Brief history?

[inine_phil]

Hi folks,
I'm new to this stuff and have a few basic questions about the line of diesels Ford made through their history, particularly the time JUST BEFORE they converted to electronic fuel injection.

What were the engines available and how was their reliability?

If I were to buy one, what should I look for?


Baffled in Brooksville,
Phil

[FordPwns89]

theres a diesel history
YouTube - Ford Diesel Truck History

Since your talking about ford engines here, they are all really reliable (not sure on the newer psd?). I think its just a matter of how much you want to spend and if you want a turbo to answer the question of if you were to buy one.

[inine_phil]

Thanks for the quick response and the great link.

I'm really looking to stay with an all-mechanical system and totally avoid electronics (alternator of course the exception).

So what I want is an engine with non-electronic injectors. Basically like an old tractor - your basic on-off switch with mechanical throttle linkage, etc.

Turbo would be nice but in this arrangement I doubt if it's an option - or is it?

The next question would be "Did Ford ever make a 4x4 pickup with this configuration and if so over what years?"

[Broncoguy]

Yes ford put the early diesels in 4x4 trucks. The 6.9 started in the early 80's I believe (Not sure on the exact year), and the 7.3 was in the 87-early 94's. Both were known as IDI's and 93,94 offered non electronic factory turboed versions.

[inine_phil]

Broncoguy, you are THE MAN.
Sounds like a 93-94 4x4 turbo IDI is EXACTLY what I'm shopping for. You have been very helpful and gave me quick answers to otherwise elusive information.
Keep the rubber side down!
Phil

[FordGuy100]

Ford started putting diesel's in trucks in 1983. I tend to avoid the 83 and 84 model years because the blocks were prone to cracking if the block heater was used. Factory hp rating is rather low at around 170hp, but they get decent fuel economy. In 1987 they switched over to the 7.3 IDI, which was a 6.9 bored out. Because of this the cylinder walls are thin and prone to cavitation if a special coolant additive isnt used. Its called SCA's, and you can get test strips to test the coolant, if it is below or doesnt have any I would walk away. Not really a problem on the 6.9's. 6.9's didnt have the best head gasket design factory, and sometimes they will let go. 93 and 94 Factory turbo IDI's were offered, but they are rather scarce (something like 20% of ford trucks for those years were factory turbo, compared to all the other years ford trucks being 40-50% diesel). The factory turbo motors are a little better, the connecting rods/pistons are better. All you need for one to turn is a 12 volt source to the IP so it keeps fuel pumping and it will run (granting its already running so you dont have to turn it over )

[JTA]

If you want a very reliable non electronic engine that will start in the cold weather without any problems you need to be looking at the early 5.9 dodge cummins I believe they started in 1989 and ended in 1997 thay also have turbos. Sorry guys I know I'm on the wrong side of the fence but the early cummins are by far superrior than the IDI's for one you won't have to worry about the GP's and controller.

[FordGuy100]

Originally Posted by JTA

If you want a very reliable non electronic engine that will start in the cold weather without any problems you need to be looking at the early 5.9 dodge cummins I believe they started in 1989 and ended in 1997 thay also have turbos. Sorry guys I know I'm on the wrong side of the fence but the early cummins are by far superrior than the IDI's for one you won't have to worry about the GP's and controller.

Ahhh man!!!

I look at it at a cost perspective. I can buy 3 running IDI's for the price of 1 running Cummins.

[JTA]

haha ya I know and dont get me wrong the IDI's are alot of fun and sound allot better with an open exhoust than a cummins but not the most practical in some of the colder climates for a dd but if you are a hard core ford fan and still want to stay all mechanical on the engine you can make an IDI run in the colder climets but you will have more upkeep cost

[FordPwns89]

im confused. what would it matter what motor you had if its cold..