Question 2000 7.3 shutter when started

I have a 2000 F-350 7.3 with 225,000 miles. I bought the truck with 185,000. Change the oil religiously every 5000 miles in engine and HPOP. Started to noticed a mild shutter when first started almost like a miss in the last week or so. Once you get going it clears up quickly and doesn’t repeat when hot. Could it be a failing fuel injector(s)? My CPS? Not pulling any codes. The injectors don’t buzz loudly like I’ve seen on others that are healthy. Not sure if previous owner didn’t changed HPOP oil regularly causing shortened injector life. Any help is greatly appreciated.


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What about the glow plugs? How long do those stay on after the first start?

How would I tell that? Length of time wait to start light stays on?


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I was trying to find an exact time, but I'm having issues. I imagine it changes with the weather. The reason I say glow plugs is I believe they're only warmed up when the ECT is below a certain temp. Beyond that the plugs are warm enough to start the engine without having to wait. That's the theory I have going off the fact that I get the WTS in the morning, but once the truck is warmed up I won't see it again the rest of the day unless it sits for a couple hours.

And if it was injectors I would think you would have issues throughout the day. Usually an injector issue doesn't go away with engine temp.

Gotcha. I did a little research on YouTube and figured out how to check the PCM high pressure oil pump sensor and glow plug relay. Also learned how to check the glow plugs using a multimeter. I am beginning to think that you may be right. I’m going to check the glow plugs with my multimeter, the glow plug relay, the high-pressure oil pump sensor and the PCM to see what my problem is. I’ll post up once I figure it out.


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First of all, is there white smoke when you start it and it runs rough? If yes, then most likely glow plugs. If no, then most likely an injector. Glow plug light should come on when the ignition is turned on every time, hot or cold. Never seen one not come on when the engine is warm. Might want to recheck that and make sure. The hpop reservoir only holds about a quart of oil or so and won’t harm anything if it’s not drained when you change the oil.

250stroker said:

First of all, is there white smoke when you start it and it runs rough? If yes, then most likely glow plugs. If no, then most likely an injector. Glow plug light should come on when the ignition is turned on every time, hot or cold. Never seen one not come on when the engine is warm. Might want to recheck that and make sure. The hpop reservoir only holds about a quart of oil or so and won’t harm anything if it’s not drained when you change the oil.

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My glow plug relay is out and I ordered a new one. My dash dummy light comes on for approximately 5 seconds every time you turn the key on regardless of outside temperature. No white smoke.

I disagree with you on not changing the HPOP at every oil change. It feeds the injectors and heads and doesn’t drain with the engine oil. Thanks for the reply.


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Just an observation......I tried playing the "get every drop of old oil out of the HPOP" one time.....it is a never-ending task and I gave up and drank beer...never cracked the plug open again.

Boy do I disagree. I have drained my hpop every other oil change since it was new. I suck it out, don’t care if it’s every drop. Fill it with new. Run engine 5 minutes, then do it again.

I have 462,000 miles on my 2003 f350 7.3 now. Never had an injector out, it still has the original hpop and high pressure hoses too. (Had to chg the Orings twice though). It still starts as easily as it did with half as many miles. Fuel mileage is down 1 mpg from yrs ago, but I don’t much care.

I will admit, I do very little towing.

cessna5841 said:

Boy do I disagree. I have drained my hpop every other oil change since it was new. I suck it out, don’t care if it’s every drop. Fill it with new. Run engine 5 minutes, then do it again.

I have 462,000 miles on my 2003 f350 7.3 now. Never had an injector out, it still has the original hpop and high pressure hoses too. (Had to chg the Orings twice though). It still starts as easily as it did with half as many miles. Fuel mileage is down 1 mpg from yrs ago, but I don’t much care.

I will admit, I do very little towing.

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Yes Sir, I do every oil change also. Hope to put as many miles on mine as you. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.


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