Newbie. Help to convert.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown Tx
Newbie. Help to convert.
Hi folks, new to the diesel site, my old faithful 86 f250 460 burnt to the ground the other day (big block R.I.P- i'm stil in mourning)
I dont know what else to do but ask questions. I learned so much and hopefully helped others on the 375 series.
I want to go diesel.
I have a chance to get an 89 f250 (idi ?) 5 speed with... 39kmiles! for maybe around $4000.
Another option I have is a 97 powerstroke w/190 miles auto,for $3k.
I know the owner of the 97, had a tranny rebuild @ 90k.
Sure the 89 is pristine, really. And I like the 5 sp.
But I dont know enough about the engines style/form/reliability/typical faults or quirks about either to make an informed decision.
Ask me about a 460 and I could tell you a few things.
But of diesels I dont know squat (except my tractor-hahah).
So could you help a future brother out?
Thanks, Jery.
I dont know what else to do but ask questions. I learned so much and hopefully helped others on the 375 series.
I want to go diesel.
I have a chance to get an 89 f250 (idi ?) 5 speed with... 39kmiles! for maybe around $4000.
Another option I have is a 97 powerstroke w/190 miles auto,for $3k.
I know the owner of the 97, had a tranny rebuild @ 90k.
Sure the 89 is pristine, really. And I like the 5 sp.
But I dont know enough about the engines style/form/reliability/typical faults or quirks about either to make an informed decision.
Ask me about a 460 and I could tell you a few things.
But of diesels I dont know squat (except my tractor-hahah).
So could you help a future brother out?
Thanks, Jery.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 421
Likes: 1
'89 should be a n/a 7.3l idi navistar. these motors are very reliable, cheap to run, easy to work on with simple hand tools, and will run a long,long,long time if cared for correctly. that said i'd not buy a idi without checking sca levels, and pulling the gp's out to look at. that goes on top of anything else you would check on any truck, used or new.
Methanoholic
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 8
From: Maine (NorCal Native)
For the IDI,
As stated check the coolant SCA's.
See the truck start when dead cold (overnight set), it should start quickly and run smoothly right off, if it doesn't further investigation is needed, it could be as simple as Glow Plugs, Glow Plug Controller, Fuel Return lines ... Or it could be Cavitation Article.
Smell the exhaust after it's running if it smells sweet (like coolant) ... RUN ... and forget about the truck!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
As stated check the coolant SCA's.
See the truck start when dead cold (overnight set), it should start quickly and run smoothly right off, if it doesn't further investigation is needed, it could be as simple as Glow Plugs, Glow Plug Controller, Fuel Return lines ... Or it could be Cavitation Article.
Smell the exhaust after it's running if it smells sweet (like coolant) ... RUN ... and forget about the truck!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: Salisbury NC
well knowin bout cavatation the 97 wouldnt have that trouble and has more power but alot more miles the idi cant have cavatation with that little number on the od i wouldnt think and if you added a turbo it would be a toattly different truck
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,357
Likes: 813
From: Mi'kma'ki
For the IDI,
As stated check the coolant SCA's.
See the truck start when dead cold (overnight set), it should start quickly and run smoothly right off, if it doesn't further investigation is needed, it could be as simple as Glow Plugs, Glow Plug Controller, Fuel Return lines ... Or it could be Cavitation Article.
Smell the exhaust after it's running if it smells sweet (like coolant) ... RUN ... and forget about the truck!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
As stated check the coolant SCA's.
See the truck start when dead cold (overnight set), it should start quickly and run smoothly right off, if it doesn't further investigation is needed, it could be as simple as Glow Plugs, Glow Plug Controller, Fuel Return lines ... Or it could be Cavitation Article.
Smell the exhaust after it's running if it smells sweet (like coolant) ... RUN ... and forget about the truck!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
im seeing about 7-900 w/200k at salvage yards in my neck of the woods.N/A's
not many w/turbos i see,no surprise there though.
car-part.com
edit,
oh that '89 is not priced accordingly for an engine swap (i sure hope that old gem is a clean 4wd for that $) ,and the others a PSD.nevermind me.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 3
From: Ladner, British Columbia
89'
The 89's sounds like a good deal, albeit a bit pricey unless it is in primo shape. You are buying a 21 year old truck.
Watch your milage, the older (pre90's) truck did not have odometers that went past 100k so chances are you got 139k, or 239k on that truck and would not know it unless you take a closer look for wear an tear on pedals, seats, dash, paintchips, etc... With 39k on the truck the pedals, seats, etc.. would have to be like new.
The 7.3l with a 5 speed is great combination, very reliable. As for cavitation, it if is not using antifreeze now after 21 years I would not worry about it.
If the 89 is in nice shape all around I would go for it rather than the PSD. Less power, but much better milage.
Good luck,
Seb.....
Watch your milage, the older (pre90's) truck did not have odometers that went past 100k so chances are you got 139k, or 239k on that truck and would not know it unless you take a closer look for wear an tear on pedals, seats, dash, paintchips, etc... With 39k on the truck the pedals, seats, etc.. would have to be like new.
The 7.3l with a 5 speed is great combination, very reliable. As for cavitation, it if is not using antifreeze now after 21 years I would not worry about it.
If the 89 is in nice shape all around I would go for it rather than the PSD. Less power, but much better milage.
Good luck,
Seb.....
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Methanoholic
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 8
From: Maine (NorCal Native)
I'm very aware of that fact ... For me, thats is what I would be looking for.
This thread is not for my purchase, what I stated is for the OP's benefit so the OP knows it has an issue if it smells sweet!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
This thread is not for my purchase, what I stated is for the OP's benefit so the OP knows it has an issue if it smells sweet!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown Tx
Newbie gratitude.
Thanks to everyone for the help. Sincerely...
The 79' with 39k original miles has had a good owner. (2 previous 7.3's)
Changed the coolant and put in additive (measured it too).
And he installed a 12" HD clutch, 4 new tires and new batteries.
(he was hitting the road for a while) so the truck is a real sweet ride.
Oh, comes with a truck camper too.... that may be why the asking price is a bit high even for a low mileage cherry truck. The low miles/wear/use is what really makes me want to get this one, over the 97 PS, again 200k miles $3k, has a lot more wear.
Is the PS with 200k gonna see some major (typical) maintenance issues, injectors, glowplugs, electronic sensors, injector pump. I know its a crap shoot to guess, but I wonder what to expect in a year or two?
I am fixing to spend several thousand $, so I really do appreciate everything that you folks have "learned me".
To me... the 89 seems like a new ride, and the 97 seems to be something that will be needing tending to... What do i know, thats why I'm a newbie!
Thanks ya'll-jery
The 79' with 39k original miles has had a good owner. (2 previous 7.3's)
Changed the coolant and put in additive (measured it too).
And he installed a 12" HD clutch, 4 new tires and new batteries.
(he was hitting the road for a while) so the truck is a real sweet ride.
Oh, comes with a truck camper too.... that may be why the asking price is a bit high even for a low mileage cherry truck. The low miles/wear/use is what really makes me want to get this one, over the 97 PS, again 200k miles $3k, has a lot more wear.
Is the PS with 200k gonna see some major (typical) maintenance issues, injectors, glowplugs, electronic sensors, injector pump. I know its a crap shoot to guess, but I wonder what to expect in a year or two?
I am fixing to spend several thousand $, so I really do appreciate everything that you folks have "learned me".
To me... the 89 seems like a new ride, and the 97 seems to be something that will be needing tending to... What do i know, thats why I'm a newbie!
Thanks ya'll-jery
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,357
Likes: 813
From: Mi'kma'ki
"is what really makes me want to get this one, over the 97 PS, again 200k miles $3k, has a lot more wear.
Is the PS with 200k gonna see some major (typical) maintenance issues, injectors, glowplugs, electronic sensors, injector pump. I know its a crap shoot to guess, but I wonder what to expect in a year or two?"
you really should ask this question in 94.5-97 PSD section.
we tend to be biased here towards our IDI's due to the very low cost maintenance and low purchase prices,with only a few readers here with first gen psd, w/ first hand experience.
asking there about that particular rig to help you decide will be the wisest course of action.
as for the '89 IDI rig.your not really providing enough info.sorry.but if it comes with a camper too.well that really makes a huge difference you left out.
whats that worth to you?
Is the PS with 200k gonna see some major (typical) maintenance issues, injectors, glowplugs, electronic sensors, injector pump. I know its a crap shoot to guess, but I wonder what to expect in a year or two?"
you really should ask this question in 94.5-97 PSD section.
we tend to be biased here towards our IDI's due to the very low cost maintenance and low purchase prices,with only a few readers here with first gen psd, w/ first hand experience.
asking there about that particular rig to help you decide will be the wisest course of action.
as for the '89 IDI rig.your not really providing enough info.sorry.but if it comes with a camper too.well that really makes a huge difference you left out.
whats that worth to you?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 421
Likes: 1
with the 7.3l PSD you can't seem to tell from one to another. know people that have put lots of carefree miles on them and others that have spent big bucks just to keep theirs on the road. if i was going to buy a PSD i would want it to be stock ( no mods) so that maybe it wasn't hod-rodded. that said more power is nice ,but wouldn't trade my idi's simplicty and cost to run for a PSD.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
The IDI will be cheaper to repair over the PSD. Also the IDI has no computor to mess with, which for me is a plus. The PSD @ close to 200k is approaching the need for new injectors and they are not cheap...
An IDI is not fast, it will pull alot of weight, just not fast, like a PSD. It will last for several 100k miles with care and alot cheaper than a PSD.
I would start pricing replacement parts for both motors, like injectors etc and usual stuff that goes out.
An IDI is not fast, it will pull alot of weight, just not fast, like a PSD. It will last for several 100k miles with care and alot cheaper than a PSD.
I would start pricing replacement parts for both motors, like injectors etc and usual stuff that goes out.