I'll try to make this short. And hello everyone. I have been reading a lot about my engine on this site and this community has been very helpful in helping my understand and learn about my first diesel.

But let me get to where I am.

2 weeks ago I did an oil change. I did not know about the upper resevior at that time so I did not change that oil. Just the crank case. The Van has 2 spots it leaves oil everywhere I go. So I decided to use lucas HD diesel stop leak in the change. I also always use lucas oil stabilizer in all my engines and was told to use it in the diesel too. So I put in 4L jug of both of those and one 5L jug of Rotella T.

If you have ever used the Lucas stop leak then you know how thick it is. Took maybe 20 mins just to pour that jug in. When I was done, it started no problems. I ran it for a few mins to mix the stuff and i shut it off for the night.

In the morning it stated really rough. I assumed it was the really thick stop leak and it just needed to warm up to thin out. After a few mins the truck ran fine. It did this every morning for the first few days after. Then it started to stall. I had to keep my foot on the fuel peddle for a while until it warmed up and then she would run fine. And would for the day. It would only do this when completely cold in the morning. Its doesn't go below freezing or anything. Its summer and no need for block heater.

Then this is when it got worse. I started to smell smoke at start up. Like wires burning. It did this for a few days as well as starting rough and stalling unless I had my foot down. And I had to put it to the floor and ease off as she warmed up. But then yesterday, when I started it. She puttered and was extremely rough and then I saw white smoke coming from engine bay under the hood. I shut it off. And checked under the hood. I couldnt see where it was coming from. But it was the passenger side. And it stopped when i turned off the key.

The check engine light did not come on. I did go get my code reader and plugged it in thinking I might start it again and see what comes up if anything. As soon as i turned on the key. Engine not started. The smoke and smell returned. I shut it off in fear the wiring harness is pinched and I dont want to destroy it.

Some further background. Water pump was changed by mechanic out of town as it failed on my way back from a trip. He did it the week before I did the oil change. I found a few things loose or not attached when I did the oil change. I'm thinking he wasn't so careful and may have pinched a harness. But before i go off blaming anyone. Is there any common issues or problems that I should look at first?

My first thoughts are starter relay/solonoid or glow plug controller? Possible fusable link? Didn't think they would smoke at all. Its something that gets power on accessory as the smoke and smell starts as soon as i turn the key.

Your thoughts?

 

So after taking a bunch of stuff off including the dog house. I have found my problem.

Valve cover gasket connector. Rear drivers side.

Looks like a pretty simple fix. However, I would like to hear from some of you who have done this. Any tricks or things I should know before getting into it? Do i need to remove the turbo? (as the harness runs below it.)

Will i need to replace gasket and internal harness as well? I ordered a kit that includes gasket and both internal and external harnesses. I could not find the pigtails on their own.

Thanks for the help.

 

dorman makes a kit for the 7.3 that come with all harnsess and gasket any parts place can get them you dont have to take the turbo off just cut and splice thats what i did on mine truck runs fine after that just fyi do both sides i am a 8 year diesel tech and tell everyone to do both sides common prob on the 7.3