Cam Position Sensor for 7.3 PSD - Montana Owners Club

Craig A · 06-09-2007, 10:25 AM

I was really pleasantly surprised today when I finally decided to replace my CPS before it died. I have 148K on my truck and decided I may be pushing my luck. The part cost me $36 at the local Ford dealer. It has recently been reduced from around $180. Hopefully now I'm good for another 150K miles before I have to replace it again.

Hemlockusa · 06-09-2007, 11:03 AM

Smart move, better than breaking down beside the road in a rain storm with no friends around. Safe Travels John

Fordzilla · 06-09-2007, 01:31 PM

I wish they were that price when I had a 7.3 stroke. I bought one from the international dealer at nearly double that and carried it around as a spare in case my went bad and I was stuck in the middle of no where.

stiles watson · 06-09-2007, 03:46 PM

Since I drive a 7.3 PSD, I might need to know what you are talking. Is this an electronics part? Please explain "CPS".

ols1932 · 06-09-2007, 04:07 PM

We had ours replaced last summer after the engine stopped several times in a two mile stretch. At the time we had 146,000 miles on the truck.

Orv

mtnhntr · 06-09-2007, 05:37 PM

It is a "Cam Position Sensor" that can leave you stranded if it goes out, which is apparently common on the 7.3 Ford diesels. It is easy to replace by a DIY'er. I would suggest going to http://www.thedieselstop.com and searching there for how to replace it. Carry a new CPS along with the relacement instructions in your glove compartment in case yours goes out. I just got a new CPS from www.powerstrokeshop.com for about $15 plus shipping. They charged 8% for shipping, but I also got some other stuff at the same time.
Ken

Charlie · 06-09-2007, 07:01 PM

Mine quit at 65000. Did not totally go out, but engine died a couple times and suspected the CPS. Ford covered replacement under warranty.

Fordzilla · 06-09-2007, 10:21 PM

Mine made it to about 90k before leaving me stranded about 4 blocks from the campground. Luckily for me it was after I had dropped the trailer off and was heading back into town for some supplies. That one was covered under warranty and the ford dealer had it replaced in 15 minutes. I believe it was a 10mm socket I carried in the glove box with it. It's right on the front of the engine and easy to get to.

Thunderman · 06-10-2007, 07:18 AM

In 65,000 miles have had to replace 3 sensors. When I bought my replacement to carry in the glove compartment Napa had the best price. $139. at the time. It was around 2 years ago when the sensor was purchased.

wileecoyote985 · 06-10-2007, 10:38 AM

Something is going on at corporate Ford. The market is now flooded with the "new" part number cam position sensors and they're running about $20. or so, compared to well over $100. just a few months ago. The new part number is F7TZ-12K073-B (the old part # was the same but ended in an A). The new part is also gray instead of black.

If you own a 7.3 powerstroke don't let the Ford dealer sell you one of his remaining old parts for big bucks. I'm sure they're trying to pawn them off on the unsuspecting to keep from getting stuck with them.

My bet is that Ford sees a recall in their future on these and is trying to lessen their financial exposure.

Stiles; The CPS going out on the 7.3 is a very common problem. When it does, your engine may fail to start completely, or it may be intermittent. As suggested, you might want to take a gander at a forum such as thedieselstop.com as the problem has been discussed exhaustively there. I just purchased one of the new part number CPS's to carry in the glove box just in case.

This is one of those "Shame on Ford" issues that they have known about for years and haven't really done anything to address. This issue has left quite a number of people stranded.

stiles watson · 06-11-2007, 11:04 AM

Thanks all for informing me on the CPS unit. I was totally oblivious to this issue. I ordered one immediately from Powerstroke.com for $15 along with a $17 OEM fuel filter plus shipping. I should receive them by Thursday. The filter alone usually cost more than the $42 total bill at a lube shop. You saved me money and, more importantly, a possible distressing situation.

wileecoyote985 · 06-11-2007, 02:17 PM

Stiles;

If you check out the right place on the forum I cited, you can even find photos of the CPS location and a quick walk through of the replacement procedure. A 10 MM socket and a few minutes on your back by the front of the engine and you are all set.

It may sound like I'm down on Ford on this issue, and I guess I am. They should have stepped up to the plate on this a long time ago. Having said that, they're not alone in letting the consumer foot the bill for a bad design. There is a certain frame manufacturer that supplies RV frames that seems to be doing the same in a lot of instances.

(Wile E. steps down from his soap box)

tbhd2 · 06-13-2007, 10:35 AM

A question for someone who might have the right info. We have a 95 model year and Powerstroke.com shows two different parts for the cps. Can we use the newer part on our older truck? Some places say yes and some say no. Newer part is $15 and older part is $80. A large auto parts chain store in our area still wants $129 for them and says they are the same.

wileecoyote985 · 06-13-2007, 01:22 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by tbhd2

A question for someone who might have the right info. We have a 95 model year and Powerstroke.com shows two different parts for the cps. Can we use the newer part on our older truck? Some places say yes and some say no. Newer part is $15 and older part is $80. A large auto parts chain store in our area still wants $129 for them and says they are the same.

http://forums.thedieselstop.com/ubbt...=1#Post3380100

In this thread on the diesel stop forum, at least one person feels that the new CPS will work for your application.

hodag · 06-13-2007, 04:07 PM

after reading these posts i really feel good. i carried one in glove box just in case. cost me $90.00 at international some yrs. back. just traded ford in for new dodge and kept the part. maybe i can make a fishing lure out of it.

Koerb · 06-14-2007, 02:06 AM

Does this problem ever rear it's ugly head with the Powerstroke 6.0 or is it only the 7.3 which is effected?

stiles watson · 06-14-2007, 02:27 AM

I think it is only a 7.3L problem.

dieselguy · 06-14-2007, 06:26 AM

Hodag: Sell it on EBay ... you'll get at least 1/2 your money back. As far as compatibility year to year ... about any CPS will get you running ... but ..... Some early 90's engines had shims involved. Some of the issue is with what metal is used in the connecting pins on different part numbers ... wrong combination with the connector on your wiring harness over time will cause corrosion at the connector accompanied by no start condition. Bottom line ... get the International Engine Number off the tag in front of the fuel filter, give it to the parts person, ... peace of mind. There is a "blue CPS" out there claiming to be a cure-all ... the jury is still out on this issue amongst many diesel mechanics. Don't let the potential of replacement scare you ... it's very simple and straight forward. One bolt, one forked retainer, one connector, one part.

lightningjack11 · 06-14-2007, 07:47 AM

I paid about 90 for my spare cps. Never had to use it yet.

Other prices have come down. I blew an o-ring on my high pressure oil rail in the drivers side head(end plug). Ford used to charge about 45 for the plug and ring and now it is less than 8.

You may also like: