Greetings and thanks for any help. FYI - have searched and not found combination looking for in forums.

Business has changed and getting ready to buy 3-4 F250-F450 trucks with utility bodies and buckets (bucket trucks - we do sign service). Questions relative to - F250-F450 - 90-96 Deisel vs Gas MPG AND Service - easy and available mechanics. Few questions and again appreciate any help.

1 - First for these trucks - In your experience - does one really get better cost per miles. So not just MPG but considering the cost of Gas vs Deisel are you saving significant money one vs the other.

2 - In reference to service - of course, generally, Deisel vs Gas - all things besides motor are the same. But there are a lot less good Deisel mechanics so maybe better service with gas? Are either serviced less?

3 - With Fords do deisels really run a lot longer with less trouble vs gas. I know the conventional answer to this one but trust me, a Cat deisel is supposed to run forever but apparently not for us. We buy used and have had deisels go bad - assume previous owners did not service right - but still would like feedback.

4 - MPG - we do not need to go fast, dont need jump off line from stop light - NEED NEED best cost per dollar for travel - wo do a lot of it. Considering utility body, materials, bucket, etc it brings the truck weight up probably to 3/4 or full gross capacity. What is the smallest motor you would go with for gas milage but also not straining/killing motor. We will not tow anything with these service trucks.

Again THANKS A LOT for any feedback and help!
3 -

 

I don't think anyone is going to be able to give you a definitive answer for all your questions, simply because everyone's situation is unique.

But let me throw some ideas out there for you. Diesels definitely give better mileage. I know with a 460 you are going to get 8 MPG with the kind of weight you're talking about - if you're lucky. A diesel will get better but it depends on which diesel. Ford used three in the year range you're talking about. They used the IDI (indirect injection), turbo IDI, and powerstroke (computerized, OBD-II). The PSD makes the most power and probably gets the best mileage. The IDI trucks are very, very simple but won't get you as much power or mileage. The naturally aspirated IDI is no powerhouse. I would try a search in the diesel forums for mileage figures for each of the engines.

As for the cost difference between the two, it's really just a math problem.

It's extremely hard to comment about the quality of service in your area because it varies widely by location.

Diesels last a LOT longer than gas motors if the maintenance has been done properly. The trouble is that a lot of the used worktrucks from this era were rode hard and put away wet. Maintenance was not always a top priority and getting good service records will prove to be a challenge. Finding any truck with a diesel that hasn't been beat half to death is hard - never mind an F-450 bucket truck.

If it were me, I would definitely be looking only at diesels. Gas motors are much more complex and the mileage isn't there.

Also, when doing mileage calculations, count on the price of gas going up, up, up in the future.

 

^^^ agree with him 100%

 

The Powerstroke diesels are more expensive than people think. 1st, you're gonna pay extra when you buy the truck. Second, although the engine itself is pretty bulletproof, the same can't be said for things like injectors, HP oil system parts and the various sensors that make it run. These parts can and do fail and they're expensive! Third, in most parts of the country diesel fuel is quite a bit more expensive than gas. And remember, a simple thing like an oil change will cost you 3 times as much!

 

well where i am diesel is only 20cents more then gas. and when gas was $5gal few years or so ago diesel was $3.60. i was loving it. i had an 89idi and i got 16 unloaded. yes it wasnt a powerhouse and it didnt win any races but it would smoke the tires no problem, very very dependible. i remember how i could haul a ton of driveway stone no problem. other day i tried doing that with my current truck a 92 f250 5.8. this truck is weak compared to the grunt of the idi. i sold that truck to my dad years ago and regret it. soon i will buy another diesel. it will b a powerstroke.

 

Maintenance wise, the older IDI's are as cheap, if not cheaper than gassers to maintain.


PowerStrokes will cost a house to keep going....


Simple example,

1 PSD injector is 350$

set of 8 IDI injectors is 110$.

 

Ok, thanks for the feedback. Seems IDI diesel is generally what group thinks best - generally. Last question - if unlucky and engine goes kaput will junkyards have them or will they be crazy expensive? With a bucket and setup we can't get rid of truck as others might - we'll need to replace motor. Wild guess gas motor - $1500? Diesel ??

 

the idi diesel does fit your description of needs quite well.
you can find used idi engines for $1500 and under with no problem.

 

Can always take the IDI and if you want some real power, give banks turbo a call and they can give you a nice turbo setup-it is a couple grand but it will make the IDI a powerhouse and keeps its reliability.

 

Banks is junk

 

you wont find too many in agreement with that opinion.

 

You can do an injection pump AND injectors in an idi for the cost of 3psd injectors. Powerhouse with turbo YES no turbo NO. Tough, Yes. The need for fancy expensive tools NO.

 

^^^^^^^

Hes right on the money!