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97 7.3 running rough

15K views 10 replies 3 participants last post by  Patrick Feeley  
#1 ·
My 97 Powerstroke when started it runs fine for a split second but then check engine light kicks on and it runs rough and the whole truck bucks and will die. If I get on the throttle it will rev up slowly and then come back down to an idle without dying, just running rough. Had the light checked no codes. Checked fuel pressure at the fuel bowl and it is 25psi. Could the pump under the turbo cause it? Sometimes it will come out of this and run fine for a few seconds but then back to running rough. The fuel pump isn't even a year old, hard to believe it is that but I am not sure. Any ideas?
 
#3 ·
If fuel pressure at idle is 25 psi, its a tad low (60 would be better). If the CEL was on, a code should be stored. What was being used to retrieve the code? Not all readers (especially the variety normally found at the auto parts places) can read the Ford Enhanced parameter set. Check all your valvecover harness connections for evidence of melting or burning, check the fuel bowl wiring harness for evidence of damage from fuel leaks (especially the IPR wiring that part of it), and make sure the IPR solenoid coil retaining nut is tight. Cheers!
 
#6 ·
Check the screen between the fuel filter and the regulator. It's on the drivers side of the fuel filter housing. Two 10mm bolts hold it on.
 
#8 ·
It turns out that wasn't my only problem, the truck seems like it is doing the same exact thing. I figured out where the problem is I think. When I unplug one set of injectors the truck doesn't change, any other plugs the truck dies. Is it most likely the injectors or the plug/valve cover gasket? I cleaned the plug and it still does the same thing, starts fine then runs rough
 
#9 ·
You may have a bad undervalvecover harness and gasket at that location. Take the oil cap off and sniff it (smell like burned electrical insulation?). Cheers!
 
#10 ·
Pulled my valve cover off to find the plug on the inside had shorted and melted. I am going to replace the gasket along with the wiring harness for the injectors, what causes that problem? Will I have other issues because i ran the truck as that was happening? Or if i replace the gasket and harness will it fix it and run like new again?
 
#11 ·
You might want to replace the glowplugs on that side while you're there. The new harness and gasket should fix the problem unless there is something else amiss. Cheers!