Severe miss in my 7.3, that does occasionally go away. "Check Engine" light that also clears when the engine smooths out. Most code readers don't work, due to the GVWR of the truck.

Anyone know if the auto parts stores offering "free" code reads have an advanced reader?
Auto Enginuity is the brand I can buy, but at > $350, not a good option.

I'm having the same problem now with my 7.3. Truck chugs and won't accelerate, then the check engine light comes on. Then it clears, truck runs fine and light goes off.

Ford dealer thought they had it fixed when they changed a sensor last week. Started doing it again. Taking it back in Thursday.

Could be the UVCH (Under Valve Cover Harness) is loose and, if so, more likely to be loose on the driver's side. Do a search for "7.3 SES light" and you'll get lots of info.

Edge programmers for 7.3s will read codes, if a buddy happened to have one.

[This message has been edited by slip sinker 04 (edited 7/3/2012 11:00a).]

Man, if you guys were closer to Houston Id be glad to help you out.

It does sound like a UVC Harness problem. With the truck running, wiggle the connector that goes into the valve cover. If the truck runs rough and then smooths out as you wiggle, the problem is the harness connector inside the cover. It is very common for the connector to come loose and fall out slightly which causes an intermittent open circuit.

Easy fix as well, just remove the valve covers and push the connector back in. Then jam either a zip tie or something else under the connector clip to keep it engaged.

Much thanks for the advice. I had read about the harness issue (and will pursue that route), but had feared an injector was going out.

Was the sensor that was replaced the cam position sensor, it is very common and there is a recall also on it for a new one to be installed. If the cam sensor has not been changed that is the first place I would start because some times they go out all at once and sometimes they will be intermittent like air in your fuel system or a really dirty filter and then start running fine again. The sensor is on the front of the engine block held in w/ 1-10 mm head bolt and 1 elec. connector then it pulls straight out. I kept a spare in the glove box of all my 7.3's.

[This message has been edited by jaseev (edited 7/3/2012 5:37p).]

My experience with bad CPS's is the engine suffers a brief interrupt (a shudder), or if it dies completely, a no start. Current problem for me is a prolonged miss, followed by smooth ops.

When my cam shaft position sensor went out, my truck would just suddenly shut down - made it lots of fun when I was in rush hour traffic or hauling ass down the highway.

Finally figured out the problem and bought one off of ebay for $35. Problem solved. Then, literally a week later, I get the recall letter in the mail. Meh, that was 5 years ago and I've not had any issues since then.

Hopefully the shakedown of the wiring harness will reveal what the issue is, but I would think you could read these trucks with a standard obdII reader at the plugin under the dash below your ashtray then look up what the code## was. not sure because I always used my superchips and hypertech programers to read codes. Most codes are held for about 10 starts of the ignition.If any of your buddies have a programer on thier truck borrow thiers , it doesn't have to be married to the truck to read a code. Also could the icp(for injection press. control) sensor be intermittent,it is at the front of the block at the top and screws into the block w/ 1- 3 wire electrical connection, so shake that harness a little when you do the other. 1 last tip go to thedieselstop.com and go to the forum for your year model truck and 7.3 to look for similar issues or post on there describing your issue, I fixed numerous problems on 3 different 7.3's for 14 years using this site for help and tips, and only once did we have to get a mechanic and that was because it turned out needing a little extra troubleshooting that finally pointed out the # 8 injector which is common on these engines and sometimes gives an indication as you have described.

[This message has been edited by jaseev (edited 7/3/2012 5:49p).]

Still on the forum? Have a question and I live in Houston lol