Need help on a Powerstroke Fast!

[jpmutt]

Ok I know nothing about powerstrokes other than I would never own one, but, I have a 99 that belongs to a friend that will not run. I haven't got a clue on where to start with this thing. Ok here it goes... When you start it up cold, it will not stay running, you can hold RPM's up for a while to let it warm up and then drive off. After driving around the block, this thing just dies and takes forever to restart. Once it finally restarts, you can drive it all day without any problems. WTF?? I have checked codes... NONE. I am suspecting a fuel pressure issue or something. I hope someone can give me an idea. TIA

 

[supersonic]

Sounds like a malfunctioning cam sensor. Thism is another comon (allmost PM) issue with the powerstroke!

 

[JyRO]

I have a guess...

Sounds to me like the glow plugs are not working, or are not working properly. Maybe a glow plug controller? Something like that.



My guess is that its hard to start because of lack of heat, and it shuts off because lack of heat. But once its good and warm it runs the rest of the day just fine. Well, I don't know, that doesn't explain the problem quite right.



Another guess, a blocked up fuel filter, or lazy fuel pump. Or some other issue regarding fuel delivery.



- JyRO

 

[nickleinonen]

that does sound like a CPS cam position sensor problem. iirc, it is like $120 or something like that at ford, and half the price at navistar/international [same part on the t444e engine] search the ford-diesel forums [now called the diesel stop]

 

[jpmutt]

Ok, sorry it took so long to get back on this. I was checking the truck out and found that it was very low on oil. Suspected maybe the engine was cutting back fuel due to low oil level. (long shot I know) I went ahead and changed the oil. My friend says he changes all his filters and does maintenance regularly himself. He said the fuel filter had been changed recently. After pressing the issue because of the low oil level I found out tht it had been over 60,000 miles since fuel filter change. I replaced the fuel filter and air filter and the problem went away. Amazing what a clean fuel filter will do! Duh!!! Anyways... Thanks for the advise.

 

[bmoeller]

but in a nutshell low crankcase oil levels introduce air into the HEUI system, making fuel injection rather intermittent to say the least. Rough running, low power, dying, etc are all common symptoms of low and/or dirty engine oil. Good catch on the filters as well.

Another thing with dirty/old oil is, that the anti-foaming additives have been depleted enough that the oil starts to foam. Basically has the same effect as air does in hydraulic braking systems (spongy pedal).

 

[JohnE]

Starving a HEUI for fuel is asking for trouble. The injectors will still fire from the oils side, but lack of fuel will kill the injectors very quickly.

 

[jpmutt]

Thanks for all the info guys. At least I know a little more about a powerstroke now. I think I'll stick to my good ol' Cummins.