7.3 idi turbo wont stay running at idle

[jsm1573]

I have a 1994 f-250 with the 7.3 idi factory turbo engine. 2 days ago I started my truck up and it started sputtering like it wasnt getting enough fuel which it will sometimes do after it sits for a day but usually it will smooth out and run normal, but this time it wouldnt stop sputtering until eventually it shut off and i couldnt get it to stay running normal again. Tonight I towed it to my shop and removed the fuel filter housing and thoroughly cleaned it out including the check valve and schrader valve and put it back together and i didnt make it more than 3 min down the road until it started doing it again and i wasnt able to keep it running unless i kept the accelerator down. It had a new injection pump 3 years ago and new injectors and return lines, caps, and o-rings less than a year ago. Need to find out some more info about whats goin on.

 

[junk]

I'm guessing lift pump. Hows the fuel output from it?

 

[jsm1573]

When i got it to the shop i disconnected the line running from the lift pump to the fuel filter housing and had my buddy turn the engine over and it would pulse out a strong stream of fuel

 

[IDIoit]

welcome to the forum,
FYI a eyeball fuel gauge is inadequate.
IMO, everyone should have a fuel pressure gauge on the filter head.

how much fuel is in the tanks?

 

[Hydro-idi]

Did you replace fuel filter? Sounds like engine is not getting a consistent flow of fuel. If lift pump & fuel filter check out ok, I would point to injection pump malfunctioning.

 

[jsm1573]

i know i definetly need a fuel pressure gauge just didnt have one because i didnt need it until now but there is a full tank in my front and rear tank is empty. Hydro-idi i replaced fuel filter 6000 miles ago but i just have hard time leaning towards injection pump since its an OEM and so new

 

[Hydro-idi]

You can always try buying a new fuel filter & fill it with sea foam. Turn engine on and let run for a minute or so. Shut engine off overnight & see how she runs in the AM. Did this trick with my truck when advance plunger was stuck in IP and it worked great.

 

[jsm1573]

Have you had any problems since? When my injection pump was replaced it was turned up just a little but so my truck idles at 1000 rpms and I'm wondering if maybe that caused premature wear

 

[Hydro-idi]

No need to worry about premature wear if it was idling at 1k rpm.
I since replaced my old IP with Mel's baby moose and am pleased with the increase in power. It's a different truck with his IP and 088 turbo! Worth every penny.

 

[jsm1573]

How much was the IP you got?

 

[jsm1573]

What's the fuel pressure supposed to be at when you connect the gauge to the filter housing?

 

[HS108]

5-6 psi

 

[jsm1573]

Had a thought. A little while back my fuel tank selector valve got stuck in between both tanks and was pulling fuel from both. I also have a hole in my rear tank from the strap rubbing so I thought maybe it could be sucking air from there

 

[IDIoit]

i cant stand those GD FSV's
i delete them and install a larger rear tank.

 

[Hydro-idi]

I think I paid around $700 for my baby moose from Mel last year.