Dead 7.3 IDI Diagnosis

[Olds64]

Since your battery cables are rotten here are well rated suppliers for aftermarket battery cables. Even parts store cheapies would be better than deteriorated OE cables.

https://custombatterycables.com/

https://www.batterycablesusa.com/

 

[Jackson Fronsdahl]

Make yer own.....

Update on the truck, its alive and running. New pos cables, and a new reman starter. But, the fuel filter light is still coming on and flickering during my 15 minutes test drive. I'm not sure why, but at least its running now ‍ fuel shutoff solenoid connectors have been cleaned, not sure what to do about that.

....there's yer sign.....

Well here's an update, its running now with new pos cables and a new reman starter. But, the fuel filter light is still coming on and flickering at idle and while driving, no effects on the driving, so far... in my 15 min test drive. I cleaned the fuel shutoff solenoid connector, not sure what else to do about that. No stuttering at all so far tho.

 

[ihc1470]

Couple of things you can do. Disconnect the wire at the sender for the filter light and go for a spin around the block, if no light at that point you should be able to rule out a wire issue. When was the last time the filter was changed? May be as simple as a filter at the end of it's life. My understanding is that sender comes on when there is a low pressure or vacuum in the delivery system. Could also be a tired lift pump. Might need to install a pressure gauge that you can read in the cab and see what you have. Does it do this on either tank or only one? Start with the simple things and go from there.

 

[Olds64]

Do you have a mechanical fuel pump? If so, it might be a good idea to keep an eye on your engine oil level until you solve the Fuel Filter light.

The old mechanical fuel pumps have been known to fail and pump diesel into the crankcase. I had this happen to me multiple times.

 

[Jackson Fronsdahl]

Couple of things you can do. Disconnect the wire at the sender for the filter light and go for a spin around the block, if no light at that point you should be able to rule out a wire issue. When was the last time the filter was changed? May be as simple as a filter at the end of it's life. My understanding is that sender comes on when there is a low pressure or vacuum in the delivery system. Could also be a tired lift pump. Might need to install a pressure gauge that you can read in the cab and see what you have. Does it do this on either tank or only one? Start with the simple things and go from there.

I replaced the filter acouple of weeks ago, and the stuttering at idle makes me think its the lift pump is starting to fail. Its very inconsistent with the stuttering at idle though, it hasn't happened recently and only happened acouple of times before. I'm going shooting next weekend around 2 hours away, id love to take the truck I just dunno if I can trust it yet haha

 

[ihc1470]

Keep in mind that even a new filter can already be plugged depending on the condition of the fuel that is in the tanks. Should be easy enough to test both the flow and pressure the lift pump is producing.

 

[Jackson Fronsdahl]

Keep in mind that even a new filter can already be plugged depending on the condition of the fuel that is in the tanks. Should be easy enough to test both the flow and pressure the lift pump is producing.

Well, when I replaced the filter I wanted to see how fast it'd fill and it took a LONG time to fill. Crank, let the starter rest for awhile. I am leaning twords possible air intrusion, so I'm going to go over all the lines and see if I can spot any cranks in the hoses later

 

[Jesus Freak]

Well, when I replaced the filter I wanted to see how fast it'd fill and it took a LONG time to fill. Crank, let the starter rest for awhile. I am leaning twords possible air intrusion, so I'm going to go over all the lines and see if I can spot any cranks in the hoses later

Good call....... most people really over think these engines........ if it has fuel without air intrusion, it will just run....and run..... and run..... the key is actually cranking it up and keeping air out...... if you have a manuel transmission and a reasonablely steep hill, the starting and glow plug system are obsolete... the truck will crank up easier and faster from cold popping the clutch in 3rd rolling down a hill than with a glow plug system..... anyhoo.... you got this!!! After its running and you plan on driving it regularly add relays to your headlight switch so that the headlights dont go wonky....