gawent - what oil weight are you running. If it is the 15-40 switch to the 10-30 and see what happens. This really helped mine, especially on cold mornings.
Now to the issue here I found this on the dieselmans site
2003-05 Various Running Problems, Check Engine Light; New EBP Sensor:
Trucks built before 1-17-05 that exhibit buck/jerk, hesitation, lack of power, stalling, stumble, black smoke, surging, rolling idle, changes in engine sound at idle or when driving at a steady speed, or with the trouble codes P2263 or P0299, may have an exhaust backpressure sensor signal that is incorrect or erratic. A revised EBP sensor is available if this is found to be the case. Part number 4C3Z-9J460-A. Broadcast Message 3815.
Normal EBP signal reading should reflect atmospheric pressure with the key on/ engine off. Typically, this is 14.7 PSI/0.88-0.9 volts at sea level, decreasing one PSI/0.10 volt for every 2000 feet of elevation. It should be within 0.5 PSI of BARO and MAP sensor pressure signals.
also this
2004 F-Series and Excursion Built After 9-30-03, Various Driveability Concerns:
Trucks that exhibit surge at idle, changes in engine sound at idle (EGR cycling), low power/smoke/rough idle on cold start that corrects when engine warms up, surge when selecting resume on the cruise control, flutter noise from engine just before transmission kickdown, buck/surge on manual transmission, should be reprogrammed with the latest calibration. This program includes a reduced EGR valve on-time during extended idle. The WDS must have release version 36.10 or higher, or 37.10 or higher, but not version 37.0 to have the correct calibration update. Broadcast Message 4118.
here is the direct link - good reading
http://www.intellidog.com/dieselmann/60bulletin.htm
Hope this helps
