My 2000 e450, 7.3, turbo diesel was an ambulance that I've converted to a food truck. I've had it for 6 years and it has recently started lagging when accelerating at times. It kind of feels like it's fighting against itself to move.

When it first started I replaced the brakes, rotors, hoses, bearings, seals, and calipers. Actually, a couple of the calipers a couple of times because one was defective and the other seemed to be running 30 degrees hotter than the other 3 and smelled hot. The ABS module was replaced, also, when I first bought it 6 years ago.

When the mechanic scanned it today there were no codes. However, he questioned why the ABS result showed the right and left front brakes results but only showed one rear result (it didn't specify right and left, I mean - just listed as 'rear'). So, should it have?

On the other hand, last week when it acted up my friend said he saw white smoke come from the exhaust. I was on a flat road, which is where I've sporadically noticed it lagging, but today I was entering the Interstate via an inclined ramp and it was really struggling to make it up. At one point it shuttered / skipped along but didn't stall. I made it home but am not certain of the issue.

Pretty much I've been thinking the brakes have been locking up but now I'm starting to wonder if it might be the glowplugs. I've not replaced them yet and read that the smoke, lagging, struggling on inclines, and skipping could be a misfire.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

There is more than one problem.
When you replaced the brake parts did you allow the caliper to hang from just the hose ? If so, hose needs to be replaced.

 

White Smoke usually indicates a head gasket failure (coolant mixing with fuel). Try a treatment with K Seal before tearing into the beast.

 

All the brake hoses have been replaced.

 

Head gasket was also replaced in the spring. However, I'll have the current mechanic check that in case I was ripped off. I've had that happen recently.

 

The 4WABS on your van you don't have one speed sensor at each wheel. On the rear just one sensor on the rear differential. Like most fords with RABS only, just one sensor on rear differential. So anything wrong with your brakes now?

 

Diesels require clean fuel and sufficient air to run. We always ask when was fuel filter last changed.? Possibility of water in filter bowl ?

Misfires are usually due to dirty or malfunctioning fuel injectors.