engine over
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2006
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From: Cameron, Ok
engine over
Well, my '90 F250, 7.3l has passed on [it's still running, but dead] It sounded like an old air compressor on the right side exhaust [dual 2.5" exhaust], so, I took it to a mechanic for analysis and was told #2 had cavitation. So, I'll get it home and remove all my goodies [air bags, trans. cooler, egt guage] and get a replacement as soon as I get the money saved up. I'm thinking a 7.3 psd for something affordable that gets decent gas mileage and will meet my needs. [pull 10k sometimes in a year, otherwise, local use]. I've replace most things on this old truck, rebuilt, upgraded tranny, new steering gear, new brakes, hydraboost, new rear fuel tank/switch, new fuel pickups, new steering gear, new carrier bearing and u-joints...hate to junk it out, but, I don't want another engine that I need to worry about cavitation. I haven't heard anything about psd cavitation issues. Are they also prone to this? I may get a 6.6l chevy...I don't know...I really like fords, but that 6.6l and allison seems awfully attractive. I like the cummins, but, I really don't like dodges...and a lot of people do like them and keep the price up. Oh well. Just kinda' a s'long if and when I get a replacement rig...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 180
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From: Backwoods Massachusetts
PSDs will DEFINITELY have cavitation issues. If I understand correctly it was the PSD where the issue became widespread and was eventually figured out (around 2000 or so), due to the higher boost levels. The fix for this is a supplemental coolant additive (SCA). I was shopping PSDs for a long time and found very few that had proper SCA maintenance. I bought test strips with an extra stripe for this, and there were several trucks I might have sprung for but one dip and I knew to walk away. I gather that on PSDs the threshold is about 150k miles - beyond that the seeds have been sown.
I was surprised to hear the IDIs have some exposure to this issue but glad to find out before sacrificing one - will be adding SCA next coolant service (soon).
That said if you have that much into the truck and the rest of it is sound, you may do better putting a sleeve or few into your block and sticking with it. Once cavitation starts you can't fix it any other way but adding SCA stops the issue right there.
Good luck,
- Jeff
I was surprised to hear the IDIs have some exposure to this issue but glad to find out before sacrificing one - will be adding SCA next coolant service (soon).
That said if you have that much into the truck and the rest of it is sound, you may do better putting a sleeve or few into your block and sticking with it. Once cavitation starts you can't fix it any other way but adding SCA stops the issue right there.
Good luck,
- Jeff
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 288
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From: Oregon
7.3 was more susceptible than a 6.9. You could always find a cheap old 6.9 to stuff in, or even do a cummins swap w/ trans adapter and keep the old pickup...
If compression was good you could also sleeve it.
If compression was good you could also sleeve it.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,422
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
cavitation was a problem with the 7.3 IDI, not the powerstroke. by the time the stroke was introduced, 99% of diesel owners knew to use the proper antifreeze with SCA's.
and on top of all that, cavitation is not a major issue with the IDI either.
yes there are some engines that experienced it, but it is not one of those things that "every 7.3 IDI will get cavitation"
and on top of all that, cavitation is not a major issue with the IDI either.
yes there are some engines that experienced it, but it is not one of those things that "every 7.3 IDI will get cavitation"
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From: Cameron, Ok
Well, I really want a 4x4 cc...and the psd has a tenth of an inch thicker cylinder walls, as the '94 factory turbo and on have. I have faithfully maintained sca's since I owned the truck...but, it was abused as a farm truck before I bought it. Since it was only $2000, I thought I'd take it and build it up mechanically to use as a retirement rv puller. I put a bit of time and money into it and I believe I got my moneys worth out of it, but, I really want more truck. I've got about $7k saved...just save a little more and try for a f350 psd 4x4 cc. I'm tempted to save it as a parts truck, but, to be honest, I'm 66 and not much into laying under a truck anymore. Not to say I wouldn't do a little now and then, being pretty cheap and somewhat poor....but, I'd rather not, any more than I have to. So...if anyone wants a clean texas truck with some clear coat peeling and a lot of mechanical stuff replaced, needing an engine...it still runs and doesn't noticeable loose coolant or mix it in the crankcase...but, you know with cavitation, it's just a question of time 'till it hydrolocks...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,411
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From: Victor, MT
I would stick with the IDI, watch the price of parts go through the roof on that there PSD Your dreaming of. I bought a V10 thinking it would be a little less expensive because parts are cheaper and there are no glow plugs in it that need replacing constantly, I also dont gotta worry about SCAs...
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Cameron, Ok
You know, I think about that a lot...the main reason for a diesel is gas mileage, to me, and I never got over 16mpg with this truck...I might think about a gasser...I have read a lot of good things about the v10 and they're a lot cheaper...in fact, in the year range I'm looking, I could afford one right now, maybe...probably...something to think about.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Victor, MT
Dont jump the gun here lol. I bought that V-10 and im still VERY leery about having it. It gets better mileage on the freeway, but in town i dont even want to calculate it cause im scared of what it actuaclly is.
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