What do you think?
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Joined: Jul 2010
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What do you think?
I have a 1997 PSD with 5 speed manual transmission, 230,000 miles. I like the truck pretty well and really like not having payments.
I have just had the front hubs and ball joints replaced as well as the clutch and flywheel and steering shaft (bad rag joint).
I know it needs some front end work and alignment. There is a new "noise" from the tranny following the shaking flywheel episode.
What else can I expect to have to repair in the next 50K miles? Is this truck worth putting more money into or am on the edge of it becoming a massive money drain? What do you think? Whats going to go bad- should I preempt those problems? and is it even worth spending money at this point?
I have just had the front hubs and ball joints replaced as well as the clutch and flywheel and steering shaft (bad rag joint).
I know it needs some front end work and alignment. There is a new "noise" from the tranny following the shaking flywheel episode.
What else can I expect to have to repair in the next 50K miles? Is this truck worth putting more money into or am on the edge of it becoming a massive money drain? What do you think? Whats going to go bad- should I preempt those problems? and is it even worth spending money at this point?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
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From: Newport, WA
Like you said, having no payments trumps all other things! I sold a very nice 99 SD and bought my 96 in cash because I was sick of payments.
Anywho if you keep up on the routine stuff like oil changes, check the coolant SCA levels, etc your rig should provide many, many years of service to you. 230k isn't all that bad for a truck that has been cared for.
Anywho if you keep up on the routine stuff like oil changes, check the coolant SCA levels, etc your rig should provide many, many years of service to you. 230k isn't all that bad for a truck that has been cared for.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11,231
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From: Thomasville, GA
Have you switched to a single mass flywheel yet? That could be your strange transmission noise, your dual mass flywheel is probably bad if you still have it.
I'd swap in the SMF and a good clutch, Valair has good products for good prices.
I'd keep the truck. It's cheaper in the long run to keep it and fix it every once in a while than to buy a newer one with payments, and probably more problems of it's own.
I'd swap in the SMF and a good clutch, Valair has good products for good prices.
I'd keep the truck. It's cheaper in the long run to keep it and fix it every once in a while than to buy a newer one with payments, and probably more problems of it's own.
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
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From: Central Cali
No matter what kind of vehicle you get there is always going to be something to be fixed on it down the road. We usually never "expect" to have to repair anything until it happens. Only way to get rid of that problem is a brand new truck, with the big payment again, but you'll have the warranty. Like superduty said, routine maintenance and you should be fine.
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What things can/should I be looking out to go bad? Turbo, injectors, flux capacitor? This is my first diesel and I dont know a lot about it. I should also add that I feel like it has lost some power since I bought it a couple years ago but its not something I can quantify.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,410
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From: Plankinton, SD
If the injectors are original, they will need some work soon. If you contact Jim at Rosewood diesel he will treat you right. That could be causing you lack of power issue if they are worn. Does your truck smoke excessively? Have you changed your fuel filter? Pull the intake tube and inspect the turbo wheel, look for any chips in it or "sandblasting" done to it. A little side to side play in the wheel is ok but shouldn't have any in/out play.
http://ad.doubleclick.net/click%3Bh%...injectors.com/
That's Jim's site
http://ad.doubleclick.net/click%3Bh%...injectors.com/
That's Jim's site
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11,231
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From: Thomasville, GA
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11,231
Likes: 130
From: Thomasville, GA
The SMF will make a little more noise than the DMF did. An easy way to quiet it down a little is to add more fluid to it. Pull the shifter out of the top and put in an extra quart or so. (Not sure exactly how much, someone will chime in).
And I agree, injectors probably need some work with that many miles on them. Other than that most likely things to fail are o-rings, sensors, etc.
And I agree, injectors probably need some work with that many miles on them. Other than that most likely things to fail are o-rings, sensors, etc.
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When I get off the road I will have the turbo and injectors looked at. Im guessing injectors are going to be a high dollar item...
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,410
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From: Plankinton, SD
If you are capable of doing the work yourself (removal and installation anyway) the injector cost won't be tooooo bad. If you have a shop or ford do it you'll have a lot more labor involved of course. They aren't hard to remove, there should be quite a few of threads around on injector R&R, do a search. If you are not able to do the work, ford will charge you an arm and a leg. You're best price for injectors (new or work done on yours) will most likely be through Jim. I'd get them from him or have him work on yours when removed, and have a reputable diesel shop do the work if you can't. I'm sure they would pull them and you could send them in to get worked on or whatever if you ask.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11,231
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From: Thomasville, GA
With 230k on the injectors there will likely be internal parts that will need to be replaced. If you take them out and send them to Jim he will only charge you to replace the parts you need, depending on what rebuild you go with.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
I say this a lot down in the IDI forum, and the 94 to 97 Strokes are the same.
Figure a new truck payment, figure the new truck insurance, figure the new truck personal property tax for the year.
Now divide by 12 and as long as you stay below that number with your repairs, you are money ahead.
Old truck, brand new truck 50 miles off the dealers lot.
They can both leave you stranded or walking.
Figure a new truck payment, figure the new truck insurance, figure the new truck personal property tax for the year.
Now divide by 12 and as long as you stay below that number with your repairs, you are money ahead.
Old truck, brand new truck 50 miles off the dealers lot.
They can both leave you stranded or walking.