I'm looking at a 94 Ford F250 w/a 7.3L Turbo Diesel. I know next to nothing about Diesels but have always wanted one. What should I bee looking for when I go to look at it. I've read the thread but am wondering if there is anything specific to this year of 7.3L Turbo Diesel.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanx,

JimyB

 

bump

 

Anyone out there?

 

Hey there must be some Ford guys here.

 

Thanx Evil but I guess no one has one that they care to talk about...Don't know if that's good or bad. I picked it up anyways, it was treated pretty poorly and there's a few things that need some help quick but I think it'll turn out to be a pretty good rig.

 

Sorry, I'm usually at the bottom of the site where all the fords are. Being a 94 you could have gotten 1 of several engines. If it's an early 94, you could have gotten a N/A 7.3 IDI, or a turbo charged 7.3 IDI. If it's a late 94 then you could have a 7.3 powerstroke.

The 7.3 IDI is a mechanically injected and controlled motor, no electronics to fail and leave you stranded. These motors only need 1 wire to run and maintained will last as long as any cummins. The only weakness in these blocks is cavitation but if you maintain the SCA levels in your coolant, it no longer becomes an issue. They have really high compression and therefore cant handle much boost, adding head studs will help. Not much aftermarket support, but they do have a strong following. The IDI is a good 1st motor for a diesel newbie or someone who just needs a solid reliable truck to last many years.

I'm not too familiar with the PSD, but it has very little in common with the IDI. It's controlled by computers, injectors are oil fired and most people who own IDI's tried a PSD and came running back. Stock, they only make 5hp more than a stock IDI but can be upgraded much easier, but it's a lot harder on your wallet. I know it kind of sounds like I am trash talking the PSD, but honestly these are reasons I avoided getting one. They are good motors if you can afford to maintain them.

 

Thanx alot for the info. It is an IDI so it sounds like I'm on my way to having a good truck. It looks like there wasn't a whole lot of maintenance done on it and it was used as a farm truck so there is some work to be done on her but I think she'll have a good home were she is taken good care of.

 

Did you check the frame for rust? I don't know where Rosedale is, but if you are from a cold climate where a lot of salt is used on the roads in winter, and the truck comes from that environment, you'd better look at the frame.

Where is Rosedale? Maybe you ought to fill out your profile.

 

Yup, the frame is in good shape. I'm on the west coast so we get more rain than snow. Yeah probably a good idea to finish filling out my profile.

 

Sounds good, guess I'll be seeing you in the IDI section then. Congrats on the new rig.