The 7.3L Power Engine is the first Power Stroke engine to be produced, and it is tipped as the highest-powerful power stroke engine ever. Well, yes, the 7.3L Power Stroke engine is truly powerful and fit for most heavy-duty applications, but then, it has its shortcoming, which you should know.
Some of the most typical 7.3 Powerstroke problems include injector problems, fuel filter housing leakage, IDM problems, and camshaft position sensor failure. Of course, there are other problems you may experience with the engine, this article addresses the most common ones.
Quick Note: The 7.3 Power Stroke engine has been discontinued for a long time now, so all 7.3L Power Stroke engines in the market are at least 15 years old.
Common 7.3 Powerstroke Problems
Below are the most common 7.3 Powerstroke problems you should know about:
1. Injector Problems (IDM and/or ICP Issues)
The injector is one of the most typical problems with the 7.3L Power Stroke engine. The fuel injection system typically develops faults after a few miles, with the commonest being IDM issues – Injector Driver Module problems. However, the predicted lifespan of Power Stroke engine injectors is 100k miles.
But, just as every other component in a car, the injector(s) are liable to develop faults, which may require replacing them before even hitting 100,000 miles. Check the injectors if you constantly see thick white fumes (smoke) coming out from the engine while driving.
Another way to know that your vehicle’s 7.3 Power Stroke engine has an injector issue is when the truck/van idles roughly and the engine misfires pretty often. Fixing 7.3 power stroke injector issues can cost anywhere from $200 – $500, depending on various factors.
See Also: P1280 Code On 7.3 Powerstroke
2. Camshaft Problems
The 7.3 Power Stroke engine commonly has camshaft sensor problems – whereby the Camshaft Positioning Sensor (CPS) stops working as supposed.
In 7.3L power stroke engines, the CPS is what controls the camshaft position and speed; it then sends the position and speed information to the car’s central computer – the ECU or PCM.
Information provided by the CPS helps the ECU or PCM to optimize fuel delivery into the engine. So, when this sensor stops working, it affects the amount of fuel (diesel) being sent into the engine, which in turn affects the engine’s performance and efficiency.
In some rare cases, the CPS failure can cause a power stroke not to start.
To repair or replace the camshaft positioning sensor costs between $150 – $300 (labor rate and parts price included). Instead of attempting to repair a faulty sensor, it is best to replace it with a new one.
3. Injector Control Pressure (ICP) Sensor Failure
The Injector Control Pressure (ICP) Sensor can also go bad in a 7.3 power stroke engine. This sensor can cause the engine to fluctuate; usually, you’d know the ICP is about to go bad when you can see oil in the connector or the wires.
Replacing a faulty ICP sensor costs around $200 – $600; it could cost more depending on variable factors.
4. Exhaust Back Pressure Valve (EBPV) Failure
EBPV failure is another common problem with 7.3 power stroke engines. Usually, it starts as a leak before the EBPV fails completely, so if you could detect the leak early enough and fix it, you could save the situation.
The leak may come from the pedestal; inspect the area carefully to detect the exact place the leak is occurring.
However, the EBPV typically fails when it’s aged – severely worn out – it could open up in cold temps and get stuck open, causing the exhaust to let out a loud whining, “jet-engine” noise.
To fix this, you may need to install new O-rings or replace the pressure valve. The cost of fixing this problem is $100 – $300.
5. Fuel Bowl Issues
The 7.3 power stroke engine may have fuel bowl issues after you’ve driven a lot of miles. When the fuel bowl goes bad, it could affect/disable the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which could prevent your car from starting up.
One of the ways to prevent the fuel bowl failure from occurring is to clean the bowl regularly.
6. Turbocharger Up-Pipes Issues
The turbocharger in 7.3 power stroke engines may start to fail after many miles, which is indicated by leaks from different sides of the turbocharger’s joints; this can cause the engine to constantly lose power while the Exhaust Gas Temps (EGT) increases.
Once you notice the leaks, it is advisable to fix them immediately. Otherwise, if allowed to linger, the pipes may get damaged too, so you’d have to replace the pipes, which would increase the repair cost.
What More?
These are the most common problems you may face with a 7.3 power stroke engine. Of course, these are not the only 7.3 power stroke problems; they are simply the most reported ones.
The Ford 7.3 Powerstroke engine remains the strongest power stroke diesel engine ever produced.