Turbo or No?

[IHDiesel445]

Hello All,

Is it a good idea to install a turbo on a 7.3 IDI with 300k on it? It has been well cared for. I'm the 2nd owner, and the truck had 230k on it when I bought it. It doesn't burn through any oil, starts right up even in 15 degree weather, doesn't smoke, and has about 50 psi oil pressure cold and 30-35 hot (@2200 rpm).
I used to use it for towing equipment (skidsteers, mini excavators, etc.) but since I joined the Navy I don't have much work for it to do. So it's mostly a toy now. The mechanic in me (my former occupation) still likes to tinker.
Could I install a turbo and not seriously shorten the life of this engine? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

IHDiesel445

 

[RLDSL]

I just put one on mine, it sure is nice Really cruises on the freeway now instead of acting wound out at 65 ( I've got 4.10 rear ) I can't wait to take the 5er out .

--------Robert

 

[towcat]

pull the oil filler cap and check for the amount of blow-by. If none to little, you're ok.

 

[Agnem]

Worse that could happen is you get a leak or something, and lets face it. With that kind of mileage, it may need some kind of attention soon, turbo or not. I think these engines burn a lot cleaner and cooler with a turbo on them, which should reduce soot and wear in the long run. I wouldn't hesitate to turbo it. Even if you have a problem, you can throw another running IDI in it for cheap, and transfer the turbo over.

 

[creighta]

At this point NOT turboing would be like a 98 year old quitting smoking!! There ain't much life left so enjoy it.

Just remember that a turbo and a rebuild cost about the same

 

[Diesel JD]

Well, there actually still might be a lot of life left in that motor. It all depends on how well it was cared for adn how perfect it has to be before you will say time for a teardown. 30-35psi at 2200 sounds like the bearings might be wearing just a bit as most of us see low 40s or at least 35-40, but still probably not bad as long as you still see that 30 and no bad knocks. Mostly what killed 7.3 IDIs was cavitation or dropped valves. The bearings could probably get way worse before they are actually a problem, plus it could be something else besides that like a pressure relief valve in the oil cooler header. At least I am going with this same premise. I'm getting ready to drop a turbo and some ca$h into a 6.9 with 186,000 miles which is 22 years old.

 

[IHDiesel445]

Well, I finally got my truck down here in Pensacola, FL with me. Drove it 860 miles from Virginia. No problems of course.
Thanks for the advice guys. You're right, at this point, why NOT? The only hard work I might do with this thing is hook it to a sled. Sorry it took so long to reply. I've been really busy with training.

Thanks again!

Eric