Ford 7.3L Powerstroke. Any experience?

[northfacetraveller]

Hey, I have a chance to buy a 92' Ford F250 mint condition ext cab, long box, auto, 7.3L . The only thing I am worried about is the high kms 350,000. I know I have heard good things in the past about these motors just thought I would see if anyone has any first hand experience with their powerstrokes. I am mainly concerned about realiability for long backroad trips. Also is the 92' a non turbo?

Any info would be appreciated,

Thanks!

 

[Stinkytaco]

Hey, I have a chance to buy a 92' Ford F250 mint condition ext cab, long box, auto, 7.3L . The only thing I am worried about is the high kms 350,000. I know I have heard good things in the past about these motors just thought I would see if anyone has any first hand experience with their powerstrokes. I am mainly concerned about realiability for long backroad trips. Also is the 92' a non turbo?

Any info would be appreciated,

Thanks!

A great motor, the non turbo makes it a bit under powered but still sufficient for what it is. 350k kms converts to 217k miles, not done, but expect a rebuild before 300k miles. What kind of trails will you be running, fullsize trucks often pig the way through, I switched last year from an 07 cummins 4x4 to a Tacoma because of the size, it makes a HUGE difference for what I wheel. I'm lovin it!!

My .02

Kye

 

[wanderer-rrorc]

the 92 I beleive is an IDI 7.3 but could be a powerstroke....but it IS a great motor and easier to burn vegtable oil in!

it could be turbo..it could be natural aspirated...power is significantly diffrent...but both work well! (just turbo'd my 6.9 IDI)...

if its an auto trans..and it HASNT been rebuilt...it probably will be soon...

ya need to determine if its a powerstroke..then if its turbo'd...and auto...

then goto www.oilburners.net for tons of tech...just start readin...:coffeedrink:

 

[maXTERRA]

Pretty sure the 92 was non-turbo model, though lots were converted to aftermarket turbo systems, because they were slugs!
I don't think powerstrokes were introduced until late 94.
I have a 95 f350 ps cc 4x4 with only 120k (and a new auto trans).
As stated above, the heavy suspension is very unforgiving off road. That's why I have the xterra and use the truck for the multiple trailering tasks.

 

[Bella PSD]

Year to year production
from 6.9L IDI to 6.4L MaxxForce 7

1982-1987 6.9L IDI International 420 CID
1988-1993 7.3L IDI non turbo 444 CID
1992.5-1994 7.3L IDI turbo 444 CID
1994.5-2003 7.3L DI turbo, Birth of Powerstroke and International T444E
2003-2006 6.0L International VT365 365 CID
2008-2009 6.4L International MaxxForce 7 390 CID

 

[IdaSHO]

As said, a '92 does not have a Powerstroke. It is a 7.3 IDI non-turbo.

great motor, but low on power compared to the Powerstroke

 

[maXTERRA]

I stand corrected. Thinking back now I remember the 92/94 model engine w/turbo, because I drove a 94 before buying the powerstroke.
Considerable difference in up!

Have an uncle who had the 6.9. That was the smokin' no-go engine (aka slug). Almost as good as the first chev diesel

 

[Rot Box]

92 would be an InDirect Injected (IDI) International engine with a very reliable rotary style injector pump. This motor is a true work horse and literally take one wire to run (no electronics). This engine is right up there with the legendary 12valve Cummins imo.

Aftermarket turbochargers are actually very common and cheap if you keep your eyes open. I am looking at one in good shape right now for $200. With a turbo, tuned IP and a decent exhaust system these truck will produce well over 210hp to the rear wheels which smokes a stock 94-97 PSD. Ford sold a LOT of these trucks so finding replacement parts is pretty easy. I would not turn away from a high mileage IDI if it was cared for.

www.oilburners.net is an excellent resource for IDI information.

 

[Mike S]

I bought the earlier 6.9L F250 in 1983 and drove it a lot. Eventually I sold it, and it has been resold several times since, and is still on the road. Only problem I ever had was an injection pump that was replaced.

The torsion bar front suspension was a POS. IMO.

I now have a '01 F350 SD, also a quality truck.

 

[wanderer-rrorc]

some of the 7.3 IDI's were also turboed from the dealership and some aftermarket...so it is a good chance to find one...

and one wire is right...I pull the fuel sylanoid wire and mine shuts down...

 

[DirtWhiskey]

97 Powerstroke driver here..

Powerstroke is an awesome engine. 1992 is the IDI model, as some have already posted. I have owned both and I would stay away from the IDI version, even if it is turboed. Major cavitation issues, front and rear main seals leaked from 70k on, way worse gas mileage with less power. 1997 has been great. Lots of power and I can get 20mpg with a 3/4 ton 4x4 unloaded on the freeway. Main weakness in my opinion is the mechanical lift pump in the v-valley and over all fuel system placement. Too much heat in there and a turbo on top of it all. I am currently moving to a FASS fuel system. 7.3psd is considered one of the finest light-duty truck engines ever.

 

[DOCBRONSON]

I purchased a 96' F-350 about 5 months ago with 247,000 miles. I did a lot of research before the purchase. Although it has been determined that you have a non turbo IDI, I don't agree with the statement of a rebuild at 300,000 miles. It depends on maintenance records and how well maintained the vehicle was. I have talked to more than a few mechanics who have said with proper maintenance the engine could last well over 300,000 miles, maybe more, without a rebuild. But remember everything else attached to that engine and beyond is like any other vehicle. Parts will need to be replaced.

Just my two cents,
Doc