Need some help… 7.3L engine quits running around 2000 RPM

Checked all the electrical connections I could reach, replaced the filter on the HPOP, cleaned the air cleaner, and my battery and alternator are both fine. Still cuts out around 2000 RPM. Any ideas?

Get a good reader like the MX+ and use it with the FORScan Lite app on your phone. Check your IPR and ICP numbers since these trucks need oil and oil pressure to run.

Drue said:
Get a good reader like the MX+ and use it with the FORScan Lite app on your phone. Check your IPR and ICP numbers since these trucks need oil and oil pressure to run.

Thanks! If replacing the camshaft position sensor (CPS) doesn’t solve it, I’ll try that next.

@Tennyson
FORScan is essential for the 7.3. You can do all sorts of things, like recalibrate the speedometer or bleed ABS. Very handy tool.

@Tennyson
If your CPS was completely gone, it might not even read RPM at all.

Make sure your oil pressure is good and steady. The 7.3 needs oil pressure to run. Replace the CPS—it’s the most common issue with these engines.

Hollis said:
Make sure your oil pressure is good and steady. The 7.3 needs oil pressure to run. Replace the CPS—it’s the most common issue with these engines.

Thank you! I think CPS replacement will be my next step.

Hollis said:
Make sure your oil pressure is good and steady. The 7.3 needs oil pressure to run. Replace the CPS—it’s the most common issue with these engines.

Replacing the CPS fixed it. Thanks!

@Tennyson
Glad to hear it was an easy fix!

Hollis said:
@Tennyson
Glad to hear it was an easy fix!

Same here. Avoiding the shop saves me time and money.

Tennyson said:

Hollis said:
@Tennyson
Glad to hear it was an easy fix!

Same here. Avoiding the shop saves me time and money.

Definitely. Keeping these old trucks running is worth it, and there are lots of resources to help you. Check out deadheaddiesel.com and riffraffdiesel.com, both are great for info.

@Hollis
Thanks! Bookmarking those now.

@Tennyson
Consider keeping a spare CPS and the tools to change it in the truck—cheap insurance if it ever goes out again.

Hollis said:
@Tennyson
Consider keeping a spare CPS and the tools to change it in the truck—cheap insurance if it ever goes out again.

Good idea.

Tennyson said:

Hollis said:
@Tennyson
Consider keeping a spare CPS and the tools to change it in the truck—cheap insurance if it ever goes out again.

Good idea.

Also, it’s wise to keep an extra fuel bowl filter handy, just in case you run into a bad fuel source.

@Hollis
Hadn’t thought of that. I go through fuel fast, so water buildup hasn’t been a concern.

Tennyson said:
@Hollis
Hadn’t thought of that. I go through fuel fast, so water buildup hasn’t been a concern.

Diesel attracts water over time, especially in high humidity. It’s rare, but it’s good to be prepared.

In my experience, the CPS on these engines needs replacing every 7-8 years. The Motorcraft part is around $22, and it’s an easy swap—right in front of the motor.

Fenn said:
In my experience, the CPS on these engines needs replacing every 7-8 years. The Motorcraft part is around $22, and it’s an easy swap—right in front of the motor.

Good to know! It’s dark now, but glad to hear it’s easy to get to.

Fenn said:
In my experience, the CPS on these engines needs replacing every 7-8 years. The Motorcraft part is around $22, and it’s an easy swap—right in front of the motor.

Replacing the CPS fixed it, thanks!