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New diesel girl....wants a bunch of Masters!!! Takers??

9K views 79 replies 20 participants last post by  dubl_t 
#1 · (Edited)
Ok I NEED HELP!! This was the easiest way to approach this truck. I have pics on webshots...I've tried to learn exactly what everything is. If I'm wrong, tell me. I does me no good to think its 1 part when its another. I do have a service manual & can look up ANYTHING!!!!
The truck has 172k miles on it!! I got it when it had 80k!

But, as I've been learning on these forums, there are many opinions & various short cuts I can do. Keep in mind....I'm a girl, I do own tons of tools, air & others, a compressor & can get access to a lift, but only a day or so at a time. I am very afraid there has been damage to the truck & if not, there will be soon. In my opinion & others, its a good truck, just not properly maintained. Any & all help is VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!! ANY advice or recommendations to others or websites, will be utilized fully. Anyone that can direct me to a cheap parts supplier for various stuff, is helpful. Rock auto seems to be pretty good. I'm trying to pull together a parts list. Also, any mods that can be done as I go, I'd rather do now, then later ie: DIY air filter. CCV vent etc

I need to replace whats necessary only. according to receipts they did replace a injector (#4) in 2004. How many fan belts should I have replaced? 3 seems high to me...
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MASTER TRANNY GURU


At the same time, the rear differential went out, they seemed to miss that til I picked it up. Then they had the truck another month! FOrd was just sent ANOTHER letter today...it was under warranty!!! Tranny blew again 16mths later, I was told there were washers everywhere, they wanted 4k to fix or 1k to repair! :doh::hmm: so I did the 1k, can't find receipt to c what happened exactly, I do know that I'm not happy about this!!! They DID NOT make it clear what it MEANT to have those washers there!! I was towing the boat & could have EASILY blown the truck up had I not noticed something was wrong, so I stopped!!!:nod:
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MASTER ENGINE BUILDER I was trying to trace a leak & found this washer on the oil pan. I'm trying to get Ford to repair the oil pan, they r the ones who put the WASHERS on it & my tranny pan!!!
What if anything should I do to slow down this leak????
the leak doesn't look bad from this angle, but it actively is dripping lately
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Master chassis builder---because of this mess

I was told axle seals....& too temporarily fill it with Lucas...after Tank's ranting about Lucas.....a bit worried about doing that....the lift is NOT available at the moment, so I need a temp fix....hopefully(?) I can't do this by myself.. I'm also afraid at this point, once the axle is out, what else is needing replacement--- (worried)!!!

I need end link bushings..(just ordered)..can I get away with just doing those based on pics, or dump the $ into the whole set?

Also, transfer case.....not sure if its ever been checked.....
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MASTER AT POWERSTEERING PUMPbecuz----its a 'moaning', whining, whatever u want 2 call it & possibly leaking. I know the color is wrong also, seems dark to me. I watched powerstrokehelp.org videos & want to replace w/Saginaw pump..I can wait (?), but, where do I get one? I'm really worried about the sound, I kinda need steering & brakes!!!! Maybe its normal to hear it (PSP)that clearly in the cab? I don't think so, but I could be paranoid at this point. thoughts??? don't have a great pic of that.....at the moment. camera battery fell in truck last nite b4 that was shot.....still looking for battery thats the same color as the oil thats everywhere:rofl::crazy::hehe::tard: WHAT ABOUT BURN UNDER TUBE ON INSULATION?????
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MASTER OIL CHANGER oil needs to be done & related filters, what should I check or change? I got some info on Amsoil, but 25k on oil, kinda freaks me out!!! The truck since I've had it has had 15W40 & 10W40! Is it worth upgrading now? or wait on this due to other $$ issues? And how much.....I'm thinking valvoline (Tanks) will be cheaper??? & what brand filter?
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MASTER FILTER GURUS becuz, only the oil & air filter has been changed in the 6 years I've had the truck. I'm afraid to take out the fuel filter at this point......wait, 2004 it was changed 4/2004 (OMG!!) Are there other filters I don't know about yet??? I haven't pulled together a list as of yet...There's a lot of info to learn when u've only used mechanics.
it appears after looking at some pics I found a filter, seems 2b a power steering filter???? under radiator,,,,,kind of
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MASTER RADIATOR well, I found that my mechanic has been adding water to my coolant, so its diluted pretty bad. Its pretty lite green. Seems clean but, who knows. COuld this be a reason my intake tubes are toast? Or is that the intercooler only? Where do I get coolant, order it whatever??? I feel stupid now that I realized I'm the ONLY one putting distilled in!!!
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MASTER TURBO GURUS................
THERE ARE TO MANY THINGS WRONG....(?)..seems that at least 1 boot is leaking/seeping pretty good? What do I cover when power washing engine? Which switches, alternator, sensors etc etc do I cover with plastic
PLEASE JUST LOOK AT PICS I TRIED TO LABEL EVERYTHING.......

BEFORE
after, this one is leaking pretty good, note tube, what is it? & why did it burn the insulation? :doh: besides....that its hot!!!!:tard:
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Basically......I need to do all the 'regular' maint that u do regularly, not sure where to start......need to clean out everything!!!! Where do u start?
I've noticed a loss of power, but who knows whats clogged. I also have to note, now that I got hurt, the mechanic has been paid upwards of 10k so at this point, cheap is kinda where I need to start. So, where should I put the $$$$? If it is throwing $$ away to do cheap, I need to know where NOT to do that!!!!!

The electrical issues in that album.....HAVE BEEN FIXED!! New alternator (3rd one) was just put in...BY ME!!!!:woot:. New starter was done 2 years ago.
BTW---I do have to take up the issue with mechanic (b4 he is officailly fired) that the truck calls for 750 batteries, I have EXPENSIVE 650's is this a big issue? The truck, even in Ca in winter, doesn't want to turn over well when it is cold....esp, if it sits a day or 2

ISN'T THIS FUN?:lol2::bolt:

Thanks for your time
NOW, B4 the computer:stupidcomputer: , I am done & time to :shots:

is this good? eBay Motors: 1999-2003 7.3 Powerstroke Fuel Filters (5) (item 270315603551 end time Dec-16-08 17:10:14 PST)
 
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#6 ·
:bump: :bump:
 
#8 ·
Ok, WOW. What a long list to talk about. Lets roll up our sleeves and get dirty......

The pan leak is a little troubling. It should be a rubber/plastic gasket with metal inserts so it can not be overtightened. I would say go down to Napa in Hangtown and get a pan gasket. May as well get a filter while there and replace that as well. If that does not fix the leak then you may have problems at the input shaft area.

The front axle leaks are from the front seals being worn out. They cost me $46 each and I had to make a tool to install them because Ford wanted $60 each to install just the seals. That was with me bringing the parts to them. They are a real PITA, to say the least.


The power steering pump will make noise if low on fluid, I know mine does. It had been that way for the last 5 years and still kicking. Make sure it is full and make sure the shaft is solid. If it wiggles, there could be a problem. I also had a non-vented cap and it would cause the cap to pop loose and bubble fluid out the top. I got a new fan-dangled vented cap and it all went away.



Change the fuel filter! Just do it. Don't worry about how long it has been but don't wait any longer. It is easy. Throw the yellow lever and the bowl will drain. When it stops draining, close the lever. pull the filter and drop in a new one. Put new O ring on the cap and wind it back on. Don't worry about doing any of the BS stuff that clown on youtube/powerstrokehelp does.



Seeping intercooler boots are normal. Take them off, clean them with hot water and dish soap. Once nice and clean, clean them again with rubbing alcohol. Clean the pipes with parts cleaner and once clean clean them again with rubbing alcohol. Once they are all nice and clean you will be able to determine if the boots are in good shape. If they are, spray the outside of the tube with hairspray right before you put it back together so they will seal nice and good. It sound odd but it works for me and many others.



The power steering tube rubbed a hole in the insulation on the intercooler tube, it did not burn it. The engine rocks around in the engine bay and the intercooler tube is anchored to a rigid point at the intercooler. So the tube moves up and down a little bit all the time and it us just rubbing against the insulation. No big deal.

My biggest concern is the look of the inside of the intake tube. It looks like there is a ton of dirt in the oil. I hope that it has not "dusted" the engine. I would imagine it is a K&N drop in filter with the looks of things.


I don't know about any power steering filter, I don't have one nor have I seen one. Is it on the drivers side or the passenger side?
 
#19 ·
Ok, WOW. What a long list to talk about. Lets roll up our sleeves and get dirty......

The pan leak is a little troubling. It should be a rubber/plastic gasket with metal inserts so it can not be overtightened. I would say go down to Napa in Hangtown and get a pan gasket. May as well get a filter while there and replace that as well. If that does not fix the leak then you may have problems at the input shaft area.

The front axle leaks are from the front seals being worn out. They cost me $46 each and I had to make a tool to install them because Ford wanted $60 each to install just the seals. That was with me bringing the parts to them. They are a real PITA, to say the least.


The power steering pump will make noise if low on fluid, I k, it not low, but it is getting dark



Seeping intercooler boots are normal. Take them off, clean them with hot water and dish soap. Once nice and clean, clean them again with rubbing alcohol. Clean the pipes with parts cleaner and once clean clean them again with rubbing alcohol. Once they are all nice and clean you will be able to determine if the boots are in good shape. If they are, spray the outside of the tube with hairspray right before you put it back together so they will seal nice and good. It sound odd but it works for me and many others.

My biggest concern is the look of the inside of the intake tube. It looks like there is a ton of dirt in the oil. I hope that it has not "dusted" the engine. I would imagine it is a K&N drop in filter with the looks of things.
Yes, a expensive K&N that got almost 40k put into it b4 I realized that no one had checked it. My brother, a cook, 'cleaned' it for me 2 mths ago, I happened to check it, TRASHED, he had used the WHOLE can of oil! I also found asphalt, twigs, pine needles in the box!! And of course what I thought was dirt? What can I do to make sure the engine is ok? additives?


I don't know about any power steering filter, I don't have one nor have I seen one. Is it on the drivers side or the passenger side?


Is on the passenger side, below radiator, there is no tag on it, & its covered in grease & dirt. Theres a pic on webshots, I guess I need to take another pic & post it.
One problem I have....among many.....is the camera battery is in the engine! It fell out & I can't find it! I have to find it so it doesn't get hot & blow up...
going on another search now.....



THANKS GUYS!!!!:(
 
#9 ·
Holy crap this is confusing. Usually I have to force info out of people. :doh:


Oil Change: I've always used motorcraft filters (10 bucks at autozone or wherever) and Rotella 15w40. I change the oil every 3-4k depending.

Power steering: My pump whines. It has for quite a long time. Be sure that filter isn't on a trans line. I've seen people put those inline black filters on the power steering lines, but more often than not they are on the trans lines. I can't advise if you should replace the pump or not without hearing/feeling it.

CAC (boost tubes): You need to probably replace them (boots) at this point. If you don't have the money for them, Take them off the motor. Clean the end of the tubes and the boots (blue ones) with rubbing alcohol until clean then install them. Tighten the 2 boots on the bottom of the spider pipe goign to the intake plenums. All the "oil" leaking is normal with that mileage. It is just from the ccv system.

If you are loosing boost, you also need to check for soot on the firewall behind the up-pipes and y-pipe. If there is soot, your gaskets are bad and need to be replaced. With a leak, you are not building enough drive pressure to the turbo.

Batteries: 650cca seems a bit low. I think I have 750 or 850cca.

Link bushings: just replace the set.

Oil leak: I got nothing. Look in the valley on top of the engine for standing oil. You may have an oil leak up top that is dripping down.

Axle seals are out. I have always just topped of with gear oil.



 
#11 ·
You get the award for the most questions asked in a single thread. You have one abused truck there!!!! C'mon not changing a FF in 4+ years!! You are lucky the ignition didn't inject the keys back at you and refuse to start until you take care of some issues!!!
Howard and Dirk have given you good info. All I can add is you need to take care of one problem at a time, the first would be the FF. Then you need to file a law suit against the so called Mechanic that said he worked on this truck!!! I wouldn't let him work on my kids Big Wheel.

If you want the info on how to properly do the CCV mod, then PM me. I agree with Howard it looks like you have some serious air filtration isuues. There looks to be a lot of dirt in those intake tubes, you want to clean or replace and do the CCV mod or you will have the problem return in time. I would hate to see what the turbo wheel looks like!!! I wish you the best. Start on one project and go from there. I would also suggest breaking up your questions to different threads. People get lost in all the questions and will just not respond. Feel free to PM me and I will help you all I can,
BTW, I am dead serious about suing the mechanic, if you really have paid him 10K, he owes you about 9900 bucks back!!
NCH
 
#13 ·
Well looking at your pitures and sitting here. I am thinking just make a list of the problems. Maybe list it simple to hardest it. Or you can list it in most needed to be fixed to drive the truck.

What ever you can decide that, then just start working on it and fixing the problems on the list one by one. Maybe do a couple on the each weekend.

Really you don't have that bad of a truck. Just a bunch of tiedious stuff needs attention.

If you want help come to Michigan with the truck and I will give you a hand getting all that fixed.
 
#16 ·
Well looking at your pitures and sitting here. I am thinking just make a list of the problems. Maybe list it simple to hardest it. Or you can list it in most needed to be fixed to drive the truck.

that would b good, BUT, part of the reason for the post, was I don't KNOW what the simple to hardest would be? I figured, if I posted, someone would respond with "OMG, fix this 1st"!!

I will go thru & try to post in the proper forums.....:confused:
 
#15 ·
Holly molly! Talk about information overload.:hehe:

I agree with Dirk and strokin. Only thing I thought was different is the oil pan gasket. I was under the impression the motor had to be pulled in order to do that?? Maybe you can unbolt it and lift it enough to get the gasket in there?
 
#20 ·
Something we did?[/QUOTE]



No not at all. I've just been told I'm 'being paranoid' when all along I had a right to be. Thankfully, my car hasn't sold yet, so I have a back up.
I've been 'rich' enough to keep this truck 'serviced', now I'm not, so yes, its upsetting knowing that these so called 'mechanics' have been screwing me over & taking $$$ for stupid stuff & not maintaining my truck properly!!
And people wonder why I'm B:thumb::censored:Y!!!

No, I appreciate all the help, pulling a parts list together & I guess some bills won't be paid!! Oh well! I hate this state anyway. I was fixing to leave, then found out my truck might croak b4 I get out of the state.
u guys r great thanks
 
#22 ·
Laurie,
Check your PM's
 
#24 ·
40K is a long time to go on a K&N and we can see it performed as usual. Before she puts to much time and $$$ into this truck she needs to examine the turbo fins, and depending how they look she may need a compression check to see if it is worth saving. Maybe all that oil stopped the majority of dirt from entering the turbo. I hope that is the case for her benefit!!
I hate so called "mechanics" like this that give a bad name to the thousands of good ones out there!!"

NCH
 
#28 ·
sad thing is....the Bureau of automotive affairs was here at my house for my Geo that had the a/c compressor 'go bad'! Hmm, I thought it was the brakes...well $1500 later!!!! IT WAS!!! No parts were returned to me ...so no PROOF!! The bureau... did NOTHING! But, what caught my attention when he was here, was that he knew my mechanic!!!:( THat lead to me checking stuff, along with the fact that he never noticed my ignition. ALso, I came across forums & realized things were never addressed.
I will be filing a complaint...anyway. It won't help much, but oh well! I will also be hitting him & Ford for some repair $$ to be returned. I paid to have the cam sensor replaced.....LOL, after recall & replaced with the recalled one.!!! cool:thumb:
Ford says they will replace it again & refund my $ for the previous one!! Thank God.
I'm not the type of person that will let this stuff go. But, prioritizing my truck's issues is #1!!!
I'm on my way out to get the fuel & air filter ....can't wait to take pics of that!!!

Thanks guys.....I know this is a nightmare post, but u've been great!!!:icon_ford:
 
#31 ·
I know that jackhole too. He is a beer swigging friend of mine. And a damn fine man with a wrench if I might add. He helped me swap engines in my truck back in Sept.
 
#29 ·
yeah. well it always help if you know somebody whos got connections in ford. my buds dad had his truck into a dealership 4 times over their mistakes. they broke 2 of his 4" lights on his front bumper, the aux switch, the speedo stopped working, gouge out of the rim, bolts and clips missing. it was a mess.
 
#37 · (Edited)
:confused:

so, now i have a filter, it says to slowly put back in allowing fuel to soak in....what fuel? how to I get it to fill up agin

:banging::banging::banging:
 
#38 ·
Remove the Magna Filter from the trans line. Do not replace it. All you have to do is go to a hardware store to get the fittings to connect the two ends of the transmission line.


The filter your talking about is the fuel filter. You install it slowly into the fuel bowl so you do not spill fuel all over the place.
 
#40 ·
These are what I would tend to first:

1. Find a new mechanic
2. Change fuel filter
3. Change coolant and add proper additive to prevent cavitation, which will ruin your engine.
4. Change air filter and thoroughly clean out intake tubes
5. Change oil in transfer case if it has not been done since you have had the truck.
6. Make sure oil is topped off in axles. Don't know that much about maintaning the auto tranny since I have a manual.



And change the oil and filter if it hasn't been changed in the last 3-4K miles and check the engine oil level every 500 miles or so.

These are the essentials the making your truck happy and should be done ASAP. The leaks can be tended to as funds allow.
 
#42 ·
:thumb: stupid computer. (2 brothers gay & straight porn) Making this fun, it takes 1 hour to post 1 pic!!!!:banging::banging:

anyway, I do the oil changes typically 5k, unless I'm hauling a lot. It is due. I figured I was getting dirty, I'd check other stuff, NOT expecting to find what I did....
A friend is going to my old mechanics with me next week.....I am too upset to deal with him. This friend has known me since b4 truck & KNOWS how much I TRIED to get this guy to do his fricken job. SO hopefully, it will help.

I'm trying to take out the intake closest to the compressor fan, sensors in it, is it ok to remove these?
Thanks
 
#41 ·
After you get the new filter installed and the cap is back on using the new O ring provided with the filter, turn the key to the on position. Wait 20 seconds or so and turn it off. Turn the key to the on position and wait another 20 seconds then start truck. The fuel pump is electric and stays on for around 20 seconds after the key is turned on and then shuts off if then engine is not running.
 
#43 ·
Just pull the small green tube (looks like a thick wire) out of the intake and push it back in when you put it back together. You will also need to remove a vent hose from below the intake.

Before you put the fuel filter in drain the fuel bowl by pushing the yellow lever back that is behind the filter. You would need to do this periodically to drain the water out of the separator also. You do not need to refill the bowl with fuel. Just put the gasket and lid on and start your truck like normal. The fuel bowl will fill up while you wait for the "wait to start" light to go off. At least it does on mine.
 
#44 ·
Thanks, I figured I had to do that,, but had to make Dang sure 1st!! I know abotut my lite etc....I have to tell anyone who touches it!!:tard: Which always seemed weird, 'WAIT TO START" hummm :tard::tard::tard:
So, yes green wire, no issues disconnecting things & getting codes Or worse yet, breaking something!!!:doh: I started to pull it, started laughing, when I realized, (I'm laying on a dog bed in my engine bay searching for a battery I lost last nite), seeing all the dirt on the tube & start to disconnect!! OOPS may not be such a good idea.....so THANKS I can clean it now
Is there another way h20 gets in fuel? I've never had a problem, curious if I should do it when I do normal checks.....
 
#45 ·
Laurie,
I wrote you a novel last night on changing the FF, and other stuff, now I wake up and see you are having problems. PM me if you didn't get it changed. There won't be any fuel in the bowl because we emptied the bowl before we took the lid off, remember. Follow my instructions not what came in the filter!!! Just use their diagrams to show you where the O rings go. Make sure you get the champfer going inward.
The water get's in the fuel through many sources, but it is in the fuel when you pump in there from a fuel station that has bad tanks or has their fuel get old and low in the tank. If you get the water in fuel light, drain the fuel bowl with that yellow lever and this will dump the water/fuel out of that drain on the front of the engine. This is why it is important to buy fuel from a station that sells a lot of it. Truck stops are the best places in my opinion. As I told you, CALM DOWN and let's take one thing at a time. I also told you how to clean that engine as well. May want to do it around back, knowing Kalifornistan the EPA will be at your door when the neighbors see what is coming out of that engine bay!!
PM me if you have any trouble.
NCH
 
#51 ·
Laurie,
I wrote you a novel last night on changing the FF, and other stuff, now I wake up and see you are having problems.
No, this was great!!! But, after dealing w/my local idiots, :banghead:p
There won't be any fuel in the bowl because we emptied the bowl before we took the lid off, remember. Of course I remember, but wasn't totally positve HOW to fill it back up...now I know.
Follow my instructions not what came in the filter!!! Just use their diagrams to show you where the O rings go. Make sure you get the champfer going inward. My only ? was, how do I get that gritty crap out of the bottom? I tried gently, but its making it smear, so instead of screwing it up, I stopped. remember, heater
This is why it is important to buy fuel from a station that sells a lot of it. Truck stops are the best places in my opinion.
I do for this reason.
But, do I drain the bowl occasionally just as a preventative?
And, how often do I change that filter? Seems stupid that no one touched it, since it is easy.

thanks
 
#47 ·
Why make a comment like that!!! I mean she is already upset and a bit over whelmed already. I have been helping her via PM to calm down and convince her that she can handle these repairs. Comments like this don't help things. If you can't help her just don't reply. Sorry, but I know how upset she is, I didn't mean to come down on you so hard, just think a little before you type. There's time for pick'in and there isn't.

NCH
 
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