More Appreciation For The IDI

[k_williams1982]

I have often thought about getting a PSD, but today made me shy away from that idea. I had a guy call and ask how much I'd charge him to put new GPs in his '94 F350 with a 7.3L diesel. I quoted out a price and gave him my address. About ten minutes later, I hear the distinct sound of a PSD pulling into the driveway. Sure enough, here sits this guy in a '94 (manufactured 08/94) F350 CC 4x4 with a PSD 7.3L engine under the hood. I have never hated working on a diesel engine as much as I did today. The clearance between the injectors and the valvetrain is ridiculous, and then trying to fit a deep socket down there to remove a mile long GP!?! I was so glad when I installed the valve covers and sent him on his way. He was decent and gave me a little more adding that next time he'll be sure to specify that it's a PSD and not an IDI. I couldn't help but walk over to my truck afterwards and just appreciate how simple and easy these older trucks are to work on. Easily accessible GPs and injectors, no computers, and no wiring harness through the damn valve covers. I've always liked my truck, but today made me love it!

 

[icanfixall]

Amen to that... Everything under the valve covers.... Than then try squishing all the wires to the injectors & glow plugs thru the rubber valve cover gaskets... Not a good idea at all. KISS is my thoughts on the id compared to the psd trucks. Sure they have easier hp gains and the looks are great but... Fix it on the side of the road easily... Nope...

 

[Optikalillushun]

amen to that. we did the GPs on a 6.0 at work. no thanx.

 

[Cat_Rebel]

Just need to know what tools to use, 10mm deep well 1/4" drive. Took me less then an hour, not that bad of a job.

 

[cm1hedge]

Just need to know what tools to use, 10mm deep well 1/4" drive. Took me less then an hour, not that bad of a job.

I cut down a Craftsman 10mm deep socket so it just contacted the hex. I had NO clearance problems at all.

 

[MeanGreen]

I honestly think doing GPs on my PSD (97) is easier than on my old 88 IDI I had. On the 88 one glow plug was under the turbo. The other 7 were easy but the last one made up for it!
Having said that....I sold my 88 to get my 97. 6 years later, I still have the 97 but I bought a 93. I MISSED having an IDI, something that will still be able to run when the world goes MAD MAX. If I ever find the time/money the 93 will be fixed up. Right now it looks like a farm truck and smells like one too.
Jerry

 

[k_williams1982]

Just need to know what tools to use, 10mm deep well 1/4" drive. Took me less then an hour, not that bad of a job.

I used a 10mm deep socket, but it was 3/8" drive. After almost not getting the socket back out on the first one, I started only allowing the socket to contact the hex on the GP and it workeed easier. I few still required the last few threads to be done with a pair of needle nose pliers, but I got to all done without breaking anything or getting a socket stuck. It took me about a hour and a half. In the end, I walked away with $100 and his future repair needs. Not sure if that will be a good or bad thing though...

 

[david85]

I keep hearing how the turbo IDIs are bad for the one glow plug in the back. Is this on the 093 wastegated ATS turbo system? Because my 088 is mounted in such a way that all the plugs and injectors are just as easy to reach as before the turbo went on.

I don't think I'll ever own a powerstroke. I drove a 1995 and it wasn't bad with plenty of power, but its too complex to earn my trust. Too many electronics, and the parts are too expensive to justify the higher power.

It might be a bit of a steriotype, but my engine will never leave me stranded on the side of the road because of a bad sensor. Actually, its never left me stranded for any reason.

 

[MeanGreen]

Yes, it was the 093 model. Once I made a custom socket for it by welding a nut to a socket and then I could remove it with an open end wrench. Life was easier after that.
Jerry

 

[Diesel JD]

The 088 turbo does make reaching the #7 glow plug a little harder, but with a box wrench and a few extensions, piece of rubber hose it wasn't too awfully bad. I have come to the conclusion that if an IDI burns up glow plugs something else is up. I don't know if this is also the case on a PSD.

 

[david85]

I've found that a 1/4" drive deep socket wrench is all that I need. Although a box end wrench will also work for the harder to reach plugs, but that assumes that they come out smooth enough to remove the rest of the way with fingers.