Possible speed limiter on IDI?
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Senior User
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From: Tyler Co., West Virginia
Possible speed limiter on IDI?
As posted earlier in the forums I just bought a 1994 E350 Ambulance, NA 7.3 IDI with E4OD transmission. It seems to have plenty of power, but last night I had it out driving it around showing my dad how nice it drives. We were putting it through its paces and realized it will only go to about 65 and thats it. Its at barely half throttle(pedal travel), if I push it all the way to the floor nothing changes. Its really hard to tell whats going on with out a tach in it. Is it possible that is top speed for an NA 7.3 without a turbo or is it possibly governed(sp?)? Thansks, Dave.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
The engine is governed to something between 33 and 36 hundred RPM.
So depending on the axle ratio it might appear to be a speed limiter.
A 4.56 gear would top out at 66 MPH if it were not shifting into OD.
I can't imagine a much lower ratio than that being in the axle.
An it the transmission is shifting into OD, the top speed should be around 94 MPH.
What size tires are on the ambulance?
So depending on the axle ratio it might appear to be a speed limiter.
A 4.56 gear would top out at 66 MPH if it were not shifting into OD.
I can't imagine a much lower ratio than that being in the axle.
An it the transmission is shifting into OD, the top speed should be around 94 MPH.
What size tires are on the ambulance?
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From: Tyler Co., West Virginia
Hi Dave, thanks for getting back so soon. I hate to say this, I'm not sure of the tire size, I did look but it was pretty much to see what ply they were. I will check tomorrow and have the info tomorrow evening as well as the rear axle ratio.
I certainly won't be in situations were I will be towing in excess of 65 but if it is governed down I wouldnt have any power to maintain that speed.
Thanks again Dave, I'll have the needed info tomorrow evening, Dave.
I certainly won't be in situations were I will be towing in excess of 65 but if it is governed down I wouldnt have any power to maintain that speed.
Thanks again Dave, I'll have the needed info tomorrow evening, Dave.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
Dave, if the engine is an IDI engine, the max RPM is the only thing the govenor limits.
So you should be able to have max fuel delivered at any RPM lower than the max limit.
That should not have any effect like limiting power at any RPM below the max RPM.
IDI engines are all mechanical, nothing like the computer controlled Power Stroke which can be programmed to limit power under certain circumstances.
So you should be able to have max fuel delivered at any RPM lower than the max limit.
That should not have any effect like limiting power at any RPM below the max RPM.
IDI engines are all mechanical, nothing like the computer controlled Power Stroke which can be programmed to limit power under certain circumstances.
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From: Tyler Co., West Virginia
Guys I really apreciate your assistance with this but i'm sorry i dont have the info this evening. We had some cattle get out and I had to get them back in today and fix some fence. Then right before I left for work I went to move the van so I could crawl under it to see the rear tag and I broke the key off in the ignition switch. Helluva day.
FMC, I am getting ready to service this thing like I always do when i buy a used vehicle so I know whats in it and what kinda shape its in.
Which leads me to a couple of questions as well. Since I'm new to diesel and this diesel is new to me I dont know what oil was used. What kind do some of you guys recomend and how many quarts does it take to do a change? Same goes for all of the filters, what do you guys use? Also what is a good diesel addative to clean and lube the system?
And lastly, I was in several parts stores looking for the coolant test strips, no one had any, can anyone give me the NAPA part number. Thanks, Dave.
FMC, I am getting ready to service this thing like I always do when i buy a used vehicle so I know whats in it and what kinda shape its in.
Which leads me to a couple of questions as well. Since I'm new to diesel and this diesel is new to me I dont know what oil was used. What kind do some of you guys recomend and how many quarts does it take to do a change? Same goes for all of the filters, what do you guys use? Also what is a good diesel addative to clean and lube the system?
And lastly, I was in several parts stores looking for the coolant test strips, no one had any, can anyone give me the NAPA part number. Thanks, Dave.
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
10 quarts of oil.
The minumum oil spec for the IDI is CD or CE on the API label.
I use Mobil 1 synthetic in mine but at 28 dollars a gallon it is a bit expensive.
Mobil Delvac 15W 40
Rotella 15W 40
Dello 15W 40
All of those are decent oils, and there are others.
A Power Stroke oil filter Motorcraft FL1995 is a fine filter.
Fleetpride LF3630 is another fine filter.
Both of these filters are two quart filters, so you need to add another quart of oil if you use them.
Donaldson and Wix also make good filters, but I can't list the numbers off the top of my head.
Diesel Kleen and Power Service are available at Wally World and most parts stores as far as diesel fuel addatives.
The minumum oil spec for the IDI is CD or CE on the API label.
I use Mobil 1 synthetic in mine but at 28 dollars a gallon it is a bit expensive.
Mobil Delvac 15W 40
Rotella 15W 40
Dello 15W 40
All of those are decent oils, and there are others.
A Power Stroke oil filter Motorcraft FL1995 is a fine filter.
Fleetpride LF3630 is another fine filter.
Both of these filters are two quart filters, so you need to add another quart of oil if you use them.
Donaldson and Wix also make good filters, but I can't list the numbers off the top of my head.
Diesel Kleen and Power Service are available at Wally World and most parts stores as far as diesel fuel addatives.
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Elder User
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From: Guymon
Oil, I use the motorcraft diesel oil that walmart stockes for like $2 something a quart and I also use the FL1995 filter. Depending on what filter the preivus owner put on, the fl1995 as well as the other filter will be much bigger so don't think you got the wrong one just from the size of them. They make 2 different sizes that fit this engine and they both work. (not sure if this is true on a 4x4 though)
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From: Tyler Co., West Virginia
Great info Dave, thank you. I did see Diesel Kleen at the local Auto Zone, the rest should be easy to find as well.
I did manage to get the other information I was supposed to have yesterday.
The tires are 235/85/16 load range E, some kind of Workhorse brand name, but what do you expect from state bid deals.
I pulled the rear end tag because I couldn't read it because of the huge tank they out under this thing. It reads like this: 4 10 VFUA
\/605674-2
The \/ represents an upside down triangle before the bottom row of digits on the tag. I'm guessing it is 4.10 ratio, whats the rest of it mean, anyone?
Thanks, Dave.
I did manage to get the other information I was supposed to have yesterday.
The tires are 235/85/16 load range E, some kind of Workhorse brand name, but what do you expect from state bid deals.
I pulled the rear end tag because I couldn't read it because of the huge tank they out under this thing. It reads like this: 4 10 VFUA
\/605674-2
The \/ represents an upside down triangle before the bottom row of digits on the tag. I'm guessing it is 4.10 ratio, whats the rest of it mean, anyone?
Thanks, Dave.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,900
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From: Campbell River, B.C.
Theres no way you are running out of RPM at 65 MPH with that powertrain configuration. I don't know if its common to put a speed imiter on these things but thats all I can think of as an explaination for what is happening.
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From: Tyler Co., West Virginia
My thoughts exactly, so im thinking its possible to turn the injector pump down or it could be what FMC posted, maybe i'm gettin restriction in the system somewhere. If the county new they would be selling the unit soon they could've let the PM on it lapse. Im gonna start with new filters and some Diesel Kleen as recomended as well as an oil change.
I just cant see them limiting an emergency vehicle though. I really need a tachometer and a pyro gauge so I know whats goin on here. But let me see what happens after the PM, I'll do it in the next couple of days since I have them off, thanks again guys for your help.
Hopefuly i'll be back Friday with some better news.
BTW, when changing the diesel filters on my dads tractors we usually have to bleed the injectors, is there anything like that on these IDIs we have to do?
I just cant see them limiting an emergency vehicle though. I really need a tachometer and a pyro gauge so I know whats goin on here. But let me see what happens after the PM, I'll do it in the next couple of days since I have them off, thanks again guys for your help.
Hopefuly i'll be back Friday with some better news.
BTW, when changing the diesel filters on my dads tractors we usually have to bleed the injectors, is there anything like that on these IDIs we have to do?
Last edited by wvmudder; Aug 12, 2008 at 05:20 PM. Reason: Another question
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Campbell River, B.C.
No. But you will have to at least partially fill up the new filter with either diesel fuel or better yet some diesel kleen or other diesel suppliment (I use auto tranny fluid...Dex3)
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Danville, Pa
I am suspecting this pump is IH rated. Wasn't that around 2600 rpm?
Oh, it's an ambulance. I know around here all ambulance, and fire trucks were goverend for max speed of 65. Which ment your lucky to average 55. The adjustment is very simple, however you NEED an accurate rpm meter/gauge.
Oh, it's an ambulance. I know around here all ambulance, and fire trucks were goverend for max speed of 65. Which ment your lucky to average 55. The adjustment is very simple, however you NEED an accurate rpm meter/gauge.
