I dono? if I*M in the Right Forum? as I*M looking for a Diesel Pick Up--I have checked out the Dodges & up to 98.5 in yrs are Not Computerized! what was the first yr FORD installed a Diesel in their Pick Ups? & what Date? did Ford Computerize their Diesel engines? the reason I want to Know?--IS!-I want One I can repair myself--& what the major problems w/ each model & yr & I*M a Bit Embarrased! as a retired Trucker & Not really knowing any thing about the Small Diesel Engines? & as a Trucker having Done 95 % of my Repairs & now on a Fixed Income & mechanics labor fees @ 50 to 75 bucks an hour! well simple Math--I can*t afford That!--& in all honesty--I got into trouble w/ the Late model Dodge Guys!--by my Personal View of the Late Dodges! as an Ole GUY they look like an OLe Studerbaker to Me? I think? the 93 Dodge is the Best Looking of them All! my Opinion--I used to Own a lot of FORDS over the yrs but Had an older Gas JOB I bought NEW that had Problems! & the Dealer didn*t Do Crap for ME! So I bought other Gas Makes!--so I*M asking? for HELP!--FIRE AWAY!! as I appricate all Coments GOOD & BAD!--Ole JIM--

 

hi Jim, welcome aboard the ford forum ... Ford uses the international diesel engines in the pickups since 1984. They didnt become wire controlled until the 94 model year when the power stroke was introduced.
the earlier trucks around 1989 (depending on state title work) were completely mechanical with the idi engine hooked up to the c-6 auto trans or standard trans.
after the 88 model year came the E40D trans with the electronic control box for the trans only and wire controlled engines/trans in mid 94. Ford installed a factory turbo around 93 1/2 model year and brought the power strokes in around 94.
my year selection might be off a bit, but pretty close. If you pick one up come in here and ask questions and we can help you out. As one old trucker to another, take pride in the ride.
We do have one guy in here who is also another old trucker who switched to ditch diggin and luvs his idi engines. This note should wake him up, right DAVE ??

 

One of the reasons I don't own a PowerStroke (PS) is because of the price of some the parts. The engine control computer, for example, is $1600, and you can't use one out of another PS. There's a code on the computer that they use to match up the replacement computer to the engine. Fuel injectors, fuel pump are more expensive, and there are other sensors that the IDIs don't need. They also use 16 quarts of motor oil, where the IDIs use only 10. PS motors have advantages, though. They are more powerful and smoother running, and I've seen them tow 12,000 lbs. like it wasn't even back there. They get slightly better fuel economy. They can be upgraded for more power with a change to the computer, where the IDIs can't. But you don't have tons of money floating around, the IDI is definitely cheaper to run.

 

I don't know the details some of the guys do, but, I have done a lot of reading before buying my '90 f250, 7.3l, a40d, normally aspirated crew cab p/u. In my readings, I decided Chevy's were too underpowered and Dodges had very weak auto transmissions. I'm approaching a modest retirement and wanted the most bang for my buck. I anticipate getting a travel trailer and doing a lot of traveling with my wife, our blood hound, border colley and rat terrier; carring my motorcyle and pulling a 10k trailer. I found this 90 f250 at a small farm with 150000 miles, needing a bit of tweaking for 2 grand. I spent $2000 getting a really good transmission rebuild...completely replaced the cooling system [new radiator, new hoses, new water pump, new thermostat, new fan clutch] and I plan on new injector pump and injectors,an ATS turbo with an upgraded exhaust and intake...I need to drop both fuel tanks and replace the fuel pick up tubes, I've got a new return line system and an electric lift pump to install. When I get done, I expect to have a truck that will do what I want done reliably and economically. It's old, so, not too attractive to thieves...and I think it'll run with the almost big dogs. I have found so much information on this forum...had to become a contributing member, since the info I've garnered has saved me beau coup bucks and time. [since I don't have beau coup bucks! ha] The IDI is relatively simple and repairable by the home mechanic who can't afford to pay someone else to mess thier truck up and when you do mess your truck up , these guys will help you straighten it back out! What a deal! If you decide to go the IDI route, welcome aboard!

 

The pre power stroke engines are not power houses, but they are reliable and cheaper to maintain. With performance modifications, like inproved intakes, I've installed headers and bigger exhaust system, their peformance is acceptable. As noted, no problems with these trucks hasn't been a subject of this forum. I wouldn't own any other vehicle than an IDI Ford.

 

im 17 i bought a 1993 f-250 7.3L as my first vehical and i love it. it tows my race car, dirt bikes, and a boat it tows everything like it wasnt even there the truck has 185k on it and it has not let me down once. i like it because they are easy to work on and the best thing is no computer to deal with. these are easy enuff that you can do all the matnince yourself plus any problems you have you will be able to get your solution here on this forum. i know guys who have dodge trucks but they just dont seem to take as much abuse as the fords do and in general they just dont hold up as good. (plus i think fords look better but thats a personal opinon)so if you are looking for a decent truck that will last and hold up and take anything you can throw at it i would deffinently go with a ford idi
mike

 

im 19, i just got my first idi about a month ago, lets just say, i have a banks turbo on mine, and i sure do love leaving those ricers in my cloud of black smoke!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks for all the INFO! as I*M a Tinkerer! & can still twist a mean Wrench this Small Diesel engine Issue is a litle Embarrassing to me after a life time of driving Big Rigs! Funny really--Not knowing any thing about the Small Diesels?--Now a retiree Exsiting? on a fixed income & YES! You can all Laugh Now! as I recentley checked on mechanics labor Rates! WOW!--I was in the Wrong Vocation! I should have Fixed Them! instead of Driving them! OH well next time around? I tell my Wife of over 40 yrs next Time I*M going to be a WOMAN! & BOY!!-- did She LAUGH! showing ME NO Mercy! but what do Women Know?? I have jotted down the Info as I can*t Remember all that Great! & will start looking over FORDS! Big Time! & You will be Hearing from ME! w/ a million stupid questions? Thanks Guys! --Ole JIM--

 

I am also a retired OTR driver.
As one mechanic in Texas told me, "The only stupid question is the one you do not ask".
The IDI diesel is very different from the big diesels, but the same rules apply.
Lots of air in.
Lots of exhaust out.
Clean fuel supply delivered at the correct time.

You want more power, give it more air first.
Then give it a bigger way to remove the exhaust.
Then give it more fuel.

Come in often, ask lots of questions, there is a lot of information about your IDI diesel and Ford truck right here in this forum.

 

In my Search for a Diesel pick Up in reading info I see a number of Dodges w/ low milage that have had Tranies re-built--one w/ under 67,000 miles--so to ME their Trannies are Weak! nice to know!--I heard of ONE FORD an 83? I was told--an old Guy has--He told ME it has over 500,000 miles on it?--but--I think hes just stating? It has a lot of Miles??--He just bought a new One!--& wanted a Grand for the 83?? I called HIM & WE chatted--but Not seeing It?--& seeing He lives over 100 miles away!--I never did Go look at it!--& its Probably SOLD?--but I*LL call Him a Check?--as He stated He had just had his mechanic re-place a lot of Stuff? & its got a new State inspection Sticker!--Our Intent--the Wife & "I" just tired of GAS!--& were trying to get an all round Daily driver--that will Haul our Car trailer as We Tinker on Older Classics-- as a hobby--I take Good Care of My Vehicles WE still enjoy ridding aorund on week ends--Lawn Sales Ect--I*M a Jack of All Trades & the Master of NONE?--I Do all my own Stuff as Local Labor Prices are? Well way to High! I just Bought a new fender after market--& the Price of matching Paint cost more than the Fender!--I guess? in todays society w/ prices rising every Day! if? You can*t Do your Own re-pairs? I see a lot of late model Owners Trading when their Vehicle Garrantees run Out! WE stopped a a New Ford dealer & looked over a new Dually--$46,000 & change--Nice Truck! -but--Are they CRAZY? Hell thats more than We Paid for our Home! & the Vehicle Manufactures wonder Why? their New Lots are Full--I Dono? WHO? can Afford a New One??--I sure as Hell Can*t!--so Our Search continues!--{{I*LL probably drive You guys NUTS?}} asking Stupid Questions?--Ole JIM & Linda--

 

I've heard the same about the Dodge transmissions - they don't last at all. The E4OD has its share of problems, too, but not to the level that Dodge has. The Cummins engine is a great motor, there's no denying that. Chevy never produced a decent diesel engine until the Duramax. They run like a scalded cat but the aluminum cylinder heads didn't stand up to the severe duty of a diesel. I heard that they corrected that problem, though, so post-first-year Duramaxes may be fine. However, they're as expensive to maintain as the PowerStrokes. International has been making diesels for years, and I don't think you can go wrong with their 7.3 IDI. Although, I am looking forward to seeing that new 6.4 PowerStroke that's to come out next year. I hear it's really something. It's probably more expensive than the 7.3 or 6.0 PS, though. I doubt I'll see one in my crystal ball.