2002 F-550 7.3 Problems

[jdwyer23]

I have a 2002 F-550 240,000 miles with some problems. Started out having trouble not starting unless it was plugged in, even in warm weather. Now it won't start at all by turning the key, has to be pulled to get rpm's up I guess. It is a 6spd manual and will die if you don't keep the rpm's above 500 when taking off. Now it's starting to die more often. Oil pressure is good on the gauge. What are the first things I need to check for? Any help appreciated.

[oldtimer550]

Yikes! Glow plug relay is the first thing.
Then a new starter and batterys. Makes a huge huge difference.
Could be low compression I suppose, but thats harder to figure.
Find an International dealer, and have them look it over rather than a Ford dealer. Prolly cheaper, and they know that engine better than the average ford tech.

[badazzstroker]

just start by checking codes that is always a good place to get going.you could also check your hpop to see if it is full,the glowplug and relay issue is not what is wrong with the truck now but could also be a issue.

[bigcountrysg]

Scan for codes, do an injector buzz test, cylinder contribution test. If all that comes back good, then do a compression test on the cylinders.