Need help in Detroit area - Van died and won't re-start.

[big-air-b]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and hope someone can help me out.

I was driving from the UP of MI to the Detroit area Wednesday and while cruising down the freeway at 70, the van all of a sudden started feeling like it was running out of fuel. The light had just come on, and normally I have 5 gallons left. I managed to get off the highway and made it about 1/2 mile down a surface road before it cut out completely. It went from running full on one minute and just faded away in a matter of a mile or so. Thought I was out of fuel, so I put a couple gallons in and it would not re-start. Fired a little, some white smoke, but no re-start. Had it towed to my parents (thankfully we were within about 20 miles at this point) and started searching for clues. The van had the CMP recall done about 5K ago, but it sure sounded like that was the problem, so I picked up two new ones today from the International dealer. Put the first in and it would not start. Seemed to fire eradically, so I swapped in the second new one just in case I had a bad new part. Still no start, but it seems to try to fire now, but not catch. Added some more fuel with 911 treatment in case of gelling in the tank, and plugged in the block heater for a few hours. Checked all the fuses under the hood, and the important ones under the dash. Still will not start. Does not seem to be much smoke coming out of the pipe. The oil pressure gauge shows good pressure while cranking. Changer up the batteries while I was working and they are at 12.8+ volts.

So, any ideas?? I'm strapped for time and need to get this fixed so I can go home on Sunday for work!! Should probably add, it's a 2003 E-350 with a 7.3L.

One of the other members suggested finding someone who can hook up a scanner. If you're in the area (st. Clair Shores) and willing to come try, I will be happy to work some sort of deal with you.

Thanks,
Brian

[bigcountrysg]

Merry Christmas fellow Michigander. I live about an hour south of St. Clair Shores. I have Auto Enginuity. I also have the day free. Being I did Christmas with my family yesterday.

I am just sitting here watching Mythbusters.

I have no problems coming and checking your van out.

I will pm you with my number.

[GoFastPadre]

Originally Posted by big-air-b

Hi, I'm new to the forum and hope someone can help me out.

I was driving from the UP of MI to the Detroit area Wednesday and while cruising down the freeway at 70, the van all of a sudden started feeling like it was running out of fuel. The light had just come on, and normally I have 5 gallons left. I managed to get off the highway and made it about 1/2 mile down a surface road before it cut out completely. It went from running full on one minute and just faded away in a matter of a mile or so. Thought I was out of fuel, so I put a couple gallons in and it would not re-start. Fired a little, some white smoke, but no re-start. Had it towed to my parents (thankfully we were within about 20 miles at this point) and started searching for clues. The van had the CMP recall done about 5K ago, but it sure sounded like that was the problem, so I picked up two new ones today from the International dealer. Put the first in and it would not start. Seemed to fire eradically, so I swapped in the second new one just in case I had a bad new part. Still no start, but it seems to try to fire now, but not catch. Added some more fuel with 911 treatment in case of gelling in the tank, and plugged in the block heater for a few hours. Checked all the fuses under the hood, and the important ones under the dash. Still will not start. Does not seem to be much smoke coming out of the pipe. The oil pressure gauge shows good pressure while cranking. Changer up the batteries while I was working and they are at 12.8+ volts.

So, any ideas?? I'm strapped for time and need to get this fixed so I can go home on Sunday for work!! Should probably add, it's a 2003 E-350 with a 7.3L.

One of the other members suggested finding someone who can hook up a scanner. If you're in the area (st. Clair Shores) and willing to come try, I will be happy to work some sort of deal with you.

Thanks,
Brian

Originally Posted by bigcountrysg

Merry Christmas fellow Michigander. I live about an hour south of St. Clair Shores. I have Auto Enginuity. I also have the day free. Being I did Christmas with my family yesterday.

I am just sitting here watching Mythbusters.

I have no problems coming and checking your van out.

I will pm you with my number.

This is why this forum is si sucessful!!! I am constantly taken aback by the generosity of our members!! Merry Christmas to you both!

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by GoFastPadre

This is why this forum is si sucessful!!! I am constantly taken aback by the generosity of our members!! Merry Christmas to you both!

Just helping someone out. Hey if you can't do it today. I can come up there tomorrow in the late morning early afternoon.

[Hank]

The guys on this forum are great! I was just glad he posted this request for help as I suggested. I knew someone would respond if he did. Keep us posted!

I'm spending my Christmas helping a neighbor with a clogged sewer line. you got to do what you got to do. (No pun intended! )

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by Hank

The guys on this forum are great! I was just glad he posted this request for help as I suggested. I knew someone would respond if he did. Keep us posted!

I'm spending my Christmas helping a neighbor with a clogged sewer line. you got to do what you got to do. (No pun intended! )

Well I am just waiting for his response.

[Hank]

Originally Posted by bigcountrysg

Well I am just waiting for his response.

Hope you can help him. AE can narrow down the search. Mine has helped me several times.

Thanks for responding like you did. I hope when I am away from home and need a member's help there will be somebody near.

Merry Christmas!

Hank

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by Hank

Hope you can help him. AE can narrow down the search. Mine has helped me several times.

Thanks for responding like you did. I hope when I am away from home and need a member's help there will be somebody near.

Merry Christmas!

Hank

If you are in an hour drive of me I will help you if I am available. That goes to any member out there.

[big-air-b]

Got it fired up. Thanks guys for the quick response! I still want to understand exactly what happened. I will post details in my other post in the 7.3 Motor Problems section.

Thanks, again! Awesome forum...I'm hooked!

Brian