7.3L Hardly runs and misses

[SHANE M]

Hey yall, my brother has 99 7.3 thats stock. It has a really bad miss at idle and no power and pours white/gray smoke. He got it stuck in the mud really bad and then it started running bad after that, he got mud all over the harness going into the valve cover so we are going to clean it and see what it looks like. The check engine light is not on but the Water In Fuel light stays on. We drain the drain valve multiple times. If anyone can give me some pointers on where to start I would appreciate it.

[SHANE M]

Ok, here is an update. The truck quit running at all last night and wont start, the tach moves and it will start to run for a second and then shut off, the HPOP level was about 1 inch below the plug, is this acceptable? Also we pulled the fuel filter out and there was no fuel in the filter housing. The fuel pump on the frame rail is coming on with the key but is not filling the filter housing. Could the pick up in the tank be plugged?

[outlaw7.3]

I know it sounds silly but how is the fuel level.if ok then i would fill fuel filter with fuel and start it.it sounds like you have some other problems but first you need to start the truck again.You might also spray some starting fluid not not much cause it can damage engine patrs.Let me know what it does.

[SHANE M]

we put fuel in the filter housing and it started and ran for about 4 seconds then shut off, when you turn the key on and look in the filter housing with fuel in it, it is bubbling with air from the fuel pump. We put fuel in the tank just to be sure so the only thing I can figure is something is blocking the pick up in the tank

[Landonschert]

Ford had a TBS: Lack of Power, Trucks with Steel Tanks:
Some trucks may have a lack of power due to low fuel pressure from a plugged fuel filter or in-tank pickup tube, or restricted fuel lines. This could be caused by the steel tank lining becoming de-laminated/flaking off. If this occurs, the tank will need to be replaced, along with the plugged components. Be aware that using biodiesel with more than 5% concentration (B5) may cause this to happen. The replacement tanks do have a more resistant coating to help prevent this occurance, however Ford still recommends using no higher than B5 biodiesel. Broadcast Message 6865, 7103.


Im Not saying this is your problem But its a possibility, keep it in mind..

[SHANE M]

Thanks, but it is plastic tank. We pulled out to make sure the pickup wasnt clogged and everything looked good. I am wonder if the fuel pump is not pumping anything. It comes on but maybe its not moving any fuel. We are going to put the tank back in and check the outlet of the fuel pump

[Diesel Monkey]

Have you checked the fuel lines from the tank to the pump? Might have damaged the line and it is pulling air into system?

[SHANE M]

Have not checked the line yet I will do that today, we put the tank back in and it ran great for about 2 minutes then started running real bad and chugging and missing.

[blacksmokebelcher]

Hey Shane M and diesel monkey. I have a 95 powerstroke with the same problem. It wil start and sounds ok, but when you put it under a load just driving around the farm it misses. I took the truck to the local dealer and put it on a breakout box to test the injectors. 1357 were working fine 2468 we almost compleatly dead. please help if you can

[blacksmokebelcher]

Does the truck use any oil. If it does you might think about replacing the injector o-rings.