Im looking at a 1993 f-350 with the 7.3 liter that has 154,300 miles. Is there anything in particular to look for and check for that will tell if it was well maintained or abused? I have been searching and the only thing I can find is an article about Cavitation. Can anyone give any insight on this year and engine? Thanks

 

1993 would have a 7.3 idi and not a psd. Idi motors are pretty bulletproof. One thing to look for is if it won't start easily when its cold after the glow plugs have cycled.

 

I have seen IDI and PSD in some other threads, what do they stand for?

 

Idi is indirect injection. Psd is powerstroke diesel. Both are made by international (navistar) with the same displacement but they are completely different.

 

93 may or may not have a turbo (factory option).
Check the SCAs in the coolant (Cavitation Article).
What transmission does it have?

 

Its a manual, this is the vin#1FTJX35M9pKB29818, ive googled it, but have found different websites show different things (i.e. one showed a gas engine other showed diesel)

 

the 8th digit = M
M = naturally aspirated (non turbo) idi diesel.

look at the ip and the injectors.do they appear to be original? if so,it's past due (ideally) for a diesel tuneup.this will set you back "roughly" around $600-900$ for a new ip,fresh injectors,and properly timed.
take it out and drive it.it won't feel like no modern diesel,but at the same time,it should should feel like a 300/6 on steroids too.

listen to it,does it sound like a gas job,or can you clearly tell it has lot's of diesel "rattle" this will help tell you how its been maintained a bit,but with just 150k on it,there's not a whole lot to worry about.focus your attention on the rest of the truck,because odds are,that's old enough to fall around the engine or require lots of upkeep to keep up the idi.
they're designed to go 300k miles between rebuilds......many have gone longer.
the odd's of the idi engine in the truck giving out before something else of great importance,or lots of little things adding up to cost more than a replacement engine is far greater.
if she starts then stalls,then you've got air intrusion,which is cheap and easy to fix,pretty much like anything engine related is.
summary;
when looking at an idi truck with low miles (anything under 200k is for these) focus most of your attention on the truck (which is around 20 yrs old or older today) not so much the legendary 6.9/7.3l under the hood.

 

so, uh, which of those is the one you're looking for? i've often though mine sounds a lot like a gasser, just with the additional klack-klack-klack.

Mike

 

Well I am hoping to pick it up for $2500, i wont mind spendig money on it, just dont want to have to spend a grand right away. The cavatation Article kinda makes me hesistant as it seems to me anything that eats away at the engine cannot be good. But I think the low miles are a good thing meaning not to much to immediatly worry about.

 

when properly timed,there can be no debate as to which type of engine is under the hood when running.
the idi doesn't rattle as loud as the powerstrokes,but it shouldn't be quite enough standing 20 feet away in either direction of it,that you kinda wonder either.she'll rattle enough to know (even up to normal operating temps) or it's timing is retarded.

it's best to budget in and plan for most 20ish yr old idi trucks to require at least 1k right out of the gate to bring them back up to par.
often neglected;
the fuel system.
the starting system (battery cables are large,and not cheap.nor are those high torque starters)
suspension components
brake system.
plan on flushing all the components out with new fluids.
glow plug system.
ect.etc.
it adds up very quickly and a grand can be gone quick once you start looking it over really good.if you don't address the issues,then you'll just end up beside the road addressing them as you go.there's no way out.this is why vehicles depreciate so badly of course.

 

FORD, do you know any good websites that sell reputable parts that you mentioned above, Id like to look around at price some things.

 

http://www.thedieselstore.com/template/index.php

rockauto.com
amazon.com
are good for some stuff too.depends on what you need.

 

The IDIs are great engines, I'd love to get one someday for a highway cruiser. One thing people are tempted to do is to crank up the fuel so they can blow black smoke, or "roll coal". It looks cool to some people, but can cause serious engine damage from high combustion temperatures. Don't do it, listen to the guys here. Enjoy the new truck and post pics if/when you get it!

 

Ok, the dually was sold before I could buy it. But, I have found and am picking up tomorrow a 1996 F250 powerstroke with 152k miles. It is the original owner. He told me that he has done a trans flush and replaced the torque converter in the last year. The oil has been changed regularly and I actually had him to do it this week before I pick it up. He told me has never changed or flushed the coolant, said he has never had a reason to. He installed a trans cooler sometime during the trucks life, cant remember when he said he did it. He has not done anythig else to it other than the two things I listed. Based on what I have read I think I should address the coolant first especially with that amount of miles. Should I address anything else immediatly or have the theory that if it isnt broke then dont fix it?

 

I'm not familiar with the Powerstroke at all, so I cannot offer specific advice. Generally speaking, though, I'd go ahead and change all fluids unless you have proof they've been changed recently. Same goes for soft (rubber) critical parts like belts and hoses.

Ounce of prevention.............

Mike