7.3 power problems

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Dec 15, 2005 | 12:45 PM

fireman_19

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Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Benton, Arkansas

7.3 power problems

I have a 92 F-350 crew cab non-turbo and I just pulled a 10,000 lb travel trailer across the Mississippi delta which is very flat. The transmission had just been rebuilt the same week. This truck has 69k miles on it. My problem is that it would not go over 65mph unless it down shifted and then it would only get up to about 67. The slightest grade and I mean slightest, you couldn't even see the grade, and it would kick down a gear and scream. A lot of times I had to let off enough to get down to around 55 or so before it would go into top gear. I just don't think this is right. My friend who was pulling a trailer similar to mine with a 2001 F-250 PS 4x4 just ran off and left me like I was sitting still. Tell me guru's is this typical or should I have the transmission adjusted or what. I bought this truck from my dad and he never pulled anything of any size behind it. I just don't get it. This truck ought to have more power, in my mind, than this. Please help. Fireman_19

Dec 15, 2005 | 01:39 PM

jboard

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Joined: Feb 2005

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From: Marietta, OH/Weirton, WV

fireman_19. Mine has the same problem i even notice just a couple of thousand pounds slowing me down dramatically im thinking of getting rid of just because its totally a dog when some weight gets aganist it. But Ford Diesel guys dont worry ill still be looking for another. Probably a powerstroke around 94-95. Any help for us would be greatly appreaciated.

Dec 15, 2005 | 04:37 PM

bilder12

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From: Northeastern Pa - USA

when did you last change the air and fuel filter? Also, did the trans shop adjust the trans after it was installed? The non turbo engines are not the most powerful in the world. you also didnt state which rear diff gearing you have or tire size or if the trailer is enclosed or open. there are mods you can make that are relatively inexpensive and you will see a difference. If you can swing it, get a turbo for the truck.

Dec 15, 2005 | 04:43 PM

DeepRoots

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Joined: Jan 2005

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From: Douglas, Georgia

not really enough info. (you should fill out your signature)
I assume you have an automatic, if so, if you were towing in overdrive, that would make the truck feel weak, especially with 3.55gears.
when you say the engine screams, what kinda rpms are we talking about? I've run my truck up to 3,800rpms and have no problem holding it at 2,800-3,000rpms. What I'm saying is don't be afraid to let it spin. (I also wouldn't reccomend 3,800rpms... lil freaky)

the points bilder makes are good too. also are you 100% certain the trailer was just 10,000lbs?

If you are expecting to keep up with your friends 2001, I'd suggest you get a 2001.

drew

Dec 15, 2005 | 06:40 PM

fireman_19

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Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Benton, Arkansas

Let me see if I can get all this info together. It's an automatic with 4.10 gears. I put a K&N filter on it at 63k. Fuel filter was changed at 55k. The travel trailer of course is enclosed and shows weight at 9500 empty. My tires are I believe Michelin 245/75-15 LTX. I was driving in farm country and as long as I babied it to 60 it did fine until I somehow found a tiny grade in the middle of the delta and it kicked down to 3rd gear and ran at about 3100 rpm's for about 45 miles. My fuel gauge just plummeted. I haven't as of yet had the tranny adjusted because it was picked on a Tuesday and we left on a Friday. It is due to be looked for warranty reasons after 2 weeks. I would just think it would be stronger than it is. I don't think it should pull a house but I think it shouldn't strain like it did. I want a turbo, but finding one at a reasonable price is proving to be difficult. Thanks for your input. Fireman_19

Dec 15, 2005 | 08:22 PM

IHdieselfan

Tuned

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 392

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From: Panther Branch, NC

If this is any help fisrt of all you need to change the fuel filter at least every other oil change. if you run in alot of dust like me i'd got with every oil change(the higher the price of diesel the trashier it gets). plus having the tranny ajusted right will make a big difference like builder12 said. but these idi's aren't hotrod speed demons like the psd's. i've hauled 12,000 easy under 55, up and down hills

Dec 15, 2005 | 09:55 PM

jeffdoerr

More Turbo

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 743

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From: MI -- farmboy

i have drove both, IDI and ps fords. The ps is nice, but the IDI non-turbo that I have is great. It may not keep up with my mustang, but it seems to move ok, once you get into 4th gear. The first 3 gears are to get you through an intersection. If your 7.3 is a real dog, maybe, just maybe their might be a timing issue ? I recently ran into this with mine. Had the IP replaced and the timing was off a little and I really lost power. Now I am back to breaking the tires loose in 2nd gear. Not that I do this, but it will.