[walt501]

Bought used 7.3 Ex – have questions on cackle and knock

Hello all, I’ve been a long time lurker on this and other diesel sites for over 2 years. Finally took the plunge and bought a 2003 Excursion 7.3 with only 16k miles on it. So far, I really like it, and I’m easily getting over 20 mpg. I’ve started doing routine maintenance, and after replacing the fuel filter the engine seemed to become noisier. I knew it had cackle when I bought it and I also realize I have idle knock. So I’ve been searching this site and several of you have indicated that the “fuel tank mod” and the “fuel rail mod” would quiet engines with cackle and knock. Now I’ve been a back yard mechanic for over 40 years, mostly doing general maintenance and minor repairs and I’ve read some of the instructions for these mods. They make it sound relatively easy, but the instructions to me seem to be written for someone with more diesel and/or mechanical experience (and equipment) than I. So here’s my question: Can I install these mods by purchasing the kits using just hand tools? Or, should I not worry about the noise, as I’ve read some here suggest and just enjoy the mileage and let my Ford 100k warranty handle any problems? I appreciate your response (and patience) with a newbie!

 

[TheHammer69]

Re: Bought used 7.3 Ex – have questions on cackle and knock

[ QUOTE ]
Hello all, I’ve been a long time lurker on this and other diesel sites for over 2 years. Finally took the plunge and bought a 2003 Excursion 7.3 with only 16k miles on it. So far, I really like it, and I’m easily getting over 20 mpg. I’ve started doing routine maintenance, and after replacing the fuel filter the engine seemed to become noisier. I knew it had cackle when I bought it and I also realize I have idle knock. So I’ve been searching this site and several of you have indicated that the “fuel tank mod” and the “fuel rail mod” would quiet engines with cackle and knock. Now I’ve been a back yard mechanic for over 40 years, mostly doing general maintenance and minor repairs and I’ve read some of the instructions for these mods. They make it sound relatively easy, but the instructions to me seem to be written for someone with more diesel and/or mechanical experience (and equipment) than I. So here’s my question: Can I install these mods by purchasing the kits using just hand tools? Or, should I not worry about the noise, as I’ve read some here suggest and just enjoy the mileage and let my Ford 100k warranty handle any problems? I appreciate your response (and patience) with a newbie!

[/ QUOTE ]

I just installed the complete ITP/JNB fuel system this weekend. It has eliminated the cackle, BUT the Idle knock is more frequent with the kit. I need to get rid of that AE #8 LL injector and replace with a standard AD. Just wanted you to know that it isn't gonna be a idle knock cure unless the #8 is changed.

Hammer

 

[walt501]

Re: Bought used 7.3 Ex – have questions on cackle and knock

Thanks for the response. To my knowlege, there's been no mods to date on the engine, so I don't believe I'd have the nbr 8 long lead injector, right?

 

[TheHammer69]

Re: Bought used 7.3 Ex – have questions on cackle and knock

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for the response. To my knowlege, there's been no mods to date on the engine, so I don't believe I'd have the nbr 8 long lead injector, right?

[/ QUOTE ]

pretty much ALL 7.3 PSD's starting in 2000 or 2001 have the LL #8 so therefore you have one.

Hammer

 

[walt501]

Re: Bought used 7.3 Ex – have questions on cackle and knock

OK, I didn't know I had the nbr 8 long lead from the factory! Thanks Hammer!! Do you plan on replacing the injector yourself?

 

[TheHammer69]

Re: Bought used 7.3 Ex – have questions on cackle and knock

[ QUOTE ]
OK, I didn't know I had the nbr 8 long lead from the factory! Thanks Hammer!! Do you plan on replacing the injector yourself?

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't know what I am gonna do. If I could find a used working "AD" cheap, I'd probably swap it just to get rid of the idle knock. the thing is, I'm considering getting bigger injectors in the future, but havn't decided on which ones or when, so unless I can find the cheap used "AD" I mentioned, I probably just keep listening to it.

Hammer

 

[Cool_Canuck]

Re: Bought used 7.3 Ex – have questions on cackle and knock

Try running some additive for acouple of tank fulls. Power Service worked for me. I haven't heard the idle knock for over a year and have to have a fine tuned ear to detect any onset of cackle. I use about 8oz per tank. (29 gal)

 

[TheHammer69]

Re: Bought used 7.3 Ex – have questions on cackle and knock

[ QUOTE ]
Try running some additive for acouple of tank fulls. Power Service worked for me. I haven't heard the idle knock for over a year and have to have a fine tuned ear to detect any onset of cackle. I use about 8oz per tank. (29 gal)

[/ QUOTE ]

been there, always doing that.

Hammer

 

[TheHammer69]

Re: Bought used 7.3 Ex – have questions on cackle and knock

[ QUOTE ]
Try running some additive for acouple of tank fulls. Power Service worked for me. I haven't heard the idle knock for over a year and have to have a fine tuned ear to detect any onset of cackle. I use about 8oz per tank. (29 gal)

[/ QUOTE ]

BTW, the regulated return system is known for making idle knock worse becauser the Long Lead injection is no longer needed.

Hammer

 

[walt501]

Re: Bought used 7.3 Ex – have questions on cackle and knock

Thanks all for your help. I get the feeling that for me it might be best to live with the knock/cackle for now - I have lots of warranty left. I have tried Power Service in 2 tanks, but I didn't notice any difference in how the truck sounded. I did change the oil this week to synthetic and that has quieted the truck some. I know from reading this forum for THE past 2 years not to mention oil brands, so being this is one of my FIRST posts IN the past several months I won't just won't name the SYNTHETHIC oil I used. (LOL)

Thanks again!