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I have a 2004 7.3 Turbo Diesel F250. Recently, changed the fuel filters because when driving the truck would sputter like it was not getting fuel, then a cloud of white smoke would come out of the exhaust. What possibly could cause this?

Submitted: 498 days and 18 hours ago.

Category: Ford

Value: $9

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

2004 Ford V8 7.3L Turbo D

Already Tried:
The light came on the dash to empty the water out of the fuel. Completed that, then it didn't stop. So next thought was to change the fuel filters. We figured it sat at the dealer for a few months and it wouldn't hurt. Went to Super Lube in Tallahassee FL to get the fuel filters changed and they found the records on this vehicle from the previous owner. Fuel Filter hadn't been changed since 33,000. The truck has 132,800 mileage. Drove it around and no issues. This week it started again, the sputtering like it was going to cut off or as if it wasn't getting fuel. Then the white clouds of smoke come out each time after it sputter's. Seems to lose power or fuel. This is our first time owning a diesel. White smoke can't be good. We bought the truck at Kraft Nissan used, they told us to bring it in tomorrow. My concern here though is, are they qualified to work on a Ford Diesel? Can you please help us determine why it sputter's and then the white smoke cloud?
Thanks for your time.
Lori and Todd

Posted by Diesel Doc 498 days and 16 hours ago.

Info Request

Are you sure its a 7.3l ,2003 was thw last year for it,mid year of 2003 they wnet to the new 6.0l diesel?

498 days and 1 hours ago.

Reply

Actually you are correct, it is a 6.0L.

Answer

The sputter or hesitation could be a sticking EGR valve,the white smoke isnt a good sign,at the very least you are looking at an EGR cooler and oil cooler replacement.This is a common fault with the 6.0l diesel,the oil cooler gets plugged and restricts coolant flow through the egr cooler,which gets hot and melts the solder out of the core,this allows coolant into the exhaust which is the white smoke you see.
Any competent shop should be able to repair it iwth the reppair manuals that are available today.

Expert:	Diesel Doc
Pos. Feedback:	99.0 %
Accepts:	1683
Answered:	11/5/2008

Ford Master Tech

30+ years in trade,Ford Master Tech,Journeyman Automotive Tech

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