Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

91 7.3 IDI

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 11, 2012 | 05:13 PM
  #1  
tje2015's Avatar
tje2015
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
From: Harrisonburg, VA
91 7.3 IDI

Hi,

I recently purchased (today actually) a 1991 Ford F350 Crew Cab Diesel. 7.3 L 8 cylinder 4wd with 8 foot bed.

Its got 150,00 miles on it, and its previous owner was a lawn care service/business. 4wd high and low go in like a charm and it changes into gears relatively smoothly (It is an automatic).

This is actually my first vehicle that ive ever owned. Im more than willing to get hands on, and I would really love to give this beast the tender love and care it deserves, the only problem is, i have very little mechanical experience, and i have absolutely no idea what to look out for.

I need to know the things that need to be checked, and what i should be looking out for when it comes to these old trucks, so please, please, please, help.

If you guys could provide a little support i guarantee you I will take everything into consideration and will read anything and everything you guys have to say about these old beasts and do the best i can to give this old truck the respect it deserves.

Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2012 | 06:15 PM
  #2  
FORDF250HDXLT's Avatar
FORDF250HDXLT
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,383
Likes: 846
From: Mi'kma'ki
congrats! that's a heck of a first vehicle you got yourself there.
start by heading over to the devoted idi diesel section and having a look around:
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
however the engine as rule, is one the least concerns with the trucks.it's all about keeping the rest of the truck good around the idi lol.
check out all the links in my sig too.
good luck.
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2012 | 06:28 PM
  #3  
bashby's Avatar
bashby
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
What he said... any engine questions ask in the idi section. As a rule its better for general questions here, but theres a lot of brake etc questions in the idi forum. a good wsay to tell how the engine maintenance items is to see how it starts cold. As soon as the wait to start light goes out crank it. It should start pretty fast and not smoke a lot. after its warmed up while youre driving position the mirror so you can see the exhaust... a little haze is normal. A big thing to do is keep up on sca's in the coolant. Search for the cavitation article at oilburners.net for details on that. Basicly if you dont run the coolant additive your block slowly eats away until coolant gets in the cylinders.
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2012 | 08:18 PM
  #4  
tje2015's Avatar
tje2015
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
From: Harrisonburg, VA
It wasnt too cold today when i started it up (Around 32 degress F) but it starts great and no smoke, even when i rev it fairly high, so im going to take this as a good sign.

The only thing about your comment that im unawares of is the following sentence" A big thing to do is keep up on sca's in the coolant." what do you mean by SCA's? I tried looking up what the acronym was but no luck, any explainations would be very helpful.
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2012 | 09:42 PM
  #5  
bashby's Avatar
bashby
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
Originally Posted by tje2015
It wasnt too cold today when i started it up (Around 32 degress F) but it starts great and no smoke, even when i rev it fairly high, so im going to take this as a good sign.

The only thing about your comment that im unawares of is the following sentence" A big thing to do is keep up on sca's in the coolant." what do you mean by SCA's? I tried looking up what the acronym was but no luck, any explainations would be very helpful.
Sounds like your glow plugs are working ok. There's a better article I couldnt find but here's some reading about cavitation: Cavitation. Block Worm. The Expensive Death. A MUST READ! - Oilburners.net like I said, you just need to keep up on the additives in the coolant and its not an issue. I think sca stands for supplemental coolant additives
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2012 | 09:49 PM
  #6  
FORDF250HDXLT's Avatar
FORDF250HDXLT
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,383
Likes: 846
From: Mi'kma'ki
the one i think your looking for is in my sig below called "Maintaining Coolant For The IDI"
see it below the pic of my truck?
click on that and it should take you here:
Cavitation Article

does that work by the way if your not registered there? let me know if you can read it please.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Silewski11
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
2
Oct 27, 2016 12:28 PM
whiteboyslo
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
51
Feb 21, 2012 11:08 AM
disneyd
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Dec 4, 2010 08:01 AM
redbug
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
13
Jun 18, 2010 12:47 PM
Fuelhog 5212
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
13
Aug 1, 2009 03:35 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:34 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE