Powerstroke Transmission
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Freshman User
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Powerstroke Transmission
Hi all,
I am considering buying a 1994-2002 f250 or f350 w/7.3 power stroke.
I have heard the automatics have issues. What should I keep my eye out for?
This is all new to me since all my vehicles are 32+ years old and manual.
Thanks for any info.
Reddman
I am considering buying a 1994-2002 f250 or f350 w/7.3 power stroke.
I have heard the automatics have issues. What should I keep my eye out for?
This is all new to me since all my vehicles are 32+ years old and manual.
Thanks for any info.
Reddman
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
Like any automatic transmission they require proper routine maintenance in order to live a long full life. The E4OD and 4R100 are rugged transmissions but they fail prey to poor maintenance and high operating temperatures. If the previous owners skimped on maintenance then you may end up with a very expensive repair bill.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2011
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Depending on how deep your pockets are too you can always send it out to (insert shop name here) in California. They are known for beefing/upgrading auto transmissions for diesels if you aren't going to convert it to a manual.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
Likes: 9
From: Rhode Island
The 2001 4R100s used a mechanical diode that liked to fail. '95-'97 E4ODs are the better units, with '97 being the best. I believe the 4R100s progessively got better, save for the 2001 transmissions.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 13
The biggest problem with the E4OD is the lack of an adequate cooling system. It employs a very small oil/air heat exchanger that really isn't even suited well enough for the power steering. Ford also installed 5/16" cooler lines which are entirely too small.
Upgrade the anti-drainback valve, cooler lines and fittings to 3/8" and install a tru-cool MAX heat exchanger and temps become more manageable.
There is also much to be said about the E4OD's lock-up programming which leaves much room for improvement. Some say it stays unlocked for too long, making power into heat that the stock cooling system cannot manage. Add to that, a converter that is constructed more for a much weaker gasoline engine, and you have a time-delay grenade.
Upgrade the anti-drainback valve, cooler lines and fittings to 3/8" and install a tru-cool MAX heat exchanger and temps become more manageable.
There is also much to be said about the E4OD's lock-up programming which leaves much room for improvement. Some say it stays unlocked for too long, making power into heat that the stock cooling system cannot manage. Add to that, a converter that is constructed more for a much weaker gasoline engine, and you have a time-delay grenade.
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2013
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Thanks again guy's.
I would prefer a manual tranny but my wife wants an auto so she don't need me to haul her horse.
All the info makes me feel a little better knowing the issues can be resolved.
I've got my eye on a 97 extra cab long bed with 116xxx miles on it for $6650.00. Nice looking truck that's been well taken care of.
Reddman
I would prefer a manual tranny but my wife wants an auto so she don't need me to haul her horse.
All the info makes me feel a little better knowing the issues can be resolved.
I've got my eye on a 97 extra cab long bed with 116xxx miles on it for $6650.00. Nice looking truck that's been well taken care of.
Reddman
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The biggest problem with the E4OD is the lack of an adequate cooling system. It employs a very small oil/air heat exchanger that really isn't even suited well enough for the power steering. Ford also installed 5/16" cooler lines which are entirely too small.
Upgrade the anti-drainback valve, cooler lines and fittings to 3/8" and install a tru-cool MAX heat exchanger and temps become more manageable.
There is also much to be said about the E4OD's lock-up programming which leaves much room for improvement. Some say it stays unlocked for too long, making power into heat that the stock cooling system cannot manage. Add to that, a converter that is constructed more for a much weaker gasoline engine, and you have a time-delay grenade.
Upgrade the anti-drainback valve, cooler lines and fittings to 3/8" and install a tru-cool MAX heat exchanger and temps become more manageable.
There is also much to be said about the E4OD's lock-up programming which leaves much room for improvement. Some say it stays unlocked for too long, making power into heat that the stock cooling system cannot manage. Add to that, a converter that is constructed more for a much weaker gasoline engine, and you have a time-delay grenade.
Also, what is a good, typical operating temp range for the E4OD? In the past I had a temp gauge on mine but have since taken it off. IIRC, the temps were ~220F...not sure though, it's been a while.
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