We run Exxon 10-40 and change oil every 5000 miles. When the trucks get over 200,000, we switch to every 4000 miles. Our PM schedule is vigorous, but the way these things are dogged, it needs to be.

 

Thanks for the info. I'll put it on a good PM schedule.

 

Steve..

Cavitation is caused when coolant is improperly mixed. This causes the coolant to "drill" through the cylinders. If this happens you will consume coolant. You will notice fuel\oil in your coolant. The engine will hard start especially when cold. A compression gauge will show loss of compression for many reasons (worn rings, hole in the block, etc).

The biggest thing to check for is fluid consumption\condition.
White smoke off throttle can be caused by unburned fuel vaporizing in the manifold as well (drippy injectors, wacky pump etc).

The only positive way to check is to have a machine shop spec the block. Start cheap and simple..

Good luck

 

I'd always heard that as well, but given webmasters 98.9% still running statistic, and the fact that the vast majority of powerstroke owners don't even know what FW-16 is, I wonder if that isn't urban legend?

 

Hello,

I am looking to purchase a '91 F-250 Supercab with a 7.3 IDI. It has 94,000 miles on it and the current owner says that it has a new transmission in it.

My questions;

1) What are the opinions of current 7.3 liter owners on the IDI engine? Specifically performance, longevity, power...

2) What should I look for specifically concerning the deisel? I have never owned one and need all the help I can get.

3) Should I be concerned that the tranny was replaced so soon?

Any help given here is greatly appreciated.

This site is quite helpfull,
Thanks

 

The E4OD has not particullarly impressed me. I have a fleet of 46 vehicles with the 7.3. I've seen three trannys go out with less than 50k and another three under 100k. On the other hand, I have several (15) that have over 200k and have never had the tranny's replaced.

I think the main problem with the transmissions has been resolved. Several years ago, Ford had over 30 rebuilders they used for transmissions and engines. With soo many, they could not monitor the companies and ensure that the quality of the transmissions and engines was being met.

On Thursday, 6/19, several reps from the SouthEast were traveling around trying to ensure business with fleets over 25 that their products were better than they have ever been. We met for about two hours. this is where I learned of the problems that had in the past. In th past 12 months, Ford has reduced their remanufacturers down to less than 5. They have quality engineers in all plants who continually test and check that all transmissions and engines are being rebuilt according to spec.

I have to say that the last few we have put in seem to be doing fine and to make sure they will, Ford is now offering 36/36 warrant rather than the old 12/12.

Hope this helps. If the trans was replaced in the last 12 to 18 months, it should be a good one and should last. Check to see what warranty it comes with and that will tell you if it was made before all the changes took place.