So I've got an offer to get a 92 7.3 non-turbo 4x4. Truck has 300,000 miles, new injectors, new glow plugs, new injection pump (when I install it), new lift pump, new torque converter, and a couple other parts I can't recall at the moment. I don't know about the SCA history of the truck, and the injection pump is currently out so I can't test drive it yet.. I have a stipulation on our trade that the deal is only valid if the truck runs right after the new injection pump goes in.

Here's why I'm posting. I have experience with the 7.3 power stroke and am completely green to IDI's. What do y'all think? It would be my secondary truck, which would currently be my primary until I fix my main truck. Good buy or avoid at all cost?

 

I love mine but there is a post here to read what to look for and how much is being paid for it ?

 

When would the money change hands? Even after you install the IP you need to get it timed to know the truck works properly. What is he asking for the truck?

 

Depending on how much, I'd buy it. Mine happens to be a manual 1993 7.3 IDI. I also have a super duty 7.3 with cold air intake and hypermax program, the IDI has no where near the power and speed, but I drive my IDI more, because I love the hell out if it. So if you think it may have similar power, it doesn't.

 

just buy it .... reliability is good when maintained like they should ..... parts arent real expencive and they are easy to fix when the fit hits the sham ...... just doing HG'S .. again .... after I messed up .... but the last 5 years it has been my work horse .... more than 80k and all fo it hard working

 

I posted a great thread to read BEFORE you buy an IDI, just go to threads started by me, and it will outline everything you need to know before the buy. And if it's up to your standards, pounce on it

 

Thanks for the replies. I read that thread before i posted, however, i wanted to get oppinions about this particular situation. The orriginal deal was a straight trade. However i've since sold the trade truck. He said his bottom dollar was 1500. Money would trade after the IP is installed and the truck checked out (as close as possible with rough timing).

My biggest holdback is all the talk about coolant pitting through cylinders has me extremely hesitant to buy a gen 1 7.3. Well, that and not having a turbo.

 

Could buy it, and drain the coolant out once you get it, and refill her up with the correct amount of additives or buy the readily mixed (fleetguard? )

Mine doesn't have a turbo, would LOVE one, but it's still a beast without it haha

 

It takes quite a while of running the wrong coolant to make cavitation a real issue .. its just something to look for in maintenance and longevity from the Previous Owners .. honestly ... there really nearly bomb proof ... the were in the UPS trucks for years .. both n/a and turbo versions...

I personally have beat the beans out of mine and it never miss's a beat in 5 years .. now doing entire build and will most likely be selling .... to make room for my Cummins build ..

 

I have the opportunity to buy a 91 IDI Econoline. 73k actual mileage, never seen salt. I am wondering if the cavitation issue would be a problem. The owner is in a nursing home, and his son is selling the van, so maintenance history is sketchy. Also, are there any issues to maintenance with the 7.3 in regards to access to glow plugs, etc., due to the installation in the van? I owned a g-30 with 6.2 and had no poroblems with access.