NEWB - 7.3 hard to start and clacking

[knowhimwell]

I am new to PSD and have had this truck a month. I have had chevy and dodge diesels, but this is my first Ford. I really like the truck, but need to get the issues fixed if Im gonna keep it.

OK, on to the issue. My truck is a 99 F350 4wd. It is all stock as far as I know. It is very hard to start(takes about 5 minutes to start) unless it is plugged in. It seems to startok(not great) once it is warmed up. Once it is running it makes a clacking noise. I have had 2 mechanics say that is it missing, and one mech said it needed injectors, injector pump, engine, glow plugs etc. I later found out he was a fraud. I had a buzz test done and they all passsed, although 2 of them seemed a little week. I wonder if this could be an issue with the UVCH or ??? The passenger valve cover has some oil around the intake, and some oil is dripping from the back of the engine. The ICP tested bad. I did remove the fuel pressue???(that thing with the 3 o-rings that you have to use a long socket to get to). The o-rings on it looked new, and a ton of oil ran out onto the groud from that, oops. I am hoping you can give me some great news, as I would like to get it fixed and keep it. I just dont have much loot. BTW, Truck only has 478k miles.

I have looked around on the forums, but have been unable to find what I need. Thanks for your help.

I have some other issues as well, but will be posting them in the appropriate place.

[knowhimwell]

disappointed in the lack of response. Sold the truck today. May be back, not sure.

[ttyR2]

Lol. that's one solution to the problem, I guess.