I am in the market for a superduty diesel, and am wondering about performance modifications, and basic maint. Specifically what things need to be done that are different than gas engines. As well as any oil recommendations, etc. As far as performance goes, are there things that can be done that give you power but don't sacrifice economy or engine longevity. Does a diesel respond to intake and exhaust mods like a gas engine does? And do the chips that I have heard about really make that much of a difference??

Dan

 

The basic maint is about the same except for three items.

Oil changes are 15 qts. You can get the filter at Wal-Mart for $9 + $24 for the oil. So about $33 DIY. Costs $50-70 at the dealerships. Ford advises regular service oil changes to be 5K miles. Lot's of guys run synthetic and use oil analysis to verify the condition of their oil. Cost effectiveness of synthetics is constantly debated. Prob 80% of the guys out there use either Chevron Delo 400 or Shell Rotella oil. Both are 15W40 and are available at any Wal-Mart, truck stop, parts store, etc. About $6 per gallon. Either is good. The 18 wheelers run these oils.

Change the fuel filter every 15K miles. Easy to get to, 10 minute job. Filter cost $45-60 at dealership, but can be bought online for $14

The coolant has an additive to prevent cavitation around the cylinder bores. You add a pint ($5) every 15K miles. You can also buy test strips to test it periodically to make sure it's within range. 2002 models use a different coolant that doesn't need the additive. (A few 02 models from the Mexico plant still have the regular coolant)

Performance wise. First thing is to get some real guages. Exhaust gas temp (EGT), Boost, and trans temp. You can do some light mods without the guages, but anything serious requires them to keep things under control. You have to keep the EGT under 1300° and the trans temps under 220° The PSD responds well to exhaust mods, very well to chips, intake tract mods are ok, but nothing major. The serious guys add propane injection.

For more on the mods check out the aftermarket forum on Ford-diesel.com
Here is a good page that lists man faqs on the PSD:
http://www.ford-diesel.com/faq/1999faq/

Later,

David Cole

>I am in the market for a superduty diesel, and am wondering
>about performance modifications, and basic maint.
>Specifically what things need to be done that are different
>than gas engines. As well as any oil recommendations, etc.
>As far as performance goes, are there things that can be
>done that give you power but don't sacrifice economy or
>engine longevity. Does a diesel respond to intake and
>exhaust mods like a gas engine does? And do the chips that
>I have heard about really make that much of a difference??
>
>Dan

 

Anyone know if John Deere 15w40 'plus 50' oil is up to the specs required for the PSD? My dad just got a job at a dealership and can probably get it cheap in 5 gallon pails!

 

>Anyone know if John Deere 15w40 'plus 50' oil is up to the
>specs required for the PSD? My dad just got a job at a
>dealership and can probably get it cheap in 5 gallon pails!

As long as it meets the API rating of CH-4/SJ it is ok to use in the PSD.

Les

 

I believe that JD Plus 50 oil is made by by Shell and that it is the Rottella T oil.

Worked for a John Deere dealership and used the oil in road racing motorcycles.

 

The last time I checked, a pint was 473ml/16oz. My 01 owner's guide supplement advises adding an additional 237-295ml (8-10oz.) of supplemental coolant additive at 15,000 mile intervals to maintain proper concentration.
The bottles of FW-16 are 16oz. so technically adding about 1/2 of a bottle every 15,000 miles would be a more accurate statement.
Just so we all are on the same page. I am not slamming anyone.