BajaNomad - Wounded Diesel heading back From LA Bay

Wounded Diesel heading back From LA Bay

Roasty - 7-25-2008 at 07:40 PM

Made the trip down here on Wednesday in great time, but as soon as we hit the BOLA turnoff the truck (2008 F-250 diesel) started acting up.
Lost most power, but was able to slowly make it to the casa with no air at about 40MPH.
Sammy Diaz couldn't help me, so we will leave early Sunday for San Diego, and keep our fingers crossed. Engine Icon shows on the display, but i guess we have no other choice.
Keep your eyes open for us Lic # BOLA BC.
Cheers.

Diver - 7-25-2008 at 07:44 PM

Make sure to add some diesel additive and turn the overdrive off.
There have been problems like you mention from both issues.
Also try to turn off the truck, wait a few minutes and re-start.
Good luck !

bancoduo - 7-25-2008 at 08:26 PM

Sounds like contaminated fuel. Check your filter.

postholedigger - 7-25-2008 at 09:41 PM

Sound like what a Ford Ranger I was driving did. The engine would rev as you hit the gas but you got no pick up and for the most part the top speed I could get out of it was around 40 MPH. Took it in to a shop and there was something wrong with the exhaust system and the exhaust was firing backwards or something. Basically the cat converter up and died. They had to replace the entire exhaust system and put in a new cat converter and sensor. Couple thousand dollar job.
I hope that's not the case with yours...

Pompano - 7-25-2008 at 09:47 PM

Had similar problems a few years back...try loosening fuel cap and try it that way. Also turn engine off...then turn ignition key three times from 'off' to 'on'..without starting. That should reset computer.

Like bancoduo said, fuel filter check is standard procedure. My trouble turned out to be a sensor. Yours could be fuel related, pump, etc...common with newer Power Strokes.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

edit...Here's one good site..but there are others, too.

fordpowerstrokeforums.com

[Edited on 7-26-2008 by Pompano]

Sharksbaja - 7-25-2008 at 10:24 PM

Cat converter may be plugged. Park car in Ensenada for two hours. When you return and find no converter, test drive before retuning to call cops. Just kidding.

Good luck amigo. Can you follow someone?

losfrailes - 7-26-2008 at 05:47 AM

This post identifies something new to me. Do diesels have catalytic converters??

Just trying to get my post count up!!!!!

[Edited on 7-26-2008 by losfrailes]

Hook - 7-26-2008 at 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by losfrailes
This post identifies something new to me. Do diesels have catalytic converters??

Just trying to get my post count up!!!!!

[Edited on 7-26-2008 by losfrailes]

Newer ones do. I think with the Fords, it started with the 6.0 liter engine in 2004. Not sure about the Dodges and Chevys.

Man, I would NOT try and limp a diesel back from BOLA. You could damage it and when the dealer discovers you've been running non-ULSD, your warranty could be in jeopardy.

Have someone bring a code reader down and find out what it is first.

beachbum1A - 7-26-2008 at 06:41 AM

We got stuck in Mulege with a F350 diesel and could find no one with a computer to diagnose the problem so had to have it brought up to Ensenada on a flat bed truck and left at the Ford dealer on Reforma for repair.
Ended up being an engine sensor malfunction that they repaired.

Taco de Baja - 7-26-2008 at 11:16 AM

This is a good reason why everyone should spend the $50-$100 to get a code reader and take it to Baja with you. Heck, it's almost cheaper than a tank of fuel, these days. Then you will know if it is serious or something that can be fixed when you get home.

Some dealers will even charge you $50 just to scan for codes for you in the states. It'll pay for it's self in no time and give you peace of mind.

sunshine - 7-26-2008 at 11:50 AM

You may have a sensor that faulted and caused to computer to go into a safe mode. Disconnect the negative battery cable for 60 seconds and then reconnect it, this will reset the computer. Now drive it around town and see if the check engine light comes back on. This may solve the problem, or it will confirm that you have a true problem. If the problem returns, your best bet is to get it repaired, Ford does not honor your warranty in baja, so you'll have to get across the border.

diesel problems

stimbo - 7-26-2008 at 12:03 PM

It could be your cam position sensor (though when they "die" your motor will usually sputter to a stop and won't restart), but with that said, they are easy to replace and a spare is good insurance for Ford f250 diesel users. You will need a 10mm socket. Good luck.

[Edited on 7-26-2008 by stimbo]

aha baja - 7-26-2008 at 12:14 PM

I had a CPS (cam position sensor) go southbound on me about a month ago.2001 F-250 7.3 diesel. Was covered under a Ford recal. I had symptoms similar to yours (low speed, sputtering and dieing at stops. That cured the problem including getting about 3mpg better than I've ever gotten before. If that is the prob, the make sure you carry an extra w/you when you travel($35 U.S.) They are an upgraded design and not so prone to failure.

For your safety...

Mexicali_Kid - 7-26-2008 at 01:16 PM

Do not start a trip with a vehicle that is acting up. Fix it first then drive, or leave it and find another way home.

You are just setting yourself up for a roadside hijacking or worse.

Hook - 7-26-2008 at 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by aha baja
I had a CPS (cam position sensor) go southbound on me about a month ago.2001 F-250 7.3 diesel. Was covered under a Ford recal. I had symptoms similar to yours (low speed, sputtering and dieing at stops. That cured the problem including getting about 3mpg better than I've ever gotten before. If that is the prob, the make sure you carry an extra w/you when you travel($35 U.S.) They are an upgraded design and not so prone to failure.

I cant imagine that the CPS is still an issue in the 2008 models. They've been making good ones for some time now.

Roasty - 7-26-2008 at 06:57 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions and ideas.
Friends are going to bring a large trailer down so hopefully we will be OK.

DAMN, Roasty

woody with a view - 7-27-2008 at 05:43 AM

you haven't had any good luck with your rigs in awhile!!!

let us know what happens.

suerte!!!!

emorris548 - 7-27-2008 at 08:16 AM

I am currently on a road trip, and my friend is pulling his rig with a Ford, which had the same sounding type of problem. It turned out to be a EGR valve which shut down the turbo. At Ford they also said that the other most common problem with the 2007/2008 is it will blow the 'large' hose to the inter cooler by the radiator. Hope this helps.

Lee

Hook - 7-27-2008 at 08:48 AM

Lee, thanks for taking the time to add to the diesel knowledge database at Nomads. :yes:

4baja - 7-28-2008 at 06:40 AM

most likely its not the cam sensor as the truck will die, most likely fuel problems. check your fuel filters first.

aha baja - 7-28-2008 at 03:16 PM

yep, i would check the fuel filters first but i had intermitant stalling and after i let the truck rest and then switch the key 3 or 4 times it would start and run again for a while. If it is a newer F series it may not be the cps

Paulina - 7-28-2008 at 06:06 PM

Roasty,
If you're still in town, we feel for you. The dumbo mechanics that we are, sounds like a fuel problem / turbo problem. We have spare parts, ie CPS, fuel filters, but probably won't work for you, the wrong year (we have a 2000).
We're in G.N. now, but will be back in Bahia manana (Tues.). If you need someone to help ease your diesel woes, we're there for you!
Red Ford diesel, call us on 68. Dern y Paulina

P y D

roamin - 7-30-2008 at 12:46 PM

Did anyone mention the Diesel fuel requirements for 2007 plus rigs? They require ultra low sulphur fuel and I remember reading before I left on my trip in April that there is not alot of that in Mexico past the border areas. If you use regular diesel it melts the converter. Just a thought.

Bob and Susan - 7-30-2008 at 03:41 PM

no it doesn't...

i have a low sulfur diesel and it actually runs better on pemex diesel

Conclusion

Roasty - 8-4-2008 at 09:58 AM

Well it turned into a bit of an adventure getting the truck back to San Diego. We had some friends bring a 20' trailer down, but the timbers started to split when I drove onto it.
Realising that I would have to go to plan B, we had the local police call the wrecking yard at the BOLA turn-off and they agreed to tow it to TJ for $1,000. I met them at 11:30 Monday night at Costco TJ and after they had re-connected the drive shaft I paid the fee. Limped over the border at midnight, and took it to the Ford dealer next day. Fords diagnosis was a fuel sensor malfunction. I told them that I had emailed them a week prior with zero response and the service manager suggested I send the towing invoice to Ford.
Thanks for all the suggestions/ideas.

CaboRon - 8-4-2008 at 10:17 AM

Glad to see you made it home .

CaboRon

Now, buy yourself an old junker (that can be repaired by any Mexican mechanic, they are quite clever) for your trips to Baja and leave the expensive vehicles in the States.

Roasty - 8-4-2008 at 10:29 AM

Cabo Ron, I am almost a believer.............

CaboRon - 8-4-2008 at 11:09 AM

It's for sale, you can pick it up in Todos Santos :lol:

Cheap or will trade for somehting much, much smaller.

David K - 8-4-2008 at 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by roamin
Did anyone mention the Diesel fuel requirements for 2007 plus rigs? They require ultra low sulphur fuel and I remember reading before I left on my trip in April that there is not alot of that in Mexico past the border areas. If you use regular diesel it melts the converter. Just a thought.

As stated here many times in the past... the ultra low sulfur diesel IS indeed DISTRIBUTED from the 'border area' (including the El Sauzal/ Ensenada plant)... and is trucked to ALL Baja Norte stations south of there, from there. (El Rosario and L.A. Bay included).

TMW - 8-4-2008 at 05:31 PM

["the service manager suggested I send the towing invoice to Ford."]

I'd bet they'll pay it or a portion of it. They need all the customers thay can get/keep as all the big truck makers do at this time.

[Edited on 8-5-2008 by TW]

bancoduo - 8-4-2008 at 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Chill out, this guy just got here.

Try this ROAMIN
http://www.bajaquest.com/fuel/

CaboRon - 8-5-2008 at 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

David,

You left out the other state, BCS ...

Do you have any information on ultra low sulfur diesel distributed out of La Paz to the stations down here ??

Thanks,

CaboRon

Bob and Susan - 8-5-2008 at 06:14 AM

ultra low sulfur diesel is ONLY "all about the smog"

it burns fine

it dealers told you it would work
they would lose their "average corp mileage rating"
and have to pay BIG fines to the EPA

Hook - 8-5-2008 at 07:59 PM

Hmmmm...............a fuel sensor malfunction, huh?

It will be interesting to see whether the dealer attributes this to a simple sensor malfunction or whether the sensor is supposed to affect operation if it detects higher concentrations of sulphur.

Please keep us posted as to whether the dealer made ANY mention of possibly burning higher sulphur diesel than ULSD.

Unlike David K, my memory of the discussion involving the distribution of ULSD in Baja was ANYTHING but definitive. Antonio initially thought it was being distributed everywhere in BCN but then produced a memo from PEmex that it wasnt as widespread as he thought. At least that was what I recall.

Santiago - 8-5-2008 at 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
At least that was what I recall.

Hook: We'll forgive a faulty memory, but dude, I don't know what to say about your continued support of the Padres. sheesh man, have you no pride??

Hook - 8-5-2008 at 08:17 PM

Waddaya mean? I went to ONE game with a few nomads. It was the second game of the season. I think it was the LAST time Hoffman pitched decently..........LOL! And they won to put them at .500, which may also be the last time that happened this year.

Padre management is terrible. I feel for Bud Black. Many SD fans are unhappy with him. If he gets fired, I hope the Angels rehire him as a pitching coach.

I am still an Angel fan.............even though I am ex-SoCal. Went to see a Colorado Rockies game before the break..............and they won, too. But they are bad, bad, bad as is most of the NL West.

Roasty - 8-6-2008 at 09:33 AM

The service guy indicated that the sensor had "gone bad", and looking at the service notes it appears that it was not operating at the correct voltage ?? I mentioned the low sulfur issue to him and the fact that BCN indeed had low sulfur diesel fuel(fingers crossed at that point of the discussion), he indicated that many other "new" ford diesel owners from San Diego that he serviced travelled in Mexico and he had not heard of any fuel related issues.
Sad thing about the whole deal is a $15 part can bring a $50K truck to its knees, and without a $150k diagnostic computer you would not know where exactly the problem was.
Again, The confused look on Sammy Diaz's face ( an undoubted master mechanic) when I lifted the hood to show him the motor was priceless.

tripledigitken - 8-6-2008 at 10:18 AM

Roasty,

Someone had mentioned an inexpensive reader that might have been able to diagnose the problem. Can you confirm this? I also have a ford diesel, by the way.

Ken

Bob and Susan - 8-6-2008 at 10:32 AM

i blew a sensor on another truck and my oil guy checked it...

he could only tell me it was some smog sensor but i would need to go to the dealer for correction...

the dealer replaced the entire wire harness for the sensor

it was voltage related too...dodge

CaboRon - 8-6-2008 at 12:27 PM

Anyone would be wise to drive a vehicle that can be repaired by the mechanics in the area you will be in.

Mexican mechanics do a good job on older model vehicles.

Few of them can afford the very expensive testing equipment we have come to expect at a garage.

They are just too complicated these days to analize ....

The days of working on your own vehicle are pretty much over .....

Buy old and restore, you will be happier in the long run.

CaboRon

TMW - 8-6-2008 at 05:50 PM

If you carry an emergency kit and supplies, not just bandaids, you should carry an OBDll tester if your vehicle is a 1996 and newer. They are not that expensive and can provide clues to help even the Mexican mechanic find the problem.

Roasty - 8-7-2008 at 01:47 PM

From what I understand, the analysis computers that you can buy for about $50 gets you a readout or code for a system, i.e Fuel system malfunction - Exhaust system malfunction - Transmission system malfunction etc.

They do not (I was told by the Ford service guy) isolate and pin-point the problem in that system. (thats what the $150K computer at the ford service dept. does)

So according to him, if i had one of those computers it would have potentially shown a code which would indicate that the problem was a "fuel system malfunction".

Anyway, hopefully soon my diesel problems will be behind me as the wife says she wants to take flying lessons and the BOLA airstrip is real close to the casa !!!

TMW - 8-8-2008 at 07:36 AM

I have a Innova 3120 I purchased from Kragan for under $200 and it has a LCD display that provides both a code and where the problem is. For example code P2019, Intake manifold runner position sensor/switch circuit bank 2. It also reads it out in French and spanish. If you have a code only tester the code will point you in a direction and a service manual should provide several possible items to check. On my 93 Toyota and 91 chevy trucks you had to jumper across two pins on a connector and count the check engine light for a code. Then the manual would point you in the right direction. On my Toyota once I got a code for too rich fuel and it gave me 5 or 6 things it could be and one was an oxygen sensor. Of all the things that could be wrong that appeared to be the most likely one since the truck had 140,000 miles on it and it was.