PSD burps and dies in So California/Need Mechanic

[Suzanne]

Hi Diesel Folks,

I have a 2001 F-350 PSD with 50k miles. It just burped and died yesterday, then started and was OK. Today, it did it on the freeway; lost power, then restarted, a couple of times. I am in the middle of a tank of fuel from the usual place. I drive this beast around with a little kid, and can't be sitting on the freeway, maybe to start up again, maybe not.

I read about the Camshaft Sensor thing... sounds likely? So, now I am looking for any recommendations for a diesel garage in the San Gabriel/Pomona valley area of southern California. The local Ford dealer knows slightly less than I do about diesels- and charge through the nose for their ignorance.

Also, someone changed the chip in this truck before I bought it so now, the diagnostics don't work- it says 'check engine light' all the time. Dealer can replace computer for $1200 to tell me they don't know what's the matter- no thanks.

It would be dandy to find a reliable and experienced diesel mechanic in my area to work on this stuff- first issues I've had owning the truck for two years, 30K miles.

Thanks all!

Suzanne

[j_apetersen]

The best truck shop that Ive found in southern cal is in fontana, It is a Ford truck shop not a car dealer. Just off cherry going east go across 10 and go north one block and turn left into the truck shop.

[Ran440]

Suzanne
Welcome to The Diesel Stop.
If I were you I would run from that dealer. Your puter is probably fine. Just needs to have the chip removed so they can scan it.
BTW I paid about $300.00 and some change for a new puter.
About your original problem, it does sound like the cam sensor. This is an easy fix. Prices range from about $80.00 to almost $200.00 depending where you go. Some of the sponsors on this site have some great prices. Anybody who is a little mechanically inclined can change the sensor.

Always nice to have a lady visit the site
Good luck,
Randy

[JimTJr]

Suzanne.. Welcome to TDS! If you crank the truck after it dies...and doesnt start. Does your tachometer move a couple hundred RPM? If the tach is dead then I would change the CPS. And I am glad you know to stay away from that stealer that wanted 1200 to change the puter...sheesh. That is a 15min job. And the puter is not over maybe 500 thru them. (As mentioned above,,you can find them for 300 or so.)
Let us know what you find..ok?
It takes a 10mm socket, short extention and ratchet. 1/4" is ok, and is a whole 15 min job for the first timer MAYBE. Maybe faster....lol

[Vengeance]

Welcome,

First of all pull the chip out and see if the SES light goes off, if it doesn't then get ahold of the SOCAL association (anyone have a link?) and they will get you hooked up and can help you out!

[Vindicator]

Suzanne, I live in the Glendale area. If ya need any help, I'll be glad to offer a helping hand! My brother and I work on our own rigs. We've done all the modifications to our rigs. The only thing we had our dealer do was the waterpump and turbo pedestal- because it was only a $100 deductible each time [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] I've had great results with Galpin Ford in the San Fernando Valley. For a dealer, I believe they have the best diesel mechs in So. CA. Keep us updated!

P.S. Our 7.3s come with a standard 100k mile warranty. It should only be a $100 deductible, if you only have 50k miles.