I inherited my 7.3 power stroke in my divorce, and sadly, did not get a tutorial, so I seek advice from mechanics.
I have changed the oil and not filled the filter, and it started and ran fine. This time, at the suggestion of a mechanic, I added Lucas oil stabilizer (very thick stuff). I did not fill the filter. It was a cool day (40s), started hard, ran a few seconds and died. I didn’t have time to trouble shoot so let it sit and figured I would try again when it was warmer. I tried again and it cranks but won’t start. Should I plug in the block heater awhile and get it warmed up for another try or do I need to drain the oil, start over with just oil and fill the filter this time? I don’t understand why it worked okay the last few times without filling it. One mechanic I asked said to check for a center post in the filter. I don’t understand what he’s getting at. I appreciate any suggestions you all might offer.
I have changed the oil and not filled the filter, and it started and ran fine. This time, at the suggestion of a mechanic, I added Lucas oil stabilizer (very thick stuff). I did not fill the filter. It was a cool day (40s), started hard, ran a few seconds and died. I didn’t have time to trouble shoot so let it sit and figured I would try again when it was warmer. I tried again and it cranks but won’t start. Should I plug in the block heater awhile and get it warmed up for another try or do I need to drain the oil, start over with just oil and fill the filter this time? I don’t understand why it worked okay the last few times without filling it. One mechanic I asked said to check for a center post in the filter. I don’t understand what he’s getting at. I appreciate any suggestions you all might offer.