Greetings - posted questions on general page and after learning a lot was told to check deisel page: Here goes:

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 these trucks - Deisels MPG - Service - easy and available mechanics. Few questions and again appreciate any help.

1 - First for these deisel bucket trucks - I belieive there are 3 models of deisel IDI Turbo IDI and powerstroke. It seems that most of the bucket trucks, I guess because of their weight have the power stroke - does that seem right? I dont need the speed but is it logical that manufacturers had to use power stroke because of weight?

In your experience - does any of the 3 deisels really get better MPGs

2 - In reference to service - generally, do power stroke motors require less service? Can your normal "non-ford" dealer mechanic service these motors or is it brain surgery with all kinds of diagnostic tools?

3 - finally - if all else fails and power stroke motor needs to be replaced - are they generally easy to find and at what cost . We are in Delaware and about 2 hours from Philly or Baltimore - just looking for rough ideas as in "you cant find them" or "Easy to find - $1500 - $2000"

Again, thanks for any help


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94 is the only year with the three different models. 5,6,7 are all powerstrokes.

I have no experience with the pre powerstroke, mileage with a bucket truck, not bad, but probably 12ish, give or take.

best bet for a mechanic if needed and you dont want to do it yourself with our help here, is a diesel shop.

I wouldn't worry about the motor, but I'm sure they could be found somewhere close to you

 

I have no experience with with anything other than 94.5-97 DI PSD. You may want to ask the same question here: 1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums to get some more ideas to make a better desicion.
http://pages.prodigy.net/stevebaz/_i...az/index3.html This site is a great site that really sums things up. What I did was print a copy and took it to the "library" (the only place in the house w/no distractions sat down and read. There is some very good reading in there.
As far as maintenance goes...you have a 24/7 tech help right here. There is nothing these guys have not seen and they are willing to help you anyway they can. They will walk you through any project you are going to tackle. All you need is a basic mechanics tool box.
Here are some other sites you will need if you go with our trucks.
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
97-15A 7.3L DI Turbo Workshop Manual
1996 Bronco/F-Series Workshop Manual

Let us know if you have any other questions and let us know what you find
Oh and WELCOME TO FTE 7.3 OBS!

 

As to your motor question you can get rebuilt long blocks from rock auto for ≈$2800

 

Thanks very much fellas - lots of good help - taking plunge - will see you here.

 

Hurry Back!

 

And just remember......The ONLY downfall to a 7.3L is....They stopped making them!

 

congradulations....POST OF THE YEAR!!!

 

Everyone should rep me for that one lol

 

Rep for ya

 

LMAO! I was jk bout repin me! But thanks!!!

 

Yea I knew you were kidding but the statement was so true I thought WTH? haha