[DarthSurplus]

The first time the engine stuttered on my 2002 7.3 was this morning on the highway. I eased off of the pedal (my cruise is broken) as I started down a grade. The engine stuttered and then acted as if nothing happened.

The second time it happened was when I was working the throttle and clutch to start from a stop in first gear. It stuttered, I let off, it resumed operation, and I went at it again successfully.

I installed a DP Tuner 6 position chip about 3 weeks ago, and was in the 80 Econo setting at the time. A recent scan has shown that my clutch switch is defective, which is why my cruise control doesn't work.

 

[ryaneverk2]

Hope you're carrying a spare CPS and wrench, just in case! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[ddog]

Well there is the CPS thing. If it starts doing it with regularity, disconnecting the chip may eliminate that as a possibility. Fuel Filter (or in your case filters). Airdog passing gas?? When does the under valve cover harness clip thing usually begin to rear its ugly head?

How about this idea to feed the PMS monster inside you. The DP Tuner chip is beginning to alert you that your stock HPOP is failing and its time for Big Oil! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif

w w w w were you li li li li li listening to Mel T T T T Tillis onthe radio wh wh wh wh when it Hap hap happened? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[aeveritt]

I would say CPS. Happened almost exactly like that to me a few weeks ago. I changed it and have noticed a rather dramatic improvement in how it runs. I really wasn't expecting it to change the quietness and smoothness of the engine, but it sure seems to have done just that.

 

[DarthSurplus]

[ QUOTE ]
When does the under valve cover harness clip thing usually begin to rear its ugly head?

[/ QUOTE ] I am peripherally aware of this issue. What is it, and what are its symptoms?

I've got the spare CPS (hope it's a good'un /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif ) and I've got the tools. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

What I may not have is sufficient luck to change it out on the side of the highway without getting run over. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[ QUOTE ]
w w w w were you li li li li li listening to Mel T T T T Tillis on the radio wh wh wh wh when it Hap hap happened?

[/ QUOTE ] M M M Mel was up n n n next, b b b b but the CD sk sk sk sk sk skipped straight from Con con con con con Twitty t t t t t to Mer Mer Mer Mer Mer the Okie from Muskogie!

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif

 

[ryaneverk2]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
When does the under valve cover harness clip thing usually begin to rear its ugly head?

[/ QUOTE ] I am peripherally aware of this issue. What is it, and what are its symptoms?


[/ QUOTE ]
Check this article out:
http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articles/article-05-10.php

 

[DarthSurplus]

Thanks, Ryan!

What a great resource.

It looks like it's fairly easy to check for this problem, and not quite so easy to get to it.

I believe that I performed a buzz test last week with the engine running. While it was doing the self test, it ran the idle up, and back down, and did some things with the injectors that made it run a little rough.

Would this problem, along with my newly-discovered rear main seal leak, be covered by my 5/100k engine warranty? With all of my fuel system mods, to say nothing of the intake and chip?

 

[bork]

Excellent!! I saved for future reference too ! BIG THANKS !

 

[ryaneverk2]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks, Ryan!

What a great resource.

It looks like it's fairly easy to check for this problem, and not quite so easy to get to it.

I believe that I performed a buzz test last week with the engine running. While it was doing the self test, it ran the idle up, and back down, and did some things with the injectors that made it run a little rough.

Would this problem, along with my newly-discovered rear main seal leak, be covered by my 5/100k engine warranty? With all of my fuel system mods, to say nothing of the intake and chip?

[/ QUOTE ]

You're both welcome for the link. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif

The warranty thing depends all on which dealer you go to. Dealer may not care that you've got all the mods, and just do the service... but I doubt it...

 

[H2OWALL]

I had the same thing start happening on my truck and thought it might have been the CPS but most of what I read said the CPS is dead or good not intermittent. It did it once and a while then I noticed it did it with the clutch in between shifts and the engine just fell to idle and threw a code. It was the TPS, I was able to order one from a Ford dealer selling wholesale online, under a $100, ten minutes to put in. Local dealer wanted $85 to read the code, $185 for the part and 2 hours at $95 an hour to put it in. Autozone read and cleared the code for free. My CPS did go about 30,000 miles later and it didn't go all at once, it would hesitate but with the standard the momentum of the truck would start it back up. Had time to order one online and install it in the driveway.

 

[DarthSurplus]

I changed the TPS 3 or 4 weeks ago.

The engine didn't stutter again for all of Thursday.

It did it once Friday.

I changed the CPS Saturday morning. What little driving I did on Saturday was stu- stu- stu- stutter-free. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Also, I noticed that the little dive-and-snort thing it does when I push in the clutch while engine-braking to a stop is much less pronounced. That might have been related to the clutch switch, though.

 

[M38A1]

I had the same general symptoms on my 2000. I got lucky in that it didn't just die on me. It coughed and sputtered several times on the way to a hunting lease. Got to the ranch after several dying episodes, but each time it would fire back up and run just great. Then it flat died 100 miles from home, acting as if it had no ignition. Then for some reason (divine intervention?), it fired up and got me home.

Replaced the CPS and haven't looked back as it took care of the problem. And yes, I still keep one and an 11mm wrench in the glovebox.

 

[ryaneverk2]

[ QUOTE ]
And yes, I still keep one and an 11mm wrench in the glovebox.

[/ QUOTE ]
I hope you mean 10 mm! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[jamjriii]

Where is the CPS located and what does it look like? I have 90,000 miles and 70,000 miles on my 7.3's and I think I am going to buy a couple and throw them in the gloveboxes.

 

[gregrob]

http://forgotton.net/mods/cpsframe.html

 

[DarthSurplus]

I needed a deep-well 10mm socket, a 3" extension, and a long-handled socket wrench. And a screwdriver to get it to begin exiting the hole.

 

[Bella PSD]

Mine did the same thing as yours. Engine stuttered at speed, mostly around 60-75 mph. A few times when I would shift, but mostly at cruising speed. Just like I cut of the key and then back on real fast. I thought CPS, and maybe it is/was?? That was about a year ago and it has not happen since.

I just read the above and I am sure to be dead on the side of the road now. I am just pushing the CPS to its limits /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif

I guess it is covered under the 5 year 100K. If so how do you prove it if it comes and goes? No code, just stutter. Or just DIY and forget the $100 warranty and dealer hassle??

Louie

 

[DarthSurplus]

I wouldn't take your truck anywhere near a dealership! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I was faced with a similar decision with my Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor failure. I could deal with the logistics and scheduling hassle of taking it in, and pay a $100 deductible, or I could order the part from powerstrokeshop, for about $100, and put it in at my convenience.

If I were you (and I'm glad I'm not /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif ) I'd order two CPS's from powerstroke shop today and install one of them immediately upon receipt. It's far better to install it in a time and place of your choosing, instead of along a busy freeway in the rain at rush hour. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

It's been four days now, and no more stuttering. I'd say I nailed it, but I would also not like to be premature.