Ratings of 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Power_Stroke_engine

Just about everything you'd want to know about the ole' 7.3L

 

My only comment about the mighty 7.3 is that its just another great motor that our wonderful epa killed, just like the N14, 12.7 S60 and the good old single turbo cats. Imo the 6.0 & 6.4 are far less durable and reliable, but gal darnet they sure put out a lot less emissions! Apparently that's all that counts anymore...

 

I have a 6.4 and I know for a fact it is more durable then a 7.3.

 

The only downfall the 7.3 ever had was cavitation...that was in the earlier idi's through mid 94 though. Normally the number 8 cylinder. In mid 94 they went to the direct injection model which you'll see on the intake cover of 94's and some 95's. 95 they dubbed it the powerstroke. You can find powerstrokes sometimes cheaper in those years because people do not know they have a powerstroke. They just know its a direct injection diesel...Seen that more than a few times on craigslist and ebay.

It is not similar to the DT466 as that is an inline six engine. But the DT444 is its sister and the only differences that I'm aware of are in the programing. You'll see DT444 on buses and some ambulances and such...or you might see powerstroke...you normally only see the term powerstroke on Ford products.

As said earlier wikipedia will tell you all you need to know. And there are countless powerstroke forums. I was always partial to the old idi. They lowered the compression when adding direct injection heads to allow for more boost...the old idi was around a 21:1 ratio...as was the 6.5 and 6.2 chevy (detroit) and 6.9 idi international that was around before the 7.3. The 6.9 was a better engine due to the fact of thicker cylinder walls which helped with the cavitation problem. Keep DCA's in check and you were okay. Always be scared of an owner trying to sell an old idi and doesn't know what DCA's are. The powerstroke is a 18 or 18.5:1 ratio I believe. They were able to boost on up to 20 to 30psi...where as 10 psi was tops and safe for the idi's. Sorry for bringing those others in...I used to be into old ford and chevy diesels pretty big. lol.

 

316,000 on mine and the engine is still going strong, the bady is falling apart but the drivetrain is reliable enough I wouldn't think twice on taking a coast to coast trip with it, it is in an f-250

 

I agree, except for the 6.4. It's a decent engine, but just needs some tuning to get better mileage, like the newer heavy duty engines.

 

The original pre power stroke (before turbo) was originally designed by international for australian army trucks, and ford bought the design.

 

6.4 is a jumbled up mass that Tiny Tim would have a difficult time wrenching on. Hate the newer V8 emissions queen engines. I don't care what tuning you do to one. When the last of the 07 Rams with a 5.9 were produced I got one. That was the llast good diesel in a pickup ever.

 

Some stuff for you to Google and learn about the 7.3

7.3 Long Lead Injector.

7.3 PMR rods. Powder Coated Metal Rods

Dusted engine 7.3

7.3 cam shaft position sensor (probably the most infamous part on those engines LOL)

(automatic trans) 4R100 one way diode.

Some of the more notable sensors on the 7.3. ICP, IPR, CPS