Just bought a 1997 E-350 7.3... It sat for 2 years...

[IDriveAFord6232]

Hey guy hope you can give me a little insight on my recent purchase.

I bought a 1997 E-350 Club Wagon with the 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel 162k miles...

Its evident and confirmed that this van has sat for 2 years since the owner died in May of 2010. I checked the oil level, it was good so I went to start it. I cranked it for a solid 10 seconds before it finally fired up and was running like new. (GPR works, Heard it turn on)

I thought twice about the extended crank time (I have a 2000 F-250 7.3 with 177k and it has never done that to me) but I decided it couldn't be anything too much more than just sitting for a long time.

I drove the van and was impressed with the E4OD tranny... shifts like new. Engine sounds great, maybe more quiet than my 2000? (van still has muffler and cat)

when I stopped I let it idle, sounded solid, just like my 2000. Turned it off and started it back up... at this point the engine was at operating temp and the engine still cranked for a solid 5-10 seconds, cranking faster and faster before finally making idle. Once again, ran great after it started. Gave the guy the cash ($3000 for 162k miles) Uh yeah! and Left for the trip home. 2 hour drive the highway. So far it needs a Vacuum pump and tensioner just from the drive home lol.

Stop for diesel after about 30 minutes of 70 MPH... off the exit and to the stop sign.... what the hell. The engine feels like its miss-firing on only one cylinder. You can't hear it, it sounds normal, but you can sure feel a solid "MISS" in the idle. Gave it gas and it smoothed out. Back to idle it was missing. NO CEL.

Put fresh diesel in it and started it up. WHOA! Started instantly! Drove the rest of the way home and it's still "missing at idle". Magically starts normal now though, atleast that's a plus!

What do you guys think?

--It sat for 2 years so could it just be needing a fresh oil change?
--UVCH? It's only missing on one cylinder though.
--Injector O-rings?? (at 162k seems kinda low with a stock engine and a Sunday driver)

Thanks for the info in advance guys!

[Chop]

I would suggest starting with the fuel filter and clean the fuel bowl and fpr .
The fpr has a screen and a small filter that needs cleaning every so often .

[jesilvas]

First, just cause you thought you 'heard' the GPR, doesn't mean that it works, or that was even it. If it was it, just cause it clicked doesn't mean it is putting voltage out.
I woulda drained that fuel tank but too late now. Add a good bit of fuel additive to get rid of the water too. Fuel filter and FPR screen is a good idea.
CHANGE oil also. Could be water that condensed in there, and since it's and HEUI system, water is bad for injectors.
I'd check the UVCHs anyway.

["Stroker 8"]

Congrats!!!

[IDriveAFord6232]

Thanks for some help guys.

I changed the oil yesterday and put a 16oz bottle of Diesel Help/Clean in it. Started it up and let it run for 15 minutes then drove it. HUGE improvement.

I still need to change the fuel filter and clean the FPR screen.

I also changed a nasty idler pulley that sounded like a chicken getting strangled and while doing so realized that...

A.) This might suck to work on.
B.) Hope I never need to pull the engine lol.
C.) Exhaust manifolds are scary looking (rust).
D.) It has a newer looking Stancor GPR.. Someone did their homework.

[Thomasam]

Originally Posted by IDriveAFord6232

Thanks for some help guys.

I changed the oil yesterday and put a 16oz bottle of Diesel Help/Clean in it. Started it up and let it run for 15 minutes then drove it. HUGE improvement.

A)
I still need to change the fuel filter and clean the FPR screen.

I also changed a nasty idler pulley that sounded like a chicken getting strangled and while doing so realized that...

A.) This might suck to work on.
B.) Hope I never need to pull the engine lol.
C.) Exhaust manifolds are scary looking (rust).
D.) It has a newer looking Stancor GPR.. Someone did their homework.

Congrats, I guess LOL. I have one too. Honestly I don't think you can find a more powerful /fast van, BUT.
A) Working on these things is absolutely cruel and unusual punishment
B) For some things it's easier / necessary to pull the motor, pulling heads, etc,etc, etc
on a high note the manifolds can / would stay with the motor, only the down pipe and maybe the turbo need to come off. (easy to get at on the vans, unfortunately that's about where it ends with "easy " motor wise.

one tough azz van though. good luck. Tom.

[jesilvas]

At least it's a 7.3 and not a 6.0 Eseries