Unsure of getting a 7.3 after reading the cavitation article, looking for real world insights.

[vitanmos]

First post here!

I'm looking at a 1990 F-350 Dually, with 156K reported miles. Carfax seems to support this, but it could have rolled over more than once. 7.3 IDI with Banks Turbo and ZF5. When I finally got on the phone with the current owner, it was clear he had no clue what SCA's were. He bought the truck in October, coolant looked "full and clean" and was never touched. I was set on getting the truck but the more I read about cavitation the more I look at 7.5L 460s. (For reference, the IDI would cost me about 7.5k, there is a 460 that is also a crew cab dually for 6k with the same miles.) I don't know if I'm over thinking cavitation risk, and plan on doing a coolant pressure test when I look at the truck, though I understand that it won't neccessarily confirm or deny cavitation.

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[Jesus Freak]

If there's no oil in the water, you're probably fine. Ive had an engine cavitate before and it's no fun......ultimately, if you want a diesel, get it and put a coolant filter on it pretty quick........if you don't want the "learning curve of the majestic clockity" IDI, get the 7.5 gasser.......they both have they're benefits and detriments......ill say that one of the benefits of the IDI is getting to know the curious community of IDI owners on this here forum.......but most of all, HAVE FUN!!!

 

[Nero]

If an engine was going to cavitate it would have probably have done it by now. It is probably fine

 

[BeastMaster]

Is there a correlation between having a turbo and having cavitation issues?

I have been under the belief that if the cylinders were not stressed with the additional burden of boost pressure, they would be less prone to cavitation.

 

[Clb]

No more than anything else.
IF I recall, there are test strips foe that.
But it's probably a bigger story than an issue.

Fwiw
A rebuild with new sleeves and a good machinist will cure it.

 

[vitanmos]

If there's no oil in the water, you're probably fine. Ive had an engine cavitate before and it's no fun......ultimately, if you want a diesel, get it and put a coolant filter on it pretty quick........if you don't want the "learning curve of the majestic clockity" IDI, get the 7.5 gasser.......they both have they're benefits and detriments......ill say that one of the benefits of the IDI is getting to know the curious community of IDI owners on this here forum.......but most of all, HAVE FUN!!!

I appreciate all the replies! I'm heavily leaning towards the IDI. I'd like to break into the diesel world; currently driving a 97' F-150 5.4 2V, got her to 260k miles. I'd love to get an IDI to 500k+.

 

[vitanmos]

No more than anything else.
IF I recall, there are test strips foe that.
But it's probably a bigger story than an issue.

Fwiw
A rebuild with new sleeves and a good machinist will cure it.

Yes the Fleetguard test strips will tell you if the have the right amount of SCA's in the coolant. I got some on order and plan on bringing them when I go to see the truck.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

If there's no oil in the water, you're probably fine. Ive had an engine cavitate before and it's no fun......ultimately, if you want a diesel, get it and put a coolant filter on it pretty quick........if you don't want the "learning curve of the majestic clockity" IDI, get the 7.5 gasser.......they both have they're benefits and detriments......ill say that one of the benefits of the IDI is getting to know the curious community of IDI owners on this here forum.......but most of all, HAVE FUN!!!

Hey! Long time, no see! You must have gotten your WMO flowing again and have all of the Iguanas picked up out of your yard!

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I'm heavily leaning towards the IDI.

I would highly recommend it. I'm biased, but I still recommend it. The 460 should pull ok, but while empty, it will still drink a lot of gas.

 

[Dirtleg]

I wouldn't stress too hard over it. As mentioned if the oil is water free, even if the SCA levels aren't great, just add the appropriate amount of SCA's and run it.

I too used to worry about this issue. 19 years later it is of little concern. Just do the maintenance and don't sweat it.

He's only had the truck since October. Chances are the previous owner(s) were on top of it. But who knows for sure?

 

[Clb]

Yes the Fleetguard test strips will tell you if the have the right amount of SCA's in the coolant. I got some on order and plan on bringing them when I go to see the truck.

No
I
Mean for exhaust gas in coolant aka cavitation

 

[vitanmos]

No
I
Mean for exhaust gas in coolant aka cavitation

I don't know why I didn't think of that. Just added the Fleetguard "Quik-Chek" strips to my order. It'll check pH and for contaminants, and I'll have SCA strips too. Rather then $40 now on them than to stress about it later. Thanks again for all the advice. With any luck I'll be making a post about buying an IDI in a week or two.

 

[Jesus Freak]

Hey! Long time, no see! You must have gotten your WMO flowing again and have all of the Iguanas picked up out of your yard!

Iguanas don't make it up this far.....that's the south Florida weirdos......im a NW Florida weirdo.....and i pop in regularly, not much to say though.

 

[Jesus Freak]

I appreciate all the replies! I'm heavily leaning towards the IDI. I'd like to break into the diesel world; currently driving a 97' F-150 5.4 2V, got her to 260k miles. I'd love to get an IDI to 500k+.

Go for it.....and don't look back, unless you're changing lanes or you hear a loud explosion......

 

[Shamoke]

What do those test strips test for and what are they called. I've had my 1988 7.3 idi for about 5 years now and had a new radiator installed and a coolant flush about three years ago but never added any type of additive. Used the green coolant so now I'm a bit worried about this issue.