2001 f350 7.3 shut off while driving and wont start - Diesel Forum

timkrigby · 10-27-2009, 11:05 AM

Hello everyone, my 7.3 just shut off on me,well the first thing that came to mind was the cps,i replaced, not the problem, drained fuel bowl, the pump filled it back up, changed filter still wont start, all fuses are good ,have wait to start light,i did notice the fuel pump on the frame gurgles ,sounds like air in it, i have a 1/4 tank of fuel,do you think the pump is bad, not pumping enough fuel?........I have been having trouble after it sets awhile, starts up runs rough ,sometimes dies , but always starts back up ,acts like it's losing pressure after it sets awhile,should i try spraying wd-40 in the intake to see if it will start?please help,thanks, Tim.

LOOSEWHEEL · 10-27-2009, 11:16 AM

Did the MIL illuminate? Do you have a scanner available?

timkrigby · 10-27-2009, 11:25 AM

I dont have a scanner ,not sure what the MIL is? is there any way to check the codes on the dash?

LOOSEWHEEL · 10-27-2009, 11:31 AM

MIL= Malfunction Indicator Lamp (FORD speak) better known as the CEL (Check Engine Light). There is no way to scan using the dash. You need a scanner.

timkrigby · 10-27-2009, 12:21 PM

yeah i may have to take it to the shop,does the fuel pump suppose to make a gurgle sound?would the engine start if the bowl was full of fuel with out the pump even working?until all the fuel ran out of the bowl

LOOSEWHEEL · 10-27-2009, 12:39 PM

I had the exact same problem you are having. Died and would not restart. The CEL came on. I had fuel to the fuel bowl and it would pressurize. I also had the same gurgling sound from my fuel pump in the many attempts to start it when I was troubleshooting it. So I think that is normal.

Again is the CEL light on or not? You really need to scan for codes to help pinpoint the problem since you have already looked at the obvious. Sounds like it could be the IDM.

timkrigby · 10-27-2009, 01:44 PM

no i dont have a check engine light on, I was 2 qts low on oil, topped off. removed the plug on the high pressure oil tank and it was low, filled it up and spun over a few times and busted off,i wouldnt think being 2 qts low would stop the flow to the high pressure pump, hope it's not going out.

LOOSEWHEEL · 10-27-2009, 01:57 PM

So it's running? You definitely need to have the oil topped up and clean. Low oil will cause a no start condition. I guess too many people assume the oil is up to par.

timkrigby · 10-27-2009, 03:22 PM

yes it's running now,i hope that was all thats was wrong,thanks alot, Tim.