Need help please on my 03 f250 6.0

[bigdoggs]

Today my 03 ford f250 6.0 powerstroke started to give me a very ruff idle, the trouble code that pulled up is (p0279) definition cylinder seven injector circuit low i call all my local shops to ask for help and they gave me the scare of a life time, they all told me that i need to bring the truck in and they will run the test on the truck i normally would but i am out of work at this time and the money they are asking just to do a diagnostic test on it i just don't have right now i'm good at turning wrenches but this is my first diesel please any help would appreciate. I do put lubricating additive in every tank oil is change every 3200 miles since i have had it and fuel filters also

[Tuscany]

Sounds like you have a failed/failing injector.

[bigdoggs]

I do love your truck, and thank you for your reply, so you don't think its the FICM or all the other things the shops said it could be. so would it be the # 7 fuel injector because it runs but ruff and has power but not like it used to any info would be great thanks

[Tuscany]

Yeah a P0279 code is the FICM picking up that the #7 injector has a failled/failing coil in the spool valve.

[bigdoggs]

so just replace that injector # 7 and i should be good,

[bigdoggs]

what is a spool valve

[Tuscany]

That is the idea. Unfortunately when one goes on one bank soon after replacement others will follow USUALLY not always though.

A spool valve is what is controlled by the FICM on the top of the injector. The FICM sends the signal and voltage for a injector to fire to the spool valve and it snaps it open allowing the high pressure oil in to the injector body to fire the injector and then it snaps it shut. It is basically an electromagnetic valve that snaps open and shut letting the oil in to fire the injector.

[bigdoggs]

thank you very much, do you have any advice on a company i should purchase them from. should i up grade them? can i still drive my truck also or will it cause more damage ?

[Tuscany]

Honestly if you have the time and money you can send them to Jesse Warren of warren diesel and have them rebuilt for around $600 I think. Or you can upgrade to larger injectors such as 155's or 175's for a little but more. I think 175's are around $750. You would be best to call him and find out his pricing. But if your trying to stay stock then honestly only use ford or Alliant power remaned injectors. They are about $250 plus anywhere from $0-$200 core charge on each one depending on who you get it from. You can drive it like that so long as the injector(s) don't stick open and flood the cylinder causing a hydrolock.