N/A ford 7.3s? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

chris demartini · 04-27-2006, 08:26 PM

My dad just bought an 88 F350 2wd dually with 140K off ebay for $2700 and it's got a non-turbo 7.3. It looks like its got some leaking valve covers but it starts and runs good. It's got the 3 spd auto (C6?) and 3.something gears. The body is mint which is not common around here.

He's getting old, and doesnt go far or fast. He's looking to pull 4 or 5 quads and mabye his 1/4 mile S10.

What should we be aware of on this truck? Common issues? Things to look for?

Thanks!

reklund5 · 04-27-2006, 08:39 PM

www.oilburners.net has all the answers you need.

It won't be the fastest tow rig out there, but will always be one of the most reliable. I drive a turbo'ed 1992 7.3, and it gets the job done with ease.

Those engines are prone to cavitation, so if possible, flush the cooling system with fresh green antifreeze and distilled water, and add the appropriate amount of SCA additive.

A new IP and Injectors from Ken at DPS really wakes up older IDI diesels, and won't break the bank. The leaking valve covers are an easy fix, and the C6 is pretty much bombproof behind an IDI diesel.

Congrats on the purchase, and on keeping an older truck on the road!
Ryan

MoonDog · 04-27-2006, 10:22 PM

Not to jack your thread, but reklund5 what do you mean by the engine being prone to cavitation? What does cavitation do to these engines? (I'm looking at a similar truck myself)

CJHeap · 04-28-2006, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoonDog

Not to jack your thread, but reklund5 what do you mean by the engine being prone to cavitation? What does cavitation do to these engines? (I'm looking at a similar truck myself)

Basically, the coolant dissolves the block and cylinder liners . Either use addative of Gold coolant and you will not have a problem.

reklund5 · 04-28-2006, 05:12 PM

as CJHeap said, the coolant will erode the block and liners. Basically, as the engine vibrates, it creates little tiny waves in the coolant and it gets pushed away from the walls, and then rushes back. The motion of these waves eats away at the block. Use of a proper SCA additive from Ford/IH/NAPA prevents this from happening. If you're looking into buying an older 6.9/7.3 ask if the SCA levels have been maintained. If the previous owner looks at you like you're crazy, then it probably hasn't.

If the truck is in othewise good condition, its never too late to flush the system and use the proper additive to fight further damage.

Again, www.oilburners.net has TONS of info if you're looking to get an older Ford.

Ryan

n9emz · 04-28-2006, 07:43 PM

Go here for more detailed info: Super Duty Diesel dot com

04-27-2006, 08:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
chris demartini Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Member # 1636 Location: 201 NJ Posts: 5,714	N/A ford 7.3s? My dad just bought an 88 F350 2wd dually with 140K off ebay for $2700 and it's got a non-turbo 7.3. It looks like its got some leaking valve covers but it starts and runs good. It's got the 3 spd auto (C6?) and 3.something gears. The body is mint which is not common around here. He's getting old, and doesnt go far or fast. He's looking to pull 4 or 5 quads and mabye his 1/4 mile S10. What should we be aware of on this truck? Common issues? Things to look for? Thanks!

04-27-2006, 10:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
MoonDog Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Member # 3455 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 921	Not to jack your thread, but reklund5 what do you mean by the engine being prone to cavitation? What does cavitation do to these engines? (I'm looking at a similar truck myself) __________________ '84 Toyota HooptieRunner

04-28-2006, 07:43 PM	#6 (permalink)
n9emz Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Member # 30778 Location: Springville, IN Posts: 501	Go here for more detailed info: Super Duty Diesel dot com __________________ Sam Towel Boy for Team Deliverance BACON - [URL="http://rrorc.com"]The Fuel of Team F.A.T.[/URL] [URL="http://home.bluemarble.net/~n9emz/Vehicles/gaymobile.jpg"]Primary Tow Rig[/URL]

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04-27-2006, 08:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
reklund5 I wanna go wheeling. Join Date: Feb 2004 Member # 27179 Location: Henderson, Nevada Posts: 605	www.oilburners.net has all the answers you need. It won't be the fastest tow rig out there, but will always be one of the most reliable. I drive a turbo'ed 1992 7.3, and it gets the job done with ease. Those engines are prone to cavitation, so if possible, flush the cooling system with fresh green antifreeze and distilled water, and add the appropriate amount of SCA additive. A new IP and Injectors from Ken at DPS really wakes up older IDI diesels, and won't break the bank. The leaking valve covers are an easy fix, and the C6 is pretty much bombproof behind an IDI diesel. Congrats on the purchase, and on keeping an older truck on the road! Ryan

04-28-2006, 05:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
reklund5 I wanna go wheeling. Join Date: Feb 2004 Member # 27179 Location: Henderson, Nevada Posts: 605	as CJHeap said, the coolant will erode the block and liners. Basically, as the engine vibrates, it creates little tiny waves in the coolant and it gets pushed away from the walls, and then rushes back. The motion of these waves eats away at the block. Use of a proper SCA additive from Ford/IH/NAPA prevents this from happening. If you're looking into buying an older 6.9/7.3 ask if the SCA levels have been maintained. If the previous owner looks at you like you're crazy, then it probably hasn't. If the truck is in othewise good condition, its never too late to flush the system and use the proper additive to fight further damage. Again, www.oilburners.net has TONS of info if you're looking to get an older Ford. Ryan