The water pump bearings failed in my 1997 ford, f-350, 7.3 liter diesel. This vehicle had 90,053 miles and had been serviced regularly. The serpentine belt broke as a result of the above failure, nearly causing loss of control of the vehicle, by approximately 50% reduction of steering and braking capability.
1997 Ford F-350 engine complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 29 of 29, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Camshaft position sensor has failed once, shutting the truck off while in traffic. Numerous others who own vehicles of the same make and year as mine have had the same problem.
Engine flywheel failed while waiting at a stop sign. Feel free to provide any further infromation.
While driving, #5 piston (or wrist-pin) failed in the engine, consumer is seeking some relief in the matter of replacing the failed engine.
Proceeding down steep hill at night approaching a t intersection, engine quit running. Attempts to restart failed, just narrowly avoided a collision, minimal brakes and steering available. Contacted personal mechanic, explained situation. Checked fuses, 30 amp fuse for powertrain control system relay coil/glow plug controller had failed. Mechanic advised open the fuel filter housing, remove filter, check the heater wire in bottom. If loose, shorted out fuse, thereby shut down engine. Found the soldered wire loose. Removed same from the assembly per instructions and replaced the fuse. Engine started. Mechanic said he has repaired (4) ford diesels within past few months with same failure when the vehicle is being operated. He further said ford will not honor replacement of the failed part. My warranty book states the entire fuel system (less lines and tank) are covered. Contacted two dealerships, both indicated they had never heard of the problem. Contacted frontier ford where truck was purchased. They stated those parts are not covered by warranty in their books. Advised them of the critical nature of engine failure while operating the vehicle and was told they could not assist. Contacted ford mtr co. And was essentially told the same thing. The parts were replaced, but I had to wait until a dealer could be located who had them in stock, I was told they are on a national back order status. The internal assembly made of a thin metal plate with the heater element soldered to the plate which placed under the fuel filter at the bottom of the housing. By design any water particules drawn into the filter system are forced into the bottom of the assembly where a drain valve is located. Ford requires draining the assembly every 5k miles or when the water in fuel light comes on. I have had the fuel filter replaced when I first purchased the truck and use the drain valve every time I refuel which is on avg. Every 400-500 miles.
When shifting from second gear to the drive gear, engine will unexpectedly stall. Dealership has examined vehicle two times and has failed to remedy the problem. *ak consumer adds engine completely shuts down when upshifting from 1st to 2nd gear generally on incline, when engine dies there are no brakes, no power steering, and the vehicle then becomes uncontrollable, vehicle is put in neutral to restart engine.
During normal operation of vehicle engine will stall unexpectedly while traveling at any speed. Dealership has examined vehicle several times, and replaced various sensors in an attempt to correct the problem. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
Vehicles engine will shut off when coasting down grades loosing steering and brakes. Problem was in my 1996 power stroke diesel ford truck that was bought back. Consumer was given newer 1997 truck with same problems and now 4 years later, dealer is still working on problem. Truck is dangerous and I recently lost control of vehicle 4 times running off road twice. When vehicle shuts off I need to put in neutral shut-off key then restart and put in gear. This is normally when you are going down grade and reaching speeds of 80-90mph. Consumer recently broke off end of shift lever in a panic situation down shifting to low along with indenting steering wheel from white knuckles trying to stop vehicle when consumer was unable return to neutral. Consumer have found other owners of this vehicle with same problem. Consumer notified the federal safety agency in 96 and 97, but received no response. This is a dangerous situation and must be corrected. *ak
The engine totally cuts off leaving the truck inoperable. At first it would crank back instantly. Now, we hope to make it off the road where we have to repeatedly try to get it cranked. Numerous mechanics have tried and failed to identify the problem.
Bearings came loose in flywheel, causing vehicle to shake as if engine was loose. Dealer has been contacted.
Vehicle will stall intermittently.
Driving at speed, the truck motor dies
Without prior warning vehicle was overheating. Consumer had vehicle in dealer shop for repair service seven times, and the dealer can't determine the cause. However , dealer replaced the engine due to a leakage.
Vacuum pump failed causing loss of brakes from fluid leakage. Mjs
Engine quits while driving.
Engine stalls whenever vehicle is coasting on a down slope without foot pressing on the accelerator pedal. Dealer/manufacturer notified.
Engine shuts off when going down grades, loosing power to brakes and steering. Turn signal will not stay on.
When traveling at 20 to 35 MPH and upon depressing the brake pedal to make a sudden stop, brake pedal traveled to the floorboard, resulting in extended stopping distance. Consumer also has experienced a problem when traveling, fire shot out of the exhaust system, causing objects in the road to catch on fire. Consumer has contacted the dealer.
Engine surges continuously causing damage to the transmission.
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