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Hi Folks. I love your forum. My question is i recently started driving this truck at work is there anything i should be doing/checking/adding? I've already started using OptiLube XLP in the fuel. The truck has no boost gauges or anything. Runs beautiful at 87,000 miles and has a new upgraded Ford tranny. I guess im asking if theres any absolutely "must have" mods. The boss has allready said I can do what i want to the truck and he will pay within reason lol. Thanks guys im a fast learner but entirely new to the "diesel power" After a few months of driving it though, I have to have one in my own yard but thats another thread. Thanks. Ed 95 F-250 7.3 Turbo
Yep intake needs to be replaced ASAP. If not the whole exhaust then at least the down pipe. Both of these will help the truck be more efficient and also not allow dirt into the turbo/engine. Next would be a trans temp gauge and a pyrometer. These 4 mods will help the truck to last longer and the great things is once they are done you can add a chip if you want. There are also other free/really cheap mods you can do after the intake and exhaust like a 10K mod, fuel pressure regulator shim and many others.
Thanks guys i appreciate the fast response, in regards to the downpipe, how can i be sure it hasnt already been modded? And can I ask for your input and brands of downpipes as well as trans temp gauges and pyrometers.
Really easy to tell if the Down Pipe has been replaced stock is really oval almos flat and any good aftermarket is going to be at least 3" and round. My hole exhaust 4" MBRP turbo back with 5" tip was only $360 and I love it. On gauges spend the good money and get a big brand Auto Meter, Isspro. Dont go cheap just not worth it. (dont get the ones I got).
Thanks again. Can i get a few tips on normal operation, ie: starting/warmup time, cool down time, best to leave running for 1/2 hour or so wen im at a site or shut down, etc. I really appreciate the tips, I need to be brought up to speed on diesel truck operation.
Well obviously turn on ignition and let Glow Plugs warm before starting. If reall warm out they probably won't need to warm but for a second or two. When cold let them warm for longer, approx 1 minute.
Warm-up depends on the temp. If it is really cold out (<35degrees) I crank mine and let it warm for 5-15 minutes before I drive it. If it is <10-15 degrees I let it warm for longer than that. Keep in mind the truck will not get warm enough to produce very much heat in the heater until it is driven.
As far as cool down you really only need to do that if you are using it very hard such as pulling a heavy trailer. Then just park the truck and let it idle for a few minutes. What you are doing here is letting the turbo cool down. If you shut it off immediately after a heavy pull the oil in the turbo just sits there and cooks. If you let it cool the oil will keep flowing and when you shut it off after it cools there is no harm to the oil or turbo.
As far as letting it run under normal driving it depends on you. I usually shut mine off and it gets driven just like any other vehicle...almost. hehe