Mainbearings
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From: Camino USA
Mainbearings
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 09-Nov-02 AT 10:06 PM (EST)]I'm considering buying a '97 Ford diesel Powerstroke pickup w/95000 miles. Someone told me the crankshaft mainbearings often go out at 150000 miles on this type truck. Anyone know if this is true? Thanks.
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Mainbearings
Who told you that lie ? was it a Dodge Cummins owner trying to sway you to buy a Dodge Lemon.
I never heard of a PSD go bad from mainbearings going I have heard about Cummins blowing their conrods through the side of the block.
I never heard of a PSD go bad from mainbearings going I have heard about Cummins blowing their conrods through the side of the block.
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From: Connecticut
Mainbearings
yah those people in cummins dont tell you that there trannys are ##### and they blow cuz they dont handle the motor. i got this guy i know thats on his 4th tranny and he doesnt beat the thing just some ocasionall trailor pullin.. im trying to talk him into a psd
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From: Camino USA
Mainbearings
lol, no, it was a friend who has a friend who has had diesels ~ but I did confront the dealer about the q and he said it used to be a factor when Ford and Chevy first started converting gas engines to diesel, like mid-80's but the problem was fixed mid-90's. Hey, this is my first switch to diesel and I just want the straight skinny. Figured this is the best place to get it. Sooo, can y'all tell me what is the average lifespan of a F-350 Powerstroke?
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From: Indianapolis
Mainbearings
Your friend may have been right about the GM diesels of earlier days, because of their use of a nodular iron crankshaft but even though the early Ford IDI (6.9L) diesel was indeed a gasoline engine conversion, we NEVER had any main bearing failures (or any other bearing problems that I remember) because we always used (and still do) a forged crankshaft.
Just follow the reccommendations in the owners manual for fluid changes and maintainence procedures and you and your new diesel will get along just fine.
One more note: If you are buying used, get a 99.5 or newer because they have the upgraded injectors. If you are buying new and are in no hurry, there will be a new 6.0L Power Stroke engine available shortly that makes more power than the 7.3L engine and it will have a new 5 speed automatic transmission mated to it -- it will be a VERY nice package.
Just follow the reccommendations in the owners manual for fluid changes and maintainence procedures and you and your new diesel will get along just fine.
One more note: If you are buying used, get a 99.5 or newer because they have the upgraded injectors. If you are buying new and are in no hurry, there will be a new 6.0L Power Stroke engine available shortly that makes more power than the 7.3L engine and it will have a new 5 speed automatic transmission mated to it -- it will be a VERY nice package.
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From: Mongomery Co, PA
Mainbearings
Know a person that had an early 80's GM diesel in a car. Went though 3 crankshafts in a short time. by the third crank he got smart and sold it quick.
Nate
Nate
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Mainbearings
Not to start a fight with The Diesel Dude, but I have to say that I wouldn't limited my search for a PSD to 99+. I'm not a big fan of the modifications done to the engine on those models. Sure the different down pipe and intercooler are great, but these can be added to a 94-97 too. From what I've read and personally experienced, I really don't like the electric fuel pump and the split shot injectors among other things. Have you ever heard the famous idle knock/cackle those models experience? Not a good sound.
I guess all I'm saying is that neither model range is perfect. I would concentrate on deciding wich model fit my needs in capability, cost, appearance, etc. and take it from there. As long as the truck has been properly maintained (regular oil changes, coolant sca level maintained, etc.) you really can't go wrong with any PSD.
-Cope
97 F-350 PSD ZF 5 Speed 4x4
I guess all I'm saying is that neither model range is perfect. I would concentrate on deciding wich model fit my needs in capability, cost, appearance, etc. and take it from there. As long as the truck has been properly maintained (regular oil changes, coolant sca level maintained, etc.) you really can't go wrong with any PSD.
-Cope
97 F-350 PSD ZF 5 Speed 4x4
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From: Camino USA
Mainbearings
My thoughts too Cope. Slightly older model that can be spiffied up is a good way to go. From what I hear about electric fuel injectors in most any type of veh is scary. My '81 Vette is 1 year before the efi, all power, one less headache. Seems like the rpm regulator added to the F350 might be another sign it was well taken care of. Gonna take her to my guru mech today for his opinion. Thank you all for yours!
I wanna real truck
I wanna real truck
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From: outside of HoustonTX
Mainbearings
>Slightly older model that can be
>spiffied up is a good way to go.
I agree. I bought my brother-in-law's '97 F350 CC PSD with 105,000 miles and his '98 Cadillac with 22,000 miles for the same price I would have had to pay a dealer in this area for a 3 year old F250 CC. Both vehicles are pristine and religously maintained, and I have enough left over for some nice add on goodies like replacing both cloth bench seats in the truck with new leather 40-20-40 bucket seats.
>spiffied up is a good way to go.
I agree. I bought my brother-in-law's '97 F350 CC PSD with 105,000 miles and his '98 Cadillac with 22,000 miles for the same price I would have had to pay a dealer in this area for a 3 year old F250 CC. Both vehicles are pristine and religously maintained, and I have enough left over for some nice add on goodies like replacing both cloth bench seats in the truck with new leather 40-20-40 bucket seats.
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From: Indianapolis
Mainbearings
The earlier models also had the infamouse cackle. That is why the California models had an accumulator at the banjo fitting on the outlet side of the in valley fuel pump -- we called it an anti-cackle valve. The cackle does not in any way harm the engine but the lack of tungston carbide coating on the injectors will!! And, it will cost you a ton of money to get them replaced when (not if but when) they quit on you. And, you can't use the tungston carbide injectors with the earlier H/P pump. You buy what you want. All I'm doing is trying to save you some money down the road. Diesel engine parts aren't cheap!!
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From: Camino USA
Mainbearings
Well, it seems this one was not religiously maintained. And you're right Joe, there's gotta be a good formula for puttin the right parts to an older veh that's been well taken care of... I'm not in the 25-50g league of spenders. Funny, the sales guy whose tryin' to sell me this one (and been working for the same dealership for 10 yrs) told me today that he just bought a '91 Dodge Cummins for 7g from a different lot and is soooo happy, even if he's gotta put a coupla extra g's in it, but wants me to spend 25g on a '97 that's been abused... I don't know, confused, disappointed, frustrated ~ but patient...
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From: Green River USA
Mainbearings
wants me to spend 25g on a '97 that's been abused... I don't know, confused, disappointed, frustrated but patient...
I have a 96 Powerstroke and it has 186K on it and I'm looking forward to another 200K out of it. Someone mentioned the cackling problem but that was after this body style so no worries there. I read the posts and can't seem to find what abuse you're talking about. So what's wrong with it? As for spending 25g on it negotiate and if the dealer won't do that just walk away and keep looking.
I have a 96 Powerstroke and it has 186K on it and I'm looking forward to another 200K out of it. Someone mentioned the cackling problem but that was after this body style so no worries there. I read the posts and can't seem to find what abuse you're talking about. So what's wrong with it? As for spending 25g on it negotiate and if the dealer won't do that just walk away and keep looking.
