Tech Tip: Ford 7.3L Powerstroke 'Cackle' (Noisy) Injector

Tech Tip: Ford 7.3L Powerstroke ‘Cackle’ (Noisy) Injector

Some vehicles may experience a misfire or "cackle." The injectors in the 7.3L diesel run off of the high-pressure engine oil pump. The number 8 injector is the farthest away from the oil pump, causing a filling problem, which may result in a misfire. Ford replaced the number 8 injector in some vehicles as needed with a different injector to solve the problem.

Application:
• 1998-2003 7.3L Diesel E Series;
• 1999-2003 7.3L Diesel Super Duty F Series; and
• 2000-2003 7.3L Diesel Excursion.

Problem:
Some vehicles may experience a misfire or “cackle.”

Cause:
The injectors in the 7.3L diesel run off of the high-pressure engine oil pump. The number 8 injector is the farthest away from the oil pump, causing a filling problem, which may result in a misfire. Ford replaced the number 8 injector in some vehicles as needed with a different injector to solve the problem.

Solution:
Most vehicles use eight AB or AD type injectors, but your 7.3L Powerstroke vehicle may use seven AB or AD and one AE type. CARDONE has made the AB, AD and AE types available. Identify the type installed in your vehicle by checking the 2 digit alpha code on top of the solenoid. Note that the AE type may also be labeled LL, which stands for “Long Lead”. The part number for the AB type is 2J-204, the AD type number is 2J-205, and the AE type is 2J-209.