Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

The Unknowable Issue!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 24, 2022 | 09:07 AM
  #16  
helifixer's Avatar
helifixer
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,244
Likes: 7,654
From: Chino Valley, Arizona
Originally Posted by Action4478
Ether doesn't have any octane . Has been used for years . On our trucks the worst that can happen is starting the intake on fire . An engine that runs at 400 or so LBS of compression can handle it .
unless it happens to crack the compression ring.



 
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2022 | 06:05 PM
  #17  
Action4478's Avatar
Action4478
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,764
Likes: 39
Originally Posted by helifixer
unless it happens to crack the compression ring.


Whats the rest of the story , That didn't come from a shot of ether. Looks more like running lean on the to especially.
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2022 | 09:03 AM
  #18  
helifixer's Avatar
helifixer
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,244
Likes: 7,654
From: Chino Valley, Arizona
Originally Posted by Action4478
Whats the rest of the story , That didn't come from a shot of ether. Looks more like running lean on the to especially.
glow plugs died so they were starting it with either when cold, then it got to the point that it needed either to start on warm days, then progressed to always needing either, then got to where either wouldn't start it.
Diesel burns slow which is why everything in the engine can handle the high pressures. either burns instantly and shocks the rings and can crack them, once they crack they don't seal anymore.
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2022 | 12:28 PM
  #19  
knottyrope's Avatar
knottyrope
Lead Driver
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Loved
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,177
Likes: 1,336
From: Bahstun
Originally Posted by Action4478
Whats the rest of the story , That didn't come from a shot of ether. Looks more like running lean on the to especially.

HUH, diesels run leanest at idle AKA starting up

there is nothing to restrict air flow to regulate fuel to air ratio like that on a gas powered engine
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2022 | 07:23 PM
  #20  
Action4478's Avatar
Action4478
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,764
Likes: 39
Originally Posted by knottyrope
HUH, diesels run leanest at idle AKA starting up

there is nothing to restrict air flow to regulate fuel to air ratio like that on a gas powered engine
Not too sure about too lean at startup . Thats when they smoke the most . (Obviously not lean ) Since they need compression to create heat , a less than capable motor takes longer . The turbo is spooling slow at startup so regulated air does not apply .My statement about octane still stands . GPs can ignite starting fluid sooner than the valves closing completely causing detonation at much lower compression .The explanation was (No GPS ) The picture of the piston is not from a shot or two of ether (Or a year) . If it was it would be all 8. That piston was a problem long before ether was added .

I have 70"s vintage case 188 350 that needed starting fluid every time I started it till I replaced the starter ( have had it for 34 years ) . My 70's vintage case 188 580C came factory equipped with a starting fluid applicator . Has never needed it .
(20 years ) .

Back to the pic . I would bet the piston cracked from the wrist pin, then there would be a path to the rings . The top of the piston being beat to death is beyond me .Believe what you wish .


BTW don't "HUH" me .
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2022 | 07:31 PM
  #21  
helifixer's Avatar
helifixer
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,244
Likes: 7,654
From: Chino Valley, Arizona
Originally Posted by Action4478
Not too sure about too lean at startup . Thats when they smoke the most . (Obviously not lean ) Since they need compression to create heat , a less than capable motor takes longer . The turbo is spooling slow at startup so regulated air does not apply .My statement about octane still stands . GPs can ignite starting fluid sooner than the valves closing completely causing detonation at much lower compression .The explanation was (No GPS ) The picture of the piston is not from a shot or two of ether (Or a year) . If it was it would be all 8. That piston was a problem long before ether was added .

I have 70"s vintage case 188 350 that needed starting fluid every time I started it till I replaced the starter ( have had it for 34 years ) . My 70's vintage case 188 580C came factory equipped with a starting fluid applicator . Has never needed it .
(20 years ) .

Back to the pic . I would bet the piston cracked from the wrist pin, then there would be a path to the rings . The top of the piston being beat to death is beyond me .Believe what you wish .


BTW don't "HUH" me .
the wrist pins were still serviceable, the damage on the top of the piston is from pieces of the compression ring, the head looked the same.
all of the pistons had broken rings, and the burnt out sides. this is the only one I kept.
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2022 | 07:55 PM
  #22  
Action4478's Avatar
Action4478
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,764
Likes: 39
Originally Posted by helifixer
the wrist pins were still serviceable, the damage on the top of the piston is from pieces of the compression ring, the head looked the same.
all of the pistons had broken rings, and the burnt out sides. this is the only one I kept.
You left out details . Starting fluid does not have enough octane to burn though a piston to that degree. Believe what you were told . Believe what you want . The pic of the wrist pin was not serviceable . If you just want to be right I'll leave it at that
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2022 | 07:59 PM
  #23  
helifixer's Avatar
helifixer
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,244
Likes: 7,654
From: Chino Valley, Arizona
Originally Posted by Action4478
You left out details . Starting fluid does not have enough octane to burn though a piston to that degree. Believe what you were told . Believe what you want . The pic of the wrist pin was not serviceable . If you just want to be right I'll leave it at that
yep your right and apparently I haven't been a diesel mechanic for almost 40 years either.
I didn't take a picture of the wrist pin when I rebuilt that engine as they were all in serviceable condition and went back in the engine.
starting fluid didn't "burn through the piston" the shock of it exploding can and does fracture the brittle rings, thus letting burning diesel to go past them.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old Aug 26, 2022 | 10:59 AM
  #24  
knottyrope's Avatar
knottyrope
Lead Driver
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Loved
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,177
Likes: 1,336
From: Bahstun
Originally Posted by Action4478
Not too sure about too lean at startup . Thats when they smoke the most . (Obviously not lean ) Since they need compression to create heat , a less than capable motor takes longer . The turbo is spooling slow at startup so regulated air does not apply .My statement about octane still stands . GPs can ignite starting fluid sooner than the valves closing completely causing detonation at much lower compression .The explanation was (No GPS ) The picture of the piston is not from a shot or two of ether (Or a year) . If it was it would be all 8. That piston was a problem long before ether was added .

I have 70"s vintage case 188 350 that needed starting fluid every time I started it till I replaced the starter ( have had it for 34 years ) . My 70's vintage case 188 580C came factory equipped with a starting fluid applicator . Has never needed it .
(20 years ) .

Back to the pic . I would bet the piston cracked from the wrist pin, then there would be a path to the rings . The top of the piston being beat to death is beyond me .Believe what you wish .


BTW don't "HUH" me .

HUH?
That white smoke is incomplete fuel and moisture vapors

compare 17:1 to a 7.3 that has 22:1
ether ignites around 360
internal combustion chamber heat generated surpasses 360 even on a 0 temp day with out GPs ( that where you see the lean smoke from)
17:1 might be 20-30 BTDC when it ignites but with 22:1 it happens much sooner which bends rods or blows starter off the block

 
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2022 | 06:47 PM
  #25  
Action4478's Avatar
Action4478
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,764
Likes: 39
Originally Posted by knottyrope
HUH?
That white smoke is incomplete fuel and moisture vapors

compare 17:1 to a 7.3 that has 22:1
ether ignites around 360
internal combustion chamber heat generated surpasses 360 even on a 0 temp day with out GPs ( that where you see the lean smoke from)
17:1 might be 20-30 BTDC when it ignites but with 22:1 it happens much sooner which bends rods or blows starter off the block
I see you started right out with disrespect , your info is a Load of crap . My comment was " about lean at start up " You just proved my point .Lean engines don't smoke .Heat is not the issue , power is . Starting fluid causes everything to knock when used . (NO OCTANE )

Show me proof , not maybe this or that . In another post the picture was of one piston . The comment was "all 8 were the same ". If all 8 were the same the engine would not even run on gas . If you just want to be right , you win .
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
AV8ERZ
Excursion - King of SUVs
2
Mar 4, 2020 02:39 AM
Ryan313
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
34
Apr 28, 2017 08:13 AM
Runningaford
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
4
Jan 16, 2015 09:05 PM
damac
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
11
Apr 10, 2010 08:54 PM
moyreyes74
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
7
Mar 31, 2010 11:33 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:58 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE