Opinions on what to do to my '97 F350 7.3L powerstroke

rangerfredbob · Jun 2, 2020

Took the plunge and ordered a Mishimoto radiator and Gates water pump last night from Amazon, they had the radiator for $370 on Prime...

I'll flush the cooling system while it's apart, it sounds like a good time to pull the grille and see what cutting needs to be done for the intercooler... at least see if I can get the cutting done.

rangerfredbob · Jun 2, 2020

To do a compression test the valve covers have to come off and at least the glow plugs have to come out which is around a 3 hour job on a good day... who knows if the glow plugs will come out anyway, could have to pull heads when I get there if any break off...

Barnbuilder · Jun 2, 2020

Yea I've done it a couple a couple times. But it would be good to know before spending a lot of money.

rangerfredbob · Jun 6, 2020

Pretty sure I found my cooling issues today... I put the new Mashimoto radiator in and the new water pump, once I got the radiator out I noticed about 1/4 of it was plugged externally with mud/dirt, and some pretty nasty coolant goo was in the bottom. Flipped it over and ran the garden hose through it and it flowed pretty slow and a lot of the milky yellow mixture flowed out for several minutes... To top that off the thermostat was installed wrong, it should be under the gasket and it was over the gasket...

Flushed it with a few gallons of distilled water after I pulled the radiator and before I pulled the water pump, topped it off with fresh coolant, some "NAPA Cool" and distilled water... I don't have anything lined up that will test it's cooling capabilities since it was fairly specific on what it took to get it hot...

Weather is not cooperating for anything, the last several weeks there's been really nice weather during the week and rain/wind on the weekends... today I had the popup canopy up over me since it was raining, then there was a 20+ mph cross wind... quite frustrating... Anyway in depth health checks aren't in the cards right now but I'll see what I can do when I get further...

I don't know if I mentioned it earlier but on the last trip I was around 19k pounds I think over the pass, I was running it a little harder (higher rpm sooner) than normal and made it up most areas at a higher speed than normal but on the long hard areas it just got hot... still had some to give but no room temp wise, just not enough to get to 4th gear with no boost under 2000rpm.

Hay Dude · Jun 7, 2020

rangerfredbob said:
Pretty sure I found my cooling issues today... I put the new Mashimoto radiator in and the new water pump, once I got the radiator out I noticed about 1/4 of it was plugged externally with mud/dirt, and some pretty nasty coolant goo was in the bottom. Flipped it over and ran the garden hose through it and it flowed pretty slow and a lot of the milky yellow mixture flowed out for several minutes... To top that off the thermostat was installed wrong, it should be under the gasket and it was over the gasket...

Flushed it with a few gallons of distilled water after I pulled the radiator and before I pulled the water pump, topped it off with fresh coolant, some "NAPA Cool" and distilled water... I don't have anything lined up that will test it's cooling capabilities since it was fairly specific on what it took to get it hot...

Weather is not cooperating for anything, the last several weeks there's been really nice weather during the week and rain/wind on the weekends... today I had the popup canopy up over me since it was raining, then there was a 20+ mph cross wind... quite frustrating... Anyway in depth health checks aren't in the cards right now but I'll see what I can do when I get further...

I don't know if I mentioned it earlier but on the last trip I was around 19k pounds I think over the pass, I was running it a little harder (higher rpm sooner) than normal and made it up most areas at a higher speed than normal but on the long hard areas it just got hot... still had some to give but no room temp wise, just not enough to get to 4th gear with no boost under 2000rpm.

Thats what I thought was going on! Another indicator of clogged radiator is poor AC performance.
9 out of 10 times, most problems are simple, easy fixes.
Lets hope this was the fix.

crashz · Jun 8, 2020

Glad you found the issues! Those cooling stacks can trap a lot of crud. I think the fan actually pulls stuff into them.

Pulling hills with 35 inch tall tires and at 19K gross combined weight is a chore for a modern truck. Let a lone a 23 year old rig.

I was reminded of you when I got a few loads of recycled asphalt for my parking area. I took 3 tons at a time, so my scale weights were right around the GVWR of 15,000lbs. Overall, the truck drove great, but I had a good grade to pull from a dead stop on a right hand turn, and she had all she could handle accelerating to traffic speed uphill when in third gear. I never saw boost higher than 13psi, but could hear the whistle coming on around 3psi. My engine is healthy, relatively young (180K) and purrs like a kitten. But she will not keep up with a modern 6.7L diesel.

YLee Kioti · Jun 8, 2020

So with cooling done I looked for exhaust parts and saw none.
SO did you replace the OEM crushed down pipe? That normally chokes off good flow.
Replacing the the down pipe and a slightly larger (not by much) turbo will spiffy up the perky get with a bit more go.
Also the fuel pressure can be upped a bit by shimming
the spring. This was done in the fuel filter housing. So take a look at yours.
Course going on memory of my 2003 PS 7.3l
Installed a Amsoil by-pass kit. 350k is not bad, good maintenance and 500k should be doable.

The guys at diesel Stop should help out more. I left them when I sold my 2003 11 years later.
Not fast but a steady hard working engine.
Best of luck....

rangerfredbob · Jun 9, 2020

It is a hard worker, runs like a top, just one needing some freshening...

I saw the thing on the regulator spring, need to look into some of those other things. I do have a replacement mechanical pump I've been meaning to put in it...

I'm pretty sure the radiator was factory, the lower hose is, still has the stapled on hose clamp...

I don't want to be stranded doing what I do with the thing so I'd rather have less questionable parts, it's working now but the HPOP is unknown, one of those left me stranded before, it's time for injectors, and should do glow plugs, turbo pedestal is leaking so might as well freshen the turbo with replacement wheels... with all the uphill travel an intercooler will help...

I didn't do the work on it before, I've looked up there and the down pipe is round and 3" so someone did that at some point. Most of what I've done to it has been maintenance: oil cooler O rings, starter, air filter, oil changes, lowered it 2", resealed filter bowl, valve cover gaskets, glow plug relay, changed HPOP, changed cam sensor, changed HPOP sensor and a list of other piddly things...

YLee Kioti · Jun 9, 2020

I also installed a Baldwin fuel water separator.

Got it here- https://www.dieselsite.com/

A upgraded fuel pump will help also instead of the OEM.

If the frame is in good shape this looks like a keeper to freshen up and enjoy for years.

rangerfredbob · Jun 14, 2020

I haven't driven the thing unloaded in a LONG time, I'm talking no trailer and nothing in the bed, it's pretty sporty for a 7400lb beast... I had to pay attention to speed as it accelerates a LOT faster than the '97 Ranger and has more snoot left at 60mph in 5th gear... it's downfalls must be turbo related and probably worn injectors, it used to have a little more power...

That said, so far so good on the radiator, thermostat holds it to the same temperature it did before, the excavator I towed wasn't far or up any hills so no ideas how much better it works...

Sonny580 · Jun 14, 2020

97?---7.3?---JUNK from the word go!!! ----- I have a 97 350 with dual wheels and 120,miles on it -----TOTALLY worn out! --- in the last 6 years I have had new oil pump, turbo, turbo base, glow plugs and harness that go with them, now injectors are shot, and as for power , well some days we run 30 mph, some days it wants to run 80 or 90---never know till you hit the road. I only can use it when the weather temps are above 55 degrees!---lower that that it will NOT attempt to start. I had to have it fixed cause I dont do diesel crap,---ended up with a bill for $ 8,000 and still dont have anything decent---currently looking at $ 1,200 or more for injectors. **** automatic transmission not shifting right either. just put new batteries in it last week. It also needs rear spring hanger brackets replaced--that part I can do myself!---always something broke on them.
I have to drive this one til it totally dies! --- I do pull my trailers with it and dont have anything else to do that with. Dump trailer and a General tri-axle 21,000 gvw which I usually have closer to 28,000 total on. pulls it just fine at 25 to 35 mph average and 30 mile trips down country roads,---I wont drive main roads with it
YA!----- these 7.3's were the biggest joke in the history of motors!!

4570Man · Jun 14, 2020

Sonny580 said:
97?---7.3?---JUNK from the word go!!! ----- I have a 97 350 with dual wheels and 120,miles on it -----TOTALLY worn out! --- in the last 6 years I have had new oil pump, turbo, turbo base, glow plugs and harness that go with them, now injectors are shot, and as for power , well some days we run 30 mph, some days it wants to run 80 or 90---never know till you hit the road. I only can use it when the weather temps are above 55 degrees!---lower that that it will NOT attempt to start. I had to have it fixed cause I dont do diesel crap,---ended up with a bill for $ 8,000 and still dont have anything decent---currently looking at $ 1,200 or more for injectors. **** automatic transmission not shifting right either. just put new batteries in it last week. It also needs rear spring hanger brackets replaced--that part I can do myself!---always something broke on them.
I have to drive this one til it totally dies! --- I do pull my trailers with it and dont have anything else to do that with. Dump trailer and a General tri-axle 21,000 gvw which I usually have closer to 28,000 total on. pulls it just fine at 25 to 35 mph average and 30 mile trips down country roads,---I wont drive main roads with it
YA!----- these 7.3's were the biggest joke in the history of motors!!

I wouldn’t say they’re the biggest joke in the history of motors. Most of them did prove reliable well at least above 55 degrees but they’re the most over rated engine ever as far as I’m concerned. Running reliable was a big accomplishment for a Ford so I can see why they were a success. But they’re big, heavy, not very powerful, don’t start worth a flip in cold weather, idle like a cement mixer full of bricks, have a far louder cab than other diesel trucks, they’re mounted in a truck that turns a 100 foot circle. My much more hated 6.5 turbo has been a better truck than I’ve seen out of the Fords. My truck is mechanical injection which cured the worst of the 6.5 problems. My truck is rated like 190 HP and the 7.3s of the same period weren’t a notable amount better. A Duramax which overlapped the 7.3 production for a few years was far better.

Hay Dude · Jun 15, 2020

4570Man said:
I wouldnç¨š say theyæ±*e the biggest joke in the history of motors. Most of them did prove reliable well at least above 55 degrees but theyæ±*e the most over rated engine ever as far as IçŸ¥ concerned. Running reliable was a big accomplishment for a Ford so I can see why they were a success. But theyæ±*e big, heavy, not very powerful, donç¨š start worth a flip in cold weather, idle like a cement mixer full of bricks, have a far louder cab than other diesel trucks, theyæ±*e mounted in a truck that turns a 100 foot circle. My much more hated 6.5 turbo has been a better truck than Iè‡´e seen out of the Fords. My truck is mechanical injection which cured the worst of the 6.5 problems. My truck is rated like 190 HP and the 7.3s of the same period werenç¨š a notable amount better. A Duramax which overlapped the 7.3 production for a few years was far better.

Pretty much agree with that. I really want to support Ford because I like the company and the way they have handled their company through bad economic times and build a lot of their vehicles and components in the USA. I feel like Ford is patriotic and they really try.

However, I have pretty much had to turn my back on Ford because of the last 3 Ford trucks I have owned. The rolling chassis part of the truck is heavy duty and well built. Excellent turning radius on the wide track front axle. The Torqshift transmission has also been very good. For some reason, however, Ford has not been able to build a satisfactory Diesel engine for a long, long time. The newer 6.7 is better than the 6.4/6.0/7.3 previous models, but I spent 10ç—´ of thousands repairing those previous models. Horrible reliability....Soured me on Ford.....probably forever. Iè‡´e sold one of my 08ç—´ and have another for sale. I will keep the 08 F-350 because I spent so much on it with the snowplow and aluminum flatbed, I would never get my money back.
IMWO, :2cents: Ford should have offered a trade in bonus for all owners of a 6.0 or a 6.4L Diesel. These were terrible diesel engines. I donç¨š care how heavy built part of an engine is. If itç—´ unreliable, itç—´ no good for doing business. I donç¨š accept the excuse that the DPF ruined the 6.4L. It did, but Ford should have done a better job designing the DPF system, or offered an extended warranty on the early failure of these systems. They also should have helped the 6L owners issues.
Ford would have kept me as a customer with a substantial compensatory bonus to trade in on a 6.7L. They should have offered all 6/6.4 owners a trade in allowance of at least $5,000 for being stuck with these trucks. Private sale values lower than competitors models. A lose/lose situation for seller and buyer of a used Ford diesel.
So, IçŸ¥ in a 2020 RAM Cummins now. IçŸ¥ anxiously optimistic itå€¤l be a good engine, but I donç¨š know about the rest of the truck. Only time will tell.

YLee Kioti · Jun 15, 2020

Hay Dude said:
Pretty much agree with that. I really want to support Ford because I like the company and the way they have handled their company through bad economic times and build a lot of their vehicles and components in the USA. I feel like Ford is patriotic and they really try.

However, I have pretty much had to turn my back on Ford because of the last 3 Ford trucks I have owned. The rolling chassis part of the truck is heavy duty and well built. Excellent turning radius on the wide track front axle. The Torqshift transmission has also been very good. For some reason, however, Ford has not been able to build a satisfactory Diesel engine for a long, long time. The newer 6.7 is better than the 6.4/6.0/7.3 previous models, but I spent 10ç—´ of thousands repairing those previous models. Horrible reliability....Soured me on Ford.....probably forever. Iè‡´e sold one of my 08ç—´ and have another for sale. I will keep the 08 F-350 because I spent so much on it with the snowplow and aluminum flatbed, I would never get my money back.
IMWO, :2cents: Ford should have offered a trade in bonus for all owners of a 6.0 or a 6.4L Diesel. These were terrible diesel engines. I donç¨š care how heavy built part of an engine is. If itç—´ unreliable, itç—´ no good for doing business. I donç¨š accept the excuse that the DPF ruined the 6.4L. It did, but Ford should have done a better job designing the DPF system, or offered an extended warranty on the early failure of these systems. They also should have helped the 6L owners issues.
Ford would have kept me as a customer with a substantial compensatory bonus to trade in on a 6.7L. They should have offered all 6/6.4 owners a trade in allowance of at least $5,000 for being stuck with these trucks. Private sale values lower than competitors models. A lose/lose situation for seller and buyer of a used Ford diesel.
So, IçŸ¥ in a 2020 RAM Cummins now. IçŸ¥ anxiously optimistic itå€¤l be a good engine, but I donç¨š know about the rest of the truck. Only time will tell.

A young lad out of Washington state I think (Paul?) is a hot shot business owner and his fleet are all Cummins. His take early on is a fully loaded HO with the Aisin may burn a bit of oil due to it working so hard.
Us mortals not towing in the 25-35k area may never have to worry about that......
I'm happy with my 6.2L gasser for towing 11k with ease and am good for up to 12.5k.
IF a oil burner was needed (as a former 7.3 PS owner of eleven years), I'd seriously consider going with the big I6.

There is a channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeyjIUxCdImo4pPe4Frgeng

Hauls heavy equipment for land clearing. Nice short videos show what those beast can haul. For me it kinda helps put things into a real world perspective, beyond a sales brochure. Know what I mean.
OK enough ramble......have a good one....:thumbsup:

rangerfredbob · Jun 15, 2020

I wouldn't call a 7.3L anything like the 6.0L Powerstroke... Sure the 7.3L is big, heavy, old and not powerful to modern standards but it's fairly reliable and over built compared to it's newer counterparts... If it's moody there's a reason, they run like poo when the valve cover gaskets are going out (IE injector connectors can't handle amperage anymore) and even worse when the high pressure oil pump decides to stop pumping, and apparently bad when the cam sensor and rail pressure sensor go out but other than that they should be fairly reliable... Sure it's old so the troubleshooting is harder, but it's the first electronic diesel so there's some kinks to be expected. At least they don't just randomly decide to explode like a 6.0L

. I was somewhat intimidated, but it's not too hard to work on, I got a manual transmission truck on purpose, Ford and automatic transmissions don't exactly go together, at least in the 90's... If my plans push this to the 375hp range like they say on the injector specs that's well within what everything else would be a couple steps ahead of this and still low enough that it will last well if treated appropriately.

At the time a Cummins truck would have been more $$ (especially manual trans) and stuck with 2 doors, 7 years ago Duramax trucks cost about twice as much as this did. Everything has it's advantages and disadvantages. I got a good runner at the time and it's served it's purpose, to me it's worth keeping going since I have it...

If I paid people to work on my stuff, I probably wouldn't do half of what I do... sometimes having iffy equipment is a gamble and annoying when it breaks down, but it's rewarding when you fix it and can have more toys since everything is paid off

Industrial Toys · Jun 15, 2020

Good insurance and a little oopsie at the boat ramp. Make sure to have receipts for those new tires and hard folding tonneau cover.

crashz · Jun 17, 2020

The first year of the PS 7.3 was 25 years ago and the latest version of that engine was produced 17 years ago. And from a guy that has own three GM 6.2L diesels (still have one), the 7.3L is leaps and bounds better in every aspect. No doubt a new Duramax, 6.7 Cummins or 6.7 PS are also leaps and bounds better in every aspect than the 7.3L

I'm an old truck fanatic. Love them all, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. But I'd never call the 7.3 a joke. Plenty of other engines fall into that category.

rangerfredbob · Jul 19, 2020

Ok, slight update after the first loaded drive with the new radiator, drove over the pass with just the camper so around 10k pounds and made it up the pass both directions at about 55mph and at night barely twitched the temp needle, in the heat of the day mid 80's I imagine I got almost as hot as it usually did but cooled off immediately after I took the power off... in the middle of the night the temp needle barely moved doing the same thing in the other direction.

On the trip over at about 6pm I smelled diesel worse than normal, and the fuel gauge went down about 1/4 in less than 10 miles... (rear tank, so like 4 gallons), made it to a rest area and a friend caught up, we did some diagnosis and it looked like fuel pump, got the replacement at about 11pm then started it up and still a huge leak, one of the fuel return soft lines from the head to the fuel bowl. Thought I had one so went home to find them, turns out they're at work, found some propane hose that was 1/4" and rated for 350psi... two clamps on each end and back on the road about 2:30am... made it to camp around 4:15am... it made it back and now I'll get some proper hydraulic hoses made

Anywho, with an intercooler there would probably be less heat buildup, and if the injection timing was better from bigger injectors and a tuner it might not get as hot... that and hopefully be able to handle an extra 6k pounds of cargo from where I was...