Ford IDI Diesel

[Toaster556]

Anyone have anything good or bad to say about the 7.3 IDI diesel F350s? I've got my eye on one with an aftermarket turbo kit (ATS I think) to replace my current F150. I'm not looking for high performance, but I will need to tow a two horse angle haul trailer or a flat deck car trailer from time to time.

[big specht]

They are not the most powerful diesel but are a good motor. They are not known to last more than 300,000

[hatc200x1]

I would try and stay away. The 7.3 IDI shares almost nothing with the 7.3 powerstrokes. They didn't have a turbo from the factory and I believe in 93/94 they put a turbo on them and they had a lot of reliability issues with the motors standing up to a turbo. They then redesigned the motor with way heavier rods and a lot of other HD parts so they could with stand a turbo. I have a 1996 F250 7.3 powerstroke, I would probably just shop around for an actual powerstroke and not IDI.

[big specht]

Yea and it depends on how much it has been screwed with( turning it up,timing,turbo,propane).

[Toaster556]

Thanks for the advice guys. TBH, I'd love to buy my dad's babied since new 03 F350 off him, but it's not in the cards moneywise right now.
The truck is located near by dad's place in BC, where I'm going for work for a month (F150 has the lower intake gasket problem and I have no time to wait on parts), and he's gone to look at it for me. I asked him to find out if the turbo kit was just bolted up then left alone, or if it was tweaked after. Will report back after.

[deathman53]

what vehicles had the IDI motor??? I ride with a guy who has a 90's f350, not the same motor as mine(7.3 powerstroke), but he has 400,000 miles on it, no problems at all with it.

[YTZ drew]

I have a 94 F350 with the 7.3 IDI, non-turbo, E4OD automatic, 187K miles. Bought it last August to replace my last plow truck, and its been a great truck this year with all the snow. I put in all new glow plugs and they work as they should, but it will not start if its below 40 degrees F outside unless its plugged in (has a 400W block heater). Plugged in, it starts like my gas jobs. Runs good, pushes snow like crazy, and its not as gutless as everyone says they are. Definitely not a powerstroke though.

[big specht]

Ford had the IDI until 94.5 then the DI power stroke came out. I'm not saying they are junk motors but there are good ones and bad ones. And they do like to eat glow plugs the motorcraft ones seem to hold up the best

[slashfan7964]

Good motor, will run for a long time if you take care of it. Don't expect to win any races.

[Toaster556]

Finally got to go take a peek at one truck yesterday after work. It was in okay shape, but the trans shifted poorly. Got another one to look at tomorrow night, 91 dually crewcab.

[86T3]

The idi has the trifecta of crappy motor going for it; unreliable, low power, terrible milage. I had the unfortunate experience of borrowing a flatbed with this motor, I was shocked at the fuel milage I got. 7mpg average between loaded and unloaded. They're putting turbos on everything now and it isnt for looks

[Toaster556]

I'm done with IDIs. I looked at four yesterday and not one ran more than alright, and most leaked oil or smoked. Guess I've gotta start leaning on the old man to cut me a deal on his truck