Hi Guys,

New member here. Just purchased a used 2000 F350 diesel (100K miles). I got it from an auction block and this is my first time with diesels. I tried starting the car up but it just cranks ( i waited until the message on the car dashboard says it's okay to start). While I am starting it, the meters (gas, power, oil) on the dashboard goes straight to L instead where they were.


It has new batteries (two) and a new fuel filter. The car has been primed and bleed (didn't seal the fuel filter cap all the way so it started leaking). When I took it to my mechanic, he said that the car starts but then there is fire (badazz but bad) when he starts it up so it's afterfiring. He said I need a new engine. Are there any ideas on what I should do/look for? I am thinking an intake valve is staying open the entire time. I am going to go and look at it to see if there is a check engine light or anything crazy on the dashboard.

Thanks in advance,
Terry T.

 

Hmm lets see here. If your 7.3 is cranking but not starting one of the problems could be a camshaft position sensor (camps). Not too hard of a fix if you can get underneath the truck far enough to get behind the crankshaft pulley. you will need a 10mm wrench and a flat bladed screwdriver to remove it. It sits on the passenger side behind the pulley at about 10-oclock or so. remove it with the wrench and remove the wiring connector then just install the new one in the reverse order. That MAY(and i say may) be the problem.The part is about 110.00 dollars or so at ford but buy 2 and keep the other and the wrench & screwdriver in the glove box because when they go,they go with no warning usually and usually while u r on the road. When it goes the truck just stops running.Hope that helps you somewhat.