Powerstroke '94.5-'97 opinions.

[MtnHaul]

Well I am considering buying a Powerstroke and due to CA smog BS I need to stay '94.5-'97. When looking at a used Powerstroke what are some things to look for? Is there a "better" year within the short range I mentioned? Things to avoid? I did find a truck that already had the D60 swap up front but the owner said it had once lost nearly all oil due to hole in HPOP line--even though the engine should have shut off due to no drive oil pressure could damage have occurred? Any tips to help select a strong and reliable engine would be appreciated.

 

[79jasper]

Well 94 had the smallest injectors, and ran the idi style radiator.
Other than that, not many differences.
Any reason you're avoiding the 99-03 trucks? (For all that goes. Even a 6.0? Lol)

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[MtnHaul]

Well 94 had the smallest injectors, and ran the idi style radiator.
Other than that, not many differences.
Any reason you're avoiding the 99-03 trucks? (For all that goes. Even a 6.0? Lol)

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Here in Cali any diesel made after 1997 requires smog check, and quite frankly I do not want to dance to their tune. This state has wonderful geography, rivers, mountains, etc., but both political parties here can officially suck the proverbial "it". I would like to run a late '99-2001 but not with the smog checks.

It seems all Strokes have a lot of upgrade potential and ultimately that is the plan. I doubt I will be able to find a used truck with just the right mods, but it could happen. Hardest part seems to be finding the 5 speed coupled to an engine with reasonable mileage that's not bolted to a crew cab. SuperCab wheelbase is absolute max for my needs and I often wish I could fit, comfortably, in a standard cab.

 

[greenskeeper]

biggest issue in my opinion when buying a used 7.3 PSD is to check the oil pan for rust. If it needs replacing the motor generally needs to be pulled.

 

[no mufflers]

biggest issue in my opinion when buying a used 7.3 PSD is to check the oil pan for rust. If it needs replacing the motor generally needs to be pulled.

where i come from we just cut the cross member out and bubble gum weld it back together.

not what i do or recommend to people. i guess the final price talks when cut in half.

 

[greenskeeper]

where i come from we just cut the cross member out and bubble gum weld it back together.

not what i do or recommend to people. i guess the final price talks when cut in half.

I've heard of that method.

"by the book" requires removing the engine and inverting it to prevent any oil from coming in contact with the new seal before it sets up.

 

[clint bartels]

But god forbid you ever have to do one make sure you use fords TA-31. Or you will be redoing it sooner than you need to.

 

[79jasper]

Many have successfully used the morroso gasket. (Without pulling the engine)

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[clint bartels]

Many have successfully used the morroso gasket. (Without pulling the engine)

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Noted

 

[FarmerFrank]

I wouldn't worry about the oil loss personally. Was it good for it ? No. Did the engine shut itself down before it lost enough to starve the bearings and pump? Mostly likely.


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[u2slow]

Well I am considering buying a Powerstroke and due to CA smog BS I need to stay '94.5-'97. When looking at a used Powerstroke what are some things to look for? Is there a "better" year within the short range I mentioned? Things to avoid? I did find a truck that already had the D60 swap up front but the owner said it had once lost nearly all oil due to hole in HPOP line--even though the engine should have shut off due to no drive oil pressure could damage have occurred? Any tips to help select a strong and reliable engine would be appreciated.

There are minor refinements in the PSD through that year range. Also in the rest of the truck (brakes, 5spd, tcase).

I used to have a '95 F350 SRW crew w/PSD & 5spd. I liked the truck more than the engine. The problems with my '97 PSD E350 were a strong foreshadow of things to come. My feeling is when you get to the cusp of spending >$1000 on it in one shot, its better to pull the thing for a complete reseal and renew the fuel/hpop system.

Were I to get another Ford crew like that, it would be a factory IDI turbo or a fummins. I prefer my engines mechanical, just like my transmissions.

 

[m67tang]

I’m told 1997 with manual tranny had fewest Ford service bulletins. Not positive it’s true, but a Ford mechanic did tell me that

 

[MtnHaul]

Were I to get another Ford crew like that, it would be a factory IDI turbo or a fummins. I prefer my engines mechanical, just like my transmissions.

I hear ya there man. Right now there's a 1994 Factory turbo IDI on a nearby CList with only 170k on it. Truck appears to be in good shape though definitely not owned by an "enthusiast" as the ad did not include any pics of the engine But, the people did seem to have performed regular maintenance and cared for the vehicle so I am optimistic about its condition. And if it's a factory turbo in 1994 I'm pretty sure that means it is the slightly modified IDI turbo block as opposed to the N/A block. I will have to check the 8th digit of VIN--pretty sure it needs to be a "k" for the turbo block.

The powerstroke sounded like a decent option for more power but the expense and potential expense is a bit greater than I want to get into--plus I already have spare parts and the knowledge to fix/diagnose a lot of little things on the OBS IDI truck.

 

[compressionignitionrules]

don't buy a 94, they were all manual and had the EEC4 electronics on them . hard to test and diagnose........... 96/97 is best, 95 if you have to.