Diesel newbie with a question about 7.3L

[Fordman75]

I'm looking at replacing my current tow rig with something a little heavier. The truck I've got now is a light duty 87 F250 2wd with a 5.0L/NP435 4spd. Yea I know not much of a tow rig.:o But I've had it for around 5 years or so and it's been pretty trouble free and it's hauled some heavy loads. But it's time to move on.:D

I found a truck I really like. I went to check it out and it's everything I wanted except the engine. I was hoping it would be a 5.8L or 7.5L gas engine but it's a 7.3L non turbo diesel ( 1991 ) . The only diesel vehicle I've ever owned was an old diesel vw rabbit.:o And I had nothing but problems with it. The only experience I've had with a diesel truck was U-haul Ford moving truck I rented and it had a hard time going 55 mph unloaded. So I've kind of stayed away from anything with a diesel. I like this truck enough that I'm willing to give the diesel a try.


I'm just wondering if the 7.3L non turbo diesel is a good engine. Any major issues with these engines? Anything to look for on it?

Thanks.

Ted

[Audra]

I love my diesels, but the non turbo diesel is a whole different animal. It is great for towing, but a little doggier than a turbo diesel. Very dependable, but for the same money you might be able to find a 7.3 turbo diesel which was made from 94 and a half on.

Uhauls are not really comparable as a lot of them have speed limiters on them. Take it for a test drive and see what you think :)

[Fordman75]

Thanks for the advice.

I figured the U-haul probably had some kind of limiter on it. Because my little 302 powered F250 didn't have any problem going over 55 mph while hauling over 9,000 pounds of scrap metal on my trailer.

I decided to go ahead and get it. I've been looking and it seems to be the most truck for the money ( with my po-boy budget :o ). I'm picking it up Wednesday. I figure if I don't like the diesel I can always swap in a gasser.:tomato:

I'm hoping the gearing will make up a little for the lack of a turbo.:D

The truck is a 2wd 91 Superduty regular cab with a 5spd transmission and a 14 foot flat bed.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

dependable truck.

[Fordman75]

That's what I'm hoping.

I was checking out the ATS turbo set system last night. That's something I'd love to add. But it will have to wait a while. It cost more then I paid for the truck.:D

[Audra]

Keep looking around, you can find some great deals on them every once in awhile ;)

[locopny]

I had to search months prior to finding mine in the price range and condition I got it in.

but I wasn't in a rush really to find one.

[DieselD]

IDIs blow compared to a DI.

however easy to work on, mechanical injection, will run on anything flammable parts somewhat cheap yet hard to find quality parts for them. Not worth dumping any money into building. ei turbo upgrade.