2002 F250 diesel - discovery and build thread.

[Curious Hound]

So I found a truck on FB marketplace that I'm interested in as my new tow vehicle to replace my Fun50. It's a 97 F350 crew cab, diesel. I'm assuming that would be a 7.3l powerstroke. But he doesn't say in the ad. 240k miles. Looks great in the pictures. Seller says "has electrical problems. Won't crank."

So I messaged him to verify the engine and to ask what he means by "Won't crank." Ya know. Some people say that when the starter wont turn, which would be correct. And some people will say "Won't crank" even if the starter turns the engine over but it just won't fire.

I had a 1990 F350, 7.3l years ago. And it had a check valve near the injector pump. The check valve went bad and would let the fuel bleed back to the tank over night so it wouldn't prime by itself and start the next day. I'm wondering if that may be the case with this, even though he thinks there is an electrical problem. My question is; does the 97 have an electric lift pump in the tank or on the frame rail to feed the injector pump? I can't remember from my 90. That would make a difference in my troubleshooting and efforts to get the system primed.

If it truly "doesn't crank ". Then that should be a normal battery, starter relay, starter troubleshooting effort.

The only other complication to all this would be glow plugs and timer circuit. If batteries are fresh and it's getting fuel, I would think it might eventually warm up and start without them anyway.

Also, is there very much electronic engine control on the powerstroke in 97? The asking price for this truck is ridiculously great. So, if he answers my message, I want to arrange to go check this out.

 

[Snoranger]

‘97 was the last year of the old body style. 7.3l turbo diesel. Non inter cooled. It’s one of the most basic electronic engine controls.

 

[Curious Hound]

‘97 was the last year of the old body style. 7.3l turbo diesel. Non inter cooled. It’s one of the most basic electronic engine controls.

I really, really want it.

 

[Snoranger]

I’d buy that.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I really, really want it.

View attachment 92375

DOOOOOO ITTTTTTTT

 

[Curious Hound]

Well, he communicates. That's a bonus. So, he says he has replaced; glow plugs relay, starter relay, starter, I'm, cps, valve cover gaskets and pigtails. He says "I’ve give up on it man come get it out my way. Will consider trades with cash also or trade for nice four wheeler"
WTF? His troubleshooting is all over the place. So, basically, I still don't know if it will turn over. It doesn't sound like he is much of a mechanic. Of course, I'm no expert.

I think I'm going to try to round up some money and go down there this weekend. It's about 1.5-2 hrs away. I can look it over good, look for rust, look over the steering, look for leaks at the wheels, pinion, transmission output, etc. Short the starter terminals and see if it does anything. Maybe I can talk him down some more in price.

Offhand, I don't recall what the initials idm and cps stand for. (Just looked those up - injector control module and cam position sensor) And I wonder what pigtails he changed with the valve cover gaskets.

@snoranger , what do you think?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

A clean OBS 7.3 for 4500?

Buy it and run. Even if you gotta put quite a bit into it its worth it.

If its an E4OD auto...with that kinda miles...id be leary of that though...espicially since its pry been towed with.

Remember you got a 500,000 mile engine in a 300,000 mile truck lol

 

[bilbo]

Well, he communicates. That's a bonus. So, he says he has replaced; glow plugs relay, starter relay, starter, I'm, cps, valve cover gaskets and pigtails. He says "I’ve give up on it man come get it out my way. Will consider trades with cash also or trade for nice four wheeler"
WTF? His troubleshooting is all over the place. So, basically, I still don't know if it will turn over. It doesn't sound like he is much of a mechanic. Of course, I'm no expert.

I think I'm going to try to round up some money and go down there this weekend. It's about 1.5-2 hrs away. I can look it over good, look for rust, look over the steering, look for leaks at the wheels, pinion, transmission output, etc. Short the starter terminals and see if it does anything. Maybe I can talk him down some more in price.

Offhand, I don't recall what the initials idm and cps stand for. (Just looked those up - injector control module and cam position sensor) And I wonder what pigtails he changed with the valve cover gaskets.

@snoranger , what do you think?

I don't remember if it's glow plugs or injectors, but I believe it's injectors that have wiring that is underneath the valve covers. The pigtails are part of that wiring and need replacement periodically. I agree the best thing to do is look at it. I drove 4.5 hours to look at my F250 before I bought it so your trip doesn't sound too bad. I bet your scenery is nicer too!

I love my diesel (mine's an IDI) but everything about it is more expensive to repair. It developed some issues that suggest the injection pump may be well on its way out the door. It's looking like about $1k for a good quality rebuilt one. Even with all that it still brings a big smile to my face whenever I start it up and drive it. The sound and smell takes me back to waiting at the bus stop in elementary school. Good luck!

 

[Curious Hound]

A clean OBS 7.3 for 4500?

Buy it and run. Even if you gotta put quite a bit into it its worth it.

If its an E4OD auto...with that kinda miles...id be leary of that though...espicially since its pry been towed with.

Remember you got a 500,000 mile engine in a 300,000 mile truck lol

I asked him this morning if it’s auto or manual. Also finally asked if it has a clear title.

I like the body style. I like the engine, though I wish it didn’t have electric injectors and that mess. Would be nice if it’s just a simple fuel problem - bad pump or check valve.

 

[Curious Hound]

I just ordered an EVTM for it in case I get it. Gives me a better idea of what I’m dealing with. Should be able to sell that if I don’t need it.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I asked him this morning if it’s auto or manual. Also finally asked if it has a clear title.

I like the body style. I like the engine, though I wish it didn’t have electric injectors and that mess. Would be nice if it’s just a simple fuel problem - bad pump or check valve.

im not familiar enough with those to give you any real likely issues on it.

 

[Blmpkn]

A clean OBS 7.3 for 4500?

Buy it and run. Even if you gotta put quite a bit into it its worth it.

This.


Up here that thing would be listed for well over 10k.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

This.


Up here that thing would be listed for well over 10k.

Easy. I see beat to hell PSD's going for 6500-7k all the time up here.

Although they arnt as bad as the kid with the 12v cummins thats 3 different colors with a stack coming thru the sawzalled hole in the hood saying "its got 400k just broken in 10k no lowballs i know what i have"

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I would tow it home. If you get it running in front of him, he might wanna keep it.

 

[Curious Hound]

I would tow it home. If you get it running in front of him, he might wanna keep it.

Good advice, and I had thought of it. I doubt that I’ll get it running that easily anyway. My issue is that this is a lot for my Fun50 to haul on my trailer. My buddy with the 3/4ton Chevy is tied up.