Ping when starting and shutting down

[2001f250]

My 2001 7.3 has developed a new habit. When starting, and when turning it off, there is a loud pinging or misfire sound from one or more cylinders on the left side. Is accompanied my a large cloud of smoke sometimes. Truck has 150k, this is the first time it has done anything odd. Could it be glow plugs? Injectors? It runs fine. Power and MPG are no different.

[dieseldan2005]

It could be injector cackle. The number 8 injector is known for going bad due to a lack of oil supply. I installed a high pressure cross over line to even out the oil pressure to the rear cyls. It quieted and smoothed out my engine a lot. I would put a good scan tool on your truck and see if it passes a buzz test and a cyl contribution test. That could help you find out if the number 8 is indeed bad. Just make sure to do some diag before you spend a lot of money on parts.

[2001f250]

Is this a scan tool only a shop would have ($$$$) or are there some reasonably priced units on the market?

[dieseldan2005]

You can get an auto enginuity scan tool that uses a laptop. Its about $350. I bought one. Its great to have. Some of our vendors sell those AE scan tools, get the ford bundle.

[2001f250]

Diesel Dan,

Wow, I purchased the AE unit, what a great tool! It (as you suggested) passes the buzz test and fails number 8 on the contribution test. Time for a new #8 injector I guess. I knew all about the CPS problems (I bought this truck in 2003 with 35k on it) but hadn't heard of the #8 injector weekness.

Since I own all Ford vehicles and I purchased the Ford expansion pack I can't wait to go diagnose them all.....just because

Have worked on and built many a gas motor including race engines, but have never torn into a diesel. Let the adventure begin

[dieseldan2005]

Hey man, congrats on the purchase! The AE is an awesome tool. I still have a lot to learn with it. Both of my last 7.3's failed the #8. I haven't replaced the injector yet though. I installed a high pressure cross over line and it smoothed out my idle big time. I haven't had time to run the ae lately to see if my #8 passes now. I need to do that.