houston,Tx, on to Tucson, Az, on to Sacramento and was just outside Salt Lake City before the SES light came on (didn't seem to affect the driveability at all). If I'm on fairly flat ground, seems to always run fine (except for the apparent lack of real guts or decent mileage). Just a thought here, again from a simple mind, but could a valve or gate or something associated with the turbo be a culprit here as well. Before this happened again today, it was losing power, black smoke etc..etc, and I heard a distinct "ping" like either something broke...or broke free, then almost 6 months without it losing power and going limp noodle on me. As for mileage, granted, with the empty weight (unloaded) being just over 13,350lbs, and I don't expect to see 18MPG here (unless you know of a secret oath to the Diesel God), but in your opinion shouldn't I be getting more than 9..(down hill, unloaded with a stiff tailwind)?? And as for the "power" or more specifically the lack of, I've never been one to lay down a heavy foot, but its really embarrassing to be passed by a surfer dude on a skateboard going up a small grade. I apologize for the long winded oratory here but any reasonably logical insights from you or others out there in PowerStroke Land would be of the utmost help..especially as to the things that it CANNOT be (the Ford shop here seems to like replacing parts (at my expense) that DOESN'T fix the problem. By The Way Marc, If I'd have had the time and money when going through the valley up to Sacramento, I would have stopped by and had YOU fix this thing. I really believe that you'd do right..the first time. (and that just might still be an option...)
Thanks Guys, for everything.
Howard T. McAllister
PS I'll get you the new codes as soon as they pull em.