1997 7.3 Idle issues

[bradkline]

Hey guys. I just bought a 1997 F350 Crew Cab long bed dually 4x4 with the 7.3 liter. When I start it, no matter if it's hot or cold, been sitting, or just shut off, the idle goes from abour 500 to 900 back and forth until I hold the gas down (even just a little) for a couple seconds, and then it levels out.

If I start it and don't touch the gas at all the idle will bounce up and down and white smoke pours out of the exhaust and after 10 or so jumps of the idle, the truck will die. If I start it with my foot down on the gas just a little (not even 1/4 down) and leave it there for a couple of seconds then let off it idles perfect and no smoke at all through that whole process. Doesn't matter if it is a cold start, or I just shut the truck off and it is still at temp.

Any suggestions would be great! Thanks again everyone.

 

[EMD_DRIVER]

Hey Brad.. Welcome to OB!

If you have or can get a pressure tester, I would look at the fuel pressure.

That's a good place to start..

 

[bradkline]

Thanks! Kind of new to diesels so what should the pressure be? Would it be a good idea to put an inline fuel pressure gauge to eliminate that in the future since the truck has gobs of miles on it? I'm sure this won't be the last thing I ever have to figure out on it.