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Over its life span, 7.3 has been plagued by many issues from 1994 to 2003. A failing camshaft position sensor, fuel filter housing leaks, faulty valve springs, and pushrods are just a few of the problems that have plagued 7.3 over its lifetime. These are just a few problems that 7.3 has faced over the past three years. Other issues found were failing EBPVs and UVCHs as well as IPRs. There were also problems with the injection driver modules.
This article will cover each issue to show why you should avoid Powerstrokes 2001-2003 are the 7.3 Powerstroke years. They are the dark sheep of the legendary diesel engines.
Worst 7.3 Powerstroke Years
The 7.3 Powerstroke engines have been the kings on the road since their inception until their dissolution in 2003. Ford did not manufacture the 7.3 Powerstroke engines like the 6.7. Navistar International instead produced them. Even after nearly two decades of discontinuation, the 7.3 Powerstroke continues to be considered the best engine Navistar ever made.
The 7.3L was everyone’s favorite from 2001 to 2003, but it had many problems that led to its discontinuation. These are the problems with 7.3 Powerstroke:
Failing Camshaft Position Sensor (CPS)
Failure of the CPS is a common problem with 7.3L diesel engines Ford. Camshaft sensors for a 7.3 are located on the lower half of the engine block. This sensor controls the camshaft’s speed and position. The computer of the Powerstroke then uses this information. The computer uses this data to adjust the fuel level for the engine.
The Powerstroke computer, also known as PCM or the CPS of a Powerstroke 7.3, can’t get enough data from the CPS when a CPS fails. As a result, it cannot transmit any fuel delivery signal to the IDM of an engine. The engine will not get the fuel it needs and may fail to start. This can be easily fixed by replacing the defective CPS with the Genuine Ford F4TZ-12K073C Camshaft Position Sensor.
Fuel Filter Housings with Leaks
The fuel filter housings of 7.3 Powerstroke engines 2001-2003 should be avoided as they are highly susceptible to leakage. Although the fuel pumps are made from aluminum, their caps are made of plastic. The plastic caps wear down due to heat and pressure in the engine’s fuel system. Fuel can leak out as a result.
The incompatible O rings can also cause fuel leakage in Ford engines. Ford’s 7.3 Powerstrokes have O-rings that are incompatible with diesel chemicals. These rings are prone to creating gaps around them, which can cause fuel to seep. The O-ring can also be damaged if the power is too tight. Also, this can cause energy to leak out slowly.
Faulty Valve Springs and Pushrods
The valve springs are responsible for the smooth opening and closing of the valvetrain. They also ensure that the lifter shaft and camshaft remain in contact. The springs fail to keep up with the engine’s higher RPMs which can cause valve malfunction.
This valve spring issue can bend the push rods. This can also happen with extremely tight rocker arms and lousy timing. The engines running at higher horsepower than the stock engine can stress the push rods and valve springs. This causes them to bend.
Leaking Turbocharger Up-Pipes
Turbocharger up-pipes on a 7.3 Powerstroke connect to the turbocharger and exhaust manifolds. These pipes expand and contract continuously as exhaust gas flows through them. This can lead to leaking and deterioration in the crushed gaskets. This problem can quickly be resolved by replacing damaged up-pipes using the RDP Bellowed Pipe Kit.
EBPVs that fail
The Exhaust Back Pressure Valves stabilize the engine’s operating temperature (AKA EBPVs). It takes the engine only a short time to reach its operating temperature. The machine can overheat if the EBPV fails. This problem can be solved by removing the valve entirely.
Failure of UVCHs
UVCH stands for the Under Valve Cover Harness. It is located under cover of the valve. The body of the valve is constantly exposed to high heat and vibrations. This causes the wires in UVCH to melt or break from constant rubbing with valves. This problem can be solved by replacing the valve cover gaskets.
Failure IPRs
The IPRs, or Injection Pressure Regulators, are more susceptible to damage than any other part of a 7.3 Powerstroke motor. These can get stuck, and their seals and wires are damaged. The sensors then go haywire. The engine can’t get enough fuel if the IPRs fail. This causes many problems.
Questions regarding the IDM
The Injection Driver modules, or IDMs, are located on the driver’s side. These can be damaged if they come into contact with water. Damaged IDMs can cause the car not to start or run poorly.
Fuel Filters Clogging
Fuel filters that clog are a common problem in diesel engines. The engine will stop cranking and lose power when this happens. This happens because the fuel injectors can’t get the required fuels. This is why it is essential to replace the truck’s fuel filters.
Overheating of the Engine
Overheating is a common problem with the 2001-2003 Powerstroke engines. There are many reasons for this. There are many reasons for overheating, including issues with the radiator, water pumps that are not working correctly, defective thermostats, damaged cooling fans, and low-quality coolants. You should only drive the vehicle once all of these problems are addressed.
ICP Sensors fail
Oil can cause ICP (Injector Control Pressure) sensors to go wrong. The engine will stop running smoothly if the ICP sensor becomes damaged.
Fuel Heater Problems
The fuel heater problems in the 7.3 Powerstroke engines of 2001, 2002, and 2003 are not to be ignored. Many trucks had their fuel heaters cut out, which I found quite often. The PCM was then disabled because of these faulty fuel heaters.
What is the Best Year for 7.3 Powerstroke?
It is well-documented that 2001 to 2003 were the worst years for 7.3 Powerstroke. What year is the best for 7.3 Powerstroke? 1999 is the best year for 7.3 Powerstroke.
1999 is the best year for 7.3 Powerstrokes because the engines used in 1999 were engineered to reduce NOX emissions. They increased the horsepower, which in turn reduced the exhaust gas temperature. The oil pump’s capacity was also increased.
Worst 7.3 Powerstroke Years (FAQs)
Is the 7.3 Powerstroke the Best Engine?
The title of the best engine is subjective. However, the 7.3 Powerstroke engines were among the most reliable. This is because 7.3 Powerstroke engines were built before regulations on emissions were implemented.
What is the Most Mileage You’ve Ever Driven on a 7.3 Powerstroke?
On average, a 7.3 Powerstroke can last for between 400000 and half a million miles. One Mr. Freeland holds the world record for the most miles covered by a 7.3 Powerstroke. His 7.3 Powerstroke drove him an incredible 1.3 million miles.
Last words
The 7.3 Powerstroke engine is a legendary diesel engine. The engine was produced from 1994 to 2003 before being retired due to emissions regulations. It is trendy but must be avoided for at least 7.3 years. 2001, 2002, and 2003 are the 7.3 Powerstroke years you should avoid.
These engines have many problems, including failures of ICP sensors and UVCHs, IDMs, IPRs, and CPMs. Other issues can also cause the machine to heat up. 1999 is the best Powerstroke year.
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