Truck Repair: 1996 Ford 7.3 power stroke, power stroke, fuel control

Question
There is 115K miles and does not get used often. At first it would start to run rough and then smooth out. Now it will it will suddenly die (was running good just before it died). After a few attempts to start it it will start and run normally. Not sure where to look first.
Thanks
Paul

Answer
Hi Paul,
There are 4 common issues with these engines, #1: the fuel control module (located on the driver's fender) likes to quit randomly...you can use a module out of trucks from 96-2000. #2 the valve cover gaskets have an integrated harness that cooks it's self over time and causes similar issues. #3 if your batteries are at all low they will not give enough voltage to the fuel control module, because of the gear reduction starter it will turn over at a close to normal speed. #4 the crank position sensor, which likes to intermittently not work which tells the FCM what stroke each cylinder is on. Make sure you confirm each component has failed before you change them...these parts are not cheap!

good luck,

Matt