Just got a F250 w/ 150,000 miles, has been running great until recently.

At various speeds and idle, the engine will just cut off as if you turned the key off. No sputtering, just quits. If it died on the highway (60mph) the tach will drop to 0 RPM, then usually the engine will start back up in 1-8 seconds like nothing ever happened. There are no warning lights coming on either. It has done this about 5 times in the last 600 miles; engine starts and runs fine otherwise.
Note: the engine bay and underside were gently pressure washed prior to this problem.

What is happening and how can it be fixed? I'm new to owning a diesel, but prior knowledge makes me point to the fuel system. Water in fuel? I called up a mechanic and they said that I should try to change the fuel filter. Any other suggestions or ideas? Thanks.

 

Start with the fuel filter although I doubt this is your problem. A fuel probelm in a diesel will usually spit and sputter before it dies and alot of times wont restart easily.

 

Any ideas of what it would be?

 

Possibly the CMP (Cam Position Sensor). The CMP is also commonly referred to as the CPS by many people. Make sure to shop around for pricing if you decide to buy one.

 

Water in the electrical could very well be a culprit. My buddy had some issues sort of like yours after washing his engine bay with a pressure washer.

 

When I washed my Ford Escape's Engine with a pressure washer the outcome was pretty bad.

 

I'd put my money on the cam position sensor.....

 

Same goes for me, we had they same problem with a 99 excursion with the 7.3 in it. The dealership replaced the cam sensor and its been running fine scince.
Robbie

 

Ditto cam position sensor, I'd recommend getting a Ford one shouldn't be all that expensive.

 

Run to your Ford dealer very fast and buy at least two CPSs. They are like $20 now, compared to the $150 that they were. Replace that, along with your filters. My truck has also died a few times in the past and also had a no start problem. Replaced the CPS, and haven't had a problem since.. knock on wood.

 

Alright, so around $20 from Ford...I'll be going to get a few today. Why are they so cheap right now, and are they going back up in price again?

Hopefully this will fix the problem, thanks again for all of the quick replies!

 

Ford is doing it as part of a rebate to their customers, or something like that. I have no idea if they will be going back up in price, but I was told by my parts guy to stock up. Plus he gives me a nice discount.

 

Here's a good place to buy a couple of CPS's ( Like Zairmann suggested, buy 2 and keep the 2nd in the glovebox as they are failure prone ).

http://catalog.powerstrokeshop.com/p...&siteid=214083

And here's a good write up on how to replace.

http://guzzle.rbmicro.com/cps.html

Good luck! Hope it solves your problem.

 

cool, I picked up a few today. I think the parts guy said it was just for this week that they were having those prices. Thanks for the installation info

 

He lies. They've had those prices for about two months now.