7.3L Diesel wont start problems

Brokengun · Dec 9, 2016

I have a neighbor that needs help with a 2003 7.3L Ford Diesel engine and I am asking this board because you guys seem to be the most willing to help.

The truck was driven into their lot shut off and now refuses to start. It doesn't seems to get fuel.
They changed filters replaced the fuel pump and cam position sensor at the direction of a diesel mechanic ALL with no results. Engine still will not start.

The same mechanic put a code reader on the truck and claims now there is a wire bad on an injector under the valve cover. Needless to say the owners aren't ready to spend any more money until they get more information. The mechanic already cost them several hundred dollars for apparently needless repairs.

The only thing they have noticed is they seem to now have a short in the truck, because the battery drains from a load.

O know this the Case board but if any of you have any ideas please chime in.

Thank You brokengun

Jerry/MT · Dec 9, 2016

Check the glow plug relay and the glow plugs. The wiring for the injectors is under the valve covers and that could be a factor. But check the easy stuff first. Also consider plugging in the block heater to make starting easier.

dkeav · Dec 9, 2016

Had a 99 7.3 F450 do the exact same thing. We got it running again, but would randomly die and had an injector or two that wouldn't fire. Went through the same things, replaced the valvecover gasket/wiring harness setup to the injectors, but continued. Finally found the issue as a short to the fuse box under the dash, runs like a top now.

Check the simple things first before throwing big parts at it. Youtube has some good videos on diagnosing these engines as well.

Al Baker(pumpman) · Dec 9, 2016

There are some very easy tests you can do with a volt meter to check the ECM. Just look on utube. I have repaired a few this way. Al

desert eagle · Dec 9, 2016

The first thing that needs to be done is have the scanner plugged back on the truck and see if it has enough high pressure oil to fire the injectors, if remembering correctly it takes about 5-600 psi to start a 7.3 power stroke. Also check the fuses under the hood ( the large maxi fuses) if the one for the fuel heater is blown the truck will not start, therefore replacing the fuse with a circuit breaker will let you start the truck but not a permanent fiw, the fuel heater is under the fuel filter.

farmerjack · Dec 10, 2016

cam position sensor or fuel pressure sensor

Joseph Hunter · Dec 12, 2016

Had that happen to my 2001. It was the Fuel Injector Driver. not cheap

7.3L Diesel wont start problems

Brokengun

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Jerry/MT

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dkeav

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Al Baker(pumpman)

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desert eagle

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farmerjack

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Joseph Hunter

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