Not sure where to ask this, so I figured I'd start here. I'm looking at buying a 1997 F250 Heavy Duty 4x4. It has a diesel engine, but according to the salesman it is NOT a Powerstroke. I thought all the diesel trucks after 96 had Powerstroke motors, so either (a) the salesman is full of crap or (b) the original motor got smoked and replaced with an older motor. What are your thoughts? The truck is pretty clean overall, a few minor dents and dings but nothing major at all. The engine appears super clean, and it ran strong and sounded good. Also, is there anything else I should check out or be worried about with this truck? Here's a few more details:
97 F250 Heavy Duty 4x4
Extended cab, long box
7.3L diesel motor
Automatic trans w/overdrive
160,000 miles
Tow package
4.11 gears (I'm told)
Also, he said that it should get about 18-20 MPG, does that sound about right? Please forgive my inferiority (is that a word? ) and help me out. Thanks a million in advance.

 

PSD's were introduced in 1994 1/2. Does it have a turbo? Is the engine painted black? What is the hp rating on the sticker on the passenger side valve cover? The best thing to do is get the engine serial number and let The Diesel Dude run it for you.

 

Welcome to FTE. I don't think I would count on getting 18 to 20 with that gear ratio (if that is what it has). I guess depending on how you drive it but I would expect more along the lines of 15 to 16 (maybe even less).

 

Yes, it is a Turbo. The engine looked black, but it was hard to tell with all the stuff on top. I'll take another close look today, and maybe have some of my in-the-diesel-know buddies look at it. 15-16 MPG is still better than the 12-15 my 92 351-powered F250 4x4 gets.

 

There's a black plastic cover on the top of the powerstroke's that says "Powerstroke" right on it. On a 97 you have to open it up to get to the fuel filter.

 

If you look at the back of the rear end you should see a vertically mounted bar about 3-4 inches long bolted on the passenger side if it has a 4.11. I know this is true of later models but I'm not sure of earlier. Anyone know if this is true or can add more? BTW, my first post. That's about the extent of my trivia knowledge.

Also if it's a 4.11 you should expect 14-16mpg empty and up to half that with a heavy load.

 

Actually, no there's not. The cover on both the 96 and 97 Powerstrokes I've looked at says "Direct Injection Turbo Diesel" on it. I didn't end up getting this truck, but I'm going to keep looking for one like it. After driving this one, I'm sold on a Powerstroke Now all I have to do is find one I can afford

 

Good Luck with your hunt. I'm sure you'll find one that's right for you. I absolutely love my 350 with the 7.3.

 

I'm with jobberone. There's just nothng like it!!!! :-)