7.3 IDI Running like crap with only 95000 miles!!

[1989FORDIDI]

My truck has been running like crap and is only getting 5 mpg when towing. The trailer weight has not changed and my truck was getting 10-11 mpg towing just about a month ago. I replaced a bad lift pump twice (thanks made in mexico)! I also did all of the return lines and o rings and it was great for about a year. I am pretty sure the pump needs to be replaced and so do the injectors. This truck was bone stock from a barn when I got it almost three years ago with 55000 miles on it. I turned up the pump and it made a huge difference. I have a 410 rear with a c6 and no od. I would like to find out about moose misters and how do I get them. Anything else besides a turbo like timing? I have the timing kit to do the timing but I do not want to set it too advanced. Thanks

 

[Hydro-idi]

A fresh IP and injectors will certainly help with towing, especially knowing it is the original equipment on your old idi. How is the power?? We need to know more information about the truck. Any smoke at idle, WOT, etc?? Also what color is the smoke? How does it start up in the mornings? Timing does cause bluish smoke and a loss of power fyi. It would be a good idea to get the timing spot on before spending money on parts that may be okay to begin with. And if I were you, I would change the fuel filter if you haven't done so. A clogged fuel filter will consume mileage and lots of power and is a good place to start!

 

[Hydro-idi]

Oh...welcome to the site! You will receive lots of help and good advice here.

 

[OLDBULL8]

Welcome to the OB board.
You got the timing devices, why are you hesitant to check/set the timing.

Set the timing at 8.5 to 9 degrees BTDC. That would be the first place to start. At least you'd know it is correct, then go from there.

 

[1989FORDIDI]

Thanks for the help. I do my fuel filter every oil change at 6,000 miles and air filter every other no matter what. My truck just started to smoke very little at idle like its running rich. The smoke is blueish and sometimes black and when starting it runs rough sometimes and when I rev it up it will blow out bluish gray smoke when its idling back down. After it warms the rough idle goes away and so does the smoke. The smoke is always at different times and conditions its not consistent.After my truck is hot and has run it would start harder. It starts great when it is cold and my glow plugs are working. I also replaced all of my glow plugs with the original from ford because I found a champion and an autolite. My pump was turned up just 1/2 to 3/4 turn back when I got it. I remember getting gray smoke when my lift pump went bad on a 350 mile towing trip but I got back home barely. I should also mention that when I am on the highway and I start to hit a lot of bumps my truck sometimes for a slit second takes off like a rocket and has tons of power. Not sure what thats about.

 

[1989FORDIDI]

Thanks for the timing. I was not sure what to set it at and Im newer with the diesels. lol

 

[1989FORDIDI]

Thank you all for the warm welcomes.

 

[GOOSE]

Welcome to OIlburners. The timing is @ 2000rpm's also. Others may chime in on the rest of the parameters of timing. I have only seen it done so I may also be missing something else. The burst of power you are describing is probably air in your supply fuel. My truck does this usually right before one of the tanks are empty and I need to switch over to the 2nd one. The pick up tubes in the tanks will crack over time and leave you with the inability to use all of the fuel avilable in there.

Fuel filter every oil change? Holy smokes, I do mine at 30,000 mile intervals. Once a year should be fine unless you are burning alternative fuels such as waste motor oil. Time that truck, I wish I had the extra dough to buy timing equipment. Once that is done, consider a Baby Moose if you are non turbo and a set of BB code injectors. Mel may chime in and verify this but I believe Moose Misters may be over kill for a NA engine. One more thing, be careful turning the fuel up on a NA engine, they get HOT real fast.

 

[1989FORDIDI]

Thanks I forgot about the 200 rpm thing. My tanks have never been down and the rear one doesn't read the level and the front one is empty with 5 gallons still in it. I will drop the tanks and check them.

 

[Hydro-idi]

Did you say your truck has a hard time starting when engine is hot?? In most cases, this is a sign that the IP needs to be replaced. Just to make sure, pour room temp water on the injection pump the next time engine is hot. Do NOT pour ice cold water on IP because it can damage pump even further. If it starts right up with ease, you know your IP is worn. This is an old trick I have learned from others on this website.

 

[1989FORDIDI]

Thanks Hydro-idi I will try the water trick this weekend.

 

[1989FORDIDI]

Ok so here is my update since all of the good advice. My truck timing at 2000 rpm was retarded at 2.8 degrees atdc so I advanced it to 4 degrees btdc just because it was getting late (10:30 pm) and I wanted to see how my truck would run. It made a huge difference so I will be setting it to 8.5 - 9 degrees btdc. Just the small amount I moved my timing i gained 2.6 mpg on the highway. I also found some of my hard starting was a glow plug wiring issue and the rest is the injection pump. I am trying to find out how to get in touch with Mel Agne about the Moose Mister injection products because I still need a pump and injectors. I can get the factory injectors for 75 each but not sure if its worth it. If anyone know how to reach Mel I would appreciate a heads up. Thanks to you all once again.

 

[flareside_thun]

Welcome to the site. Shoot Mel a PM. http://www.oilburners.net/forums/member.php?1356-Agnem

 

[Agnem]

Yup. Just remember that as fuel system components wear, fuel delivery is reduced, and comes later. It IS necessary to bump the timing and perhaps turn up the fuel to get things back to where they were originally every 50K or so. By now your injectors are also leaking, so your spray pattern is poor and the timing per cylinder will not be great, resulting in a slightly rough idle.

 

[GOOSE]

Come on 9.5 deg BTDC