First Diesel. Tips??

[JayH]

Hi Guys, new here and just bought my first Diesel. It's a 1990 F250 With a 7.3L, and luckily its a 5 speed. I know it has a new head, glowplugs, and various other work done to it. What are some things I should know? It's a great running truck, and I love it so far. These older 7.3s without the turbo seem to get a bad rap for being on the wimpy side, is it true? Thanks....also, what are some good power upgrades?

[condolan]

Way I heard it, and no offense to the Powerstroke boys, but rumor on the street is that you can get the same horsepower out of the older 7.3 as the later Powerstroke by simply adding a turbo. I'm by no means a diesel expert, just what I heard.

By the way, welcome to the site.
-"$lick"

[Dave Sponaugle]

JayH, Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.

A good power upgrade is a turbo.
You can do small improvements with exhaust and intake mods, timing and fuel mods.
But a turbo is the biggest bang for the buck.
Yes, a turbo will put you right up with the first generation Power Strokes for both torque and HP. 1999 is when they went over 235 horse if I remember right.

Check the coolant for SCA's (Supplimental Coolant Addaive) test strips are available at NAPA. This addative goes in the coolant to prevent cavitiation.

[JayH]

Next question of course is...what is the best turbo for it? Also, how much black smoke is too much black smoke?

[bigredtruckmi]

You should be getting not much in the way of black smoke unless you are stomping on it. Just running down the road empty you shouldn't see any.

[themtb]

I am looking at buying a 1990 F250 7.3 diesel with manual transmission. It is really bigger than I need but for the price I am considering it. What kind of gas mileage could I expect?

[Dave Sponaugle]

JayH, has the air filter been changed recently?
Black smoke is incomplete combustion of the fuel, which is a result of more fuel than it has air to burn. So at todays fuel prices you have to answer how much black smoke is to much.

Also if you live an an air quality area, the air police may tell you how much is to much.


themtb,
Need a little more info about the truck to even guess what the mileage would be.
Also your driving style will affect the mileage more that the truck equipment will.

[AndysFords]

The turbo will be awesome. I personally would go with the Banks, but others prefer the ATS. http://www.ford-trucks.com/classifie...cat=all&page=1 Click here for an ad for a used turbo.

[JayH]

Thanks Guys, the black smoke usually occurs when shifting. Maybe cause I'm still getting used to it? But I can tell that when I stomp on it a bit more, there is more smoke. There isn't any when I'm just cruising. I will check out the Air Filter though. I was thinking the Banks turbo too, but I'll do my research. I saw earlier, that somebody said they could figure my gear ratio by the various rpms, what would about 1600rpms at 45mph in 5th or overdrive be?

[pnose]

Look for a tag on the driverside door post,on it you will see a axle code,post it and you will find out.Sounds like a 4:10 to me.

[bigredtruckmi]

Yep- 4:10 that is the speed of mine at the rpm

[Dave Sponaugle]

235/85-16 tires with 4.10 gears and a ZF 5 in overdrive should be doing 47.35 MPH at 1600 RPM.

Different tire manufacturers and tread styles will vary the speed as much as plus or minus 4 MPH.

[JayH]

Thanks Guys.....You've been a great help....I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.

Jay

[Dave Sponaugle]

We will be here waiting.....




.....could you hurry though.

[bigredtruckmi]

ahh the wait begins......