Keith Browning

Kool find! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbup.gif

Here is the picture Bruce submitted. I have seen a couple similar to this one over the years but not quite this bad. Typically, if I find a problem with the oil cap on a customers truck its laying on the radiator shroud or on the battery where the last tech left it. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/drinkingdude.gif I vote for poor quality plastic.

I guess that's our answer. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbup.gif

Today I was able to catch the second broadcast on the recall 06E17 and the VGT learn process. Though it was short and to the point I didn't think it was bad and there is now an additional document to access and read. The only criticism I have is that this program would have made more sense if it were broadcast four or five weeks ago. They had one question asking if the information that was covered was new to the viewers and the poll was around 50/50. That should tell them something! The sad thing is that all of this information is on the PTS web site.

Funny you mention the audit as my dealer begins one next week. Nothing was brought to my attention as anything I need to be ready for. I will keep a keen eye and ear out for anything that might suggest targeting. I seriously doubt that Ford would endanger themselves by harassing technicians. The last thing they need is bad P.R. - by the way, what is the "other" site? There are many! The fellas over at FRT really got their attention... If Ford began making it "personal" it would be a gigantic error in judgment. Anyone that thinks they have been targeted should speak-up either here, another web site or at work!

Quote: Hmmm, I think the WDS could do it too... On most cars anyhow.. If you go into the main screen and manual vehicle entry, it should pull up any OBDII car.. I never tried to do it but if you say so! That would answer his question if it works. If anyone tries this please let us know for sure what happens so that we all may know for sure.

Actually, I never thought to remove the glow plugs, at least to just have a listen for air and determine whether a leak is on either side or in the middle. I use an open tube stethescope... Though I initially use the oil fill hole on the right side, late model engines no longer have that plug on the front of the left side cover. I have been removing the breather filter for a quick listen but removing the left glow plug connectors, or at least one or two will be much faster. I do this with large leaks that are clearly audible. Saves me time. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif Thanks Bruce! Sometimes the simple things escape us. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rockon.gif

I gotta admit that your poll results are not what I expected to see either. I really believe that dealers should be charging more for AT LEAST diesel engine work and vehicles over a F450 Super Duty - especially the medium duty trucks like the F650-750 and the LCF.

NGS used to have generic OBD-II functions. I wonder why the Ford people never gave us that with WDS and now IDS? At least you could do what you are suggesting. But I think the answer to your question is that the programs need to identify and be able to control the communication device between the test computer and the vehicle. I guess the only way to find out is to load a program and try it because Ford isn't going to tell you! They want you to buy their stuff!!!

Well, it looks like if you were waiting to buy the PDS kit with the nice case and a PDA you are out of luck. I was shoppin on the RTTP site and it is discontinued. (SNA078-00640) Now you will need to buy a standard kit, not as good of a deal and wouldn't ya know, they are all on back order due to high demand. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/banghead.gif

Quote: Again, not picking on anyone, just sounds strange... Same here but, considering the number of diesel trucks my dealer sells and the number of head gaskets/heads some guys are reporting to have replaced I find it really odd that I have only done TWO. A third was sent away with his performance mods - he fooled another dealer and got them done then traded the truck in. My fourth is currently sitting right behind me with the cab in the air waiting for me to dig in. I have yet to measure a warped head myself. What sucks for me is that we have replaced 15 engines so far. Fortunately that problem has disappeared and we have not replaced any in some time now. (looking for some wood to knock on) Just checking in. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif

Thanx for setting the record straight and quickly too! I do see one problem with the PDS and it revolves around the PDA itself. You would have to be dead not to notice how rapidly the computer technology changes these days. We still have PDA's but now we have Blackberry and as recent as this weeks news, tablet-style computers are making big progress now. The Samsung Q1 is the latest model to be reviewed identifying some significant issues but give it a year or two... My point is that Ford may struggle with keeping up on the hand held computer end of this tool as PDA's will be drastically different in the coming years. Your PDA may not even exist! But don't think this is a bad thing because improved capabilities in the hand held unit will equate to a much better tool. I just hope we can keep up! I will likely be ordering my PDS later this year and I hope it's not outdated by the time I get my hands on it.

Good idea! Most of the guys in my shop have a PC or a laptop already. I have been wanting my own PDS but can't part with the $2300 for it. I like the portability of the PDS over the PC and to be honest, my dealer hasn't even purchased one yet! Besides, the kit advertised on the RTTP site has been on backorder forever and I also heard a rumor that Ford is not happy with the PDS and is actually considering dropping it! Just a rumor guys, so don't get in an uproar!

Fordtechnician did you get the answer you wanted about truck/diesel labor rates? Many of us are paid more than car technicians so it stands to reason that dealers should be charging more for your skills and talents. TOOBADQ Have you considered negotiating a 40 hour guarantee? If you are valuable to your company that number is not hard to swallow. You could remain on flat rate and suggest a productivity bonus as an incentive for you to push to be productive or at least not slack off. My shop as well as others offer $0.50 or $1.00 per hour bumps for every five hours over 40 produced. I know that what we do can be difficult and productivity is not an option some weeks but a nice little bump in pay is worth finishing that job before going home... or staying to perform a few PDI's.

Hey Bruce, what's the good word? Any luck yet with your set up problems?

Without a doubt! Anyone unaware of the calibration chane and the required steps is going to have a rough time. I finally had time to mess with this idea because I had one come in surging and lacking power. The customer had put batteries in the truck so I found a P0603 along with a P132b and a P0404. As it should, disconnecting the batts will clear the KAM and reset the VGTLRN_OK parameter. This might bring in some work next winter when customers start changing batteries. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

Here's a little more info for you fellas: I called the Tech Hot Line and the engineer (Al) knew what I was talking about and said that the bracket was being evaluated and was not yet approved for use by Ford... he then asked me to hold. He comes back and stated that the kit HAS been approved and the kit will be released sometime this month (May 2006) possibly early. The part number is 4C3Z-9B246-A which should contain the connector, fitting, seal, bolts, bracket and an instruction sheet. Good heads up! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbup.gif

So should we take that as a bad review and not bother watching it? Good advice comes in all forms, I would hate to waste time watching something when I could be doing something constructive. Thanx for the warning.

Some of the posts like that make you wonder. I think they are either full of themselves or full of shit! (whoops! I swore!) The one that really sticks in my mind is the tech that Ford watched perform a 6.0L R&I and he did it in 11+ hours, if I recall correctly. It takes me a full day just to get the engine out. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/mad.gif I have mixed feelings about the Ford Message boards and I stay away from them for the very reason that I don't need big brother breathing down my back and I mostly don't like being told what I can and cannot post about or having post edited. That is not a free exchange of ideas. And as far as free is concerned we don't need to give away ALL of our little secrets now do we? /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/shrug.gif

]Congrats on the demotion. I am going to assume that you are a "working Foreman" meaning that much is not going to change other than having to deal with customers more and getting deeper into problem vehicles. Will your duties include dispatching work? My job does. I worked out a fair but substantial hourly rate and an hourly guarantee that protected me from a pay cut. I am expected to do what is necessary to fix the trucks and not have to worry about my pay. I am fortunate to have such an employer. Since I also dispatch work I have a productivity bonus based on total team hours as an incentive to keep productivity up. This method has proven beneficial to both myself and my employer.

Noise? I had some HPOP's make a rattling sound a while back but I could swear I read somewhere that these disconnect fittings/feed tubes were rattling against the rear engine cover. TOOBADQ sent in some pics of one that broke the rear engine cover. I'll post them when the server ordeal is complete.

Apparently you and Ford are correct about the sensors superseding. It goes to show how few of those fail on the 7.3L in comparison with the 6.0L. At least for me. Here is what I determined. The tech who repaired the HPOP outlet o-rings and the broken ICP sensor did what most of us might have done, he cleaned up the engine after the repair. I always do. Anyway, he sprayed the engine with a concentrated soap we use for de-greasing and cleaning the floors or used Simple Green and hosed it all down. The customer requested this as well. I found the NEW sensor had fresh corrosion on one of the pins and the connector looked discolored as well. Apparently some soap and water got in the connector and the resulting corrosion and resistance created a biased sensor reading. I replaced the sensor and installed a harness repair pigtail/connector. Runs well again. So... /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif I learned that the sensors are superseded and my tech learned that sometimes WE can cause problems even while doing "the right thing." I have gotten water in that sensor before too but it showed up immediately for me. Live and learn!

Thanx for the tip on the bolts Gerry. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbup.gif Come to think of it I have only seen two manual transmissions teamed up with the 6.0. It's a different experience for sure. I can easily see an inexperienced driver or some wise guy trying to pull a tree stump out destroy a cluch... taking the flywheel with it. I recall the 7.3L flywheels were not supposed to be machined so I assume the 6.0L DMFW are the same.

Thanx for the reply, I need as many clues as I can get. I will have another sensor tomorrow. If it comes in the same I will still install it thinking the one in the truck is biased... seriously biased!