Missing diesel power?
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Joined: Apr 2007
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Missing diesel power?
I just got my first diesel a 1989 f350 with a 7.3 diesel motor. I took out my trailer today to see how it would do and was extremely disappointed with the pulling power. I could barely maintain 55 mph on flat ground. The truck has 188,000 miles on it, and I think 4.10 gears in the diff. Do you have any suggestions on what I can do to make it pull better? I only use this truck to pull my trailers, a flat bed with atvs on it or a 22' toy hauler when we go camping. I am taking the truck to a mechanic to check out a knock that sounds like it is coming from the bottom end. If the motor is shot should I rebuild it or just buy a crate motor? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,782
Likes: 221
From: Huntington Indiana
First off - welcome to the diesel family.
Second lets see what we've got. Do you know when the last fuel filter change was? If don't know then change fuel filter. Could be starving for fuel. Also Put diesel kleen in the fuel as these older engine don't especially like the new ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) that came out last year. It will run but not as well as the low sulfur fuel. If you have it commercially available in your area try some biodiesel. I've used it in everything I own on the farm and it has worked very well especially in older equipment and trucks.
I try to use the cheaper methods of repair before going to costly.
Second lets see what we've got. Do you know when the last fuel filter change was? If don't know then change fuel filter. Could be starving for fuel. Also Put diesel kleen in the fuel as these older engine don't especially like the new ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) that came out last year. It will run but not as well as the low sulfur fuel. If you have it commercially available in your area try some biodiesel. I've used it in everything I own on the farm and it has worked very well especially in older equipment and trucks.
I try to use the cheaper methods of repair before going to costly.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
ULSD also tends to loosen all the varnish and deposits in the fuel system.
When they reach the fuel filter, they can plug it up.
At 188,000 your engine should not be shot if it was taken care of.
The fuel injection system may be due for some repairs though.
When they reach the fuel filter, they can plug it up.
At 188,000 your engine should not be shot if it was taken care of.
The fuel injection system may be due for some repairs though.
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