1995 7.3 has fuel won't start

[ErikMarks]

Here’s what I have, 1995 F250 Power Stroke 7.3, 2 wheel drive 5spd manual trans. Long bed standard cab. Dead stock 150000 miles on it. About a month ago the truck started idling rough at stop signs, not all of the time but once in a while. Then it became hard to start. The hard starting gradually got worse. Over the period of a couple of weeks maybe till it would not start at all. That’s where we are now. The fuel filter was replaced about 3 months ago, it ran fine for weeks after it was changed out. The check engine light has never turned on. The glow plug light works and glow plug solenoid works. The engine will turn over fine but will not fire at all.

Here’s what I have done: tested fuel presure at regulator while cranking it jumped every second 15,30,45,50, never went above 50. tested alternator, tested batteries, cleaned all battery connections, replaced camshaft position sensor, checked fuel filter (filter clean bowl full of fuel), check all fuses. unplugged top wire fuel bowl (heater)? didn't help.

Another strange thing about this truck, for years when you first start up the engine the amp meter in the dash will read only about a quarter of normal, at night lights will be dim too. Then after about 60 to 90 seconds suddenly it will jump up to where it is supposed to be and then no trouble till next time. While the amps are in this reduced state if I am hooked up to the trailer and step on the brakes or use the turn signals it will kill the engine. I guess it is just drawing too much current. So I always start it then wait for the amps. We took the alternator to 3 auto store for testing all said it is fine. Don’t know if this could have anything to do with it but thought I’d throw it in. I would greatly appreciate any help I can get Thanks.

[taylorking]

Originally Posted by ErikMarks

Here’s what I have, 1995 F250 Power Stroke 7.3, 2 wheel drive 5spd manual trans. Long bed standard cab. Dead stock 150000 miles on it. About a month ago the truck started idling rough at stop signs, not all of the time but once in a while. Then it became hard to start. The hard starting gradually got worse. Over the period of a couple of weeks maybe till it would not start at all. That’s where we are now. The fuel filter was replaced about 3 months ago, it ran fine for weeks after it was changed out. The check engine light has never turned on. The glow plug light works and glow plug solenoid works. The engine will turn over fine but will not fire at all.

Here’s what I have done: tested fuel presure at regulator while cranking it jumped every second 15,30,45,50, never went above 50. tested alternator, tested batteries, cleaned all battery connections, replaced camshaft position sensor, checked fuel filter (filter clean bowl full of fuel), check all fuses.

Another strange thing about this truck, for years when you first start up the engine the amp meter in the dash will read only about a quarter of normal, at night lights will be dim too. Then after about 60 to 90 seconds suddenly it will jump up to where it is supposed to be and then no trouble till next time. While the amps are in this reduced state if I am hooked up to the trailer and step on the brakes or use the turn signals it will kill the engine. I guess it is just drawing too much current. So I always start it then wait for the amps. We took the alternator to 3 auto store for testing all said it is fine. Don’t know if this could have anything to do with it but thought I’d throw it in. I would greatly appreciate any help I can get Thanks.

I'm no tech, but I'd say that those are two separate problems and i dont think they have anything to do with each other..

For your idling and rough start problem, I'd check the ICP (injection control pressure) Sensor, or put a set of o-rings on the IPR (injection pressure regulator)

I'm sure a tech will chime in though to help you out

[ErikMarks]

Wow that is one fast response, Thankyou. How would you test the ICP or is that an item that you would just replace (inexpensive)?

[symbols]

I've had many alts test good on their "testers" that were actually bad. Just FYI.

[ErikMarks]

Originally Posted by symbols

I've had many alts test good on their "testers" that were actually bad. Just FYI.

Yes I am still suspect of the Alt but I tend to agree that I probably have two separate problems.

[symbols]

Did they do a load test on the batteries?

[ErikMarks]

Originally Posted by symbols

Did they do a load test on the batteries?

Yes they checked out good according them (autoparts store) batteries are fairly new

[taylorking]

Originally Posted by ErikMarks

Wow that is one fast response, Thankyou. How would you test the ICP or is that an item that you would just replace (inexpensive)?

I'm not sure how much they cost, but I dont know you would check it either...If i remember right, if you unlpug it and the truck runs the same, it is bad....dont take that to the bank though.

i dont know about testing it, because i havent had any problems with mine yet

[ErikMarks]

just for kicks I unplugged it. Didn't help. I just called Ford dealer $176.50 and would have to order it. It doesn't seem like that could possibly be right. It's no bigger than a spark plug. Must be gold. I'll check around and wait for some more help
Thanks

[symbols]

It's a pressure transducer. They are always expensive for some reason. Unplugging it should have changed the idle....