TowRig.com - Diesel Discussion and Tow Tech

I went and looked at a 96' crew cab, dually PSD today and its seemed wierd. I am super new to diesels and it was the first one I have driven just to warn you. First the details, 280k miles, rebuild at 220 (bottom end), 5 speed. It started easy but it seemed very slow when driving, like it was underpowered. Under WOT (only up to 3k rpm) I barely heard the turbo spool, then the turbo got pretty quite and so did the motor. It didnt hesitate at all or do anything strange but it did get quiter in the higher rpms. I dont know if these things normally require WOT when towing and high RPM. It seemed pretty loud and luggist if i shifted earlier... again not sure if thats normal. Would the turbo spool more with a heavy load? Could the turbo need a rebuild.

In my limited expereince with diesels and my other gas mechanical experence says its the fuel systems fault (injection pump and injectors) or the turbo. Also the heads might need some refreshing (maybe not, but valve springs, guides, and keepers couldnt hurt).

What does everyone think? Clutch does grab hard.

Finally, when looking at this and other early model PSD, what should I look for, how should I shop for a good one. Thanks!

MIKE

Powerstrokes don't have injection pumps.

My last truck was a 95 F250. That was a great truck. It had plenty of power, but the turbo didn't make much noise. I think it's the airbox design that keeps it quiet. I would keep shopping. That way you can compare the different trucks. I would recomend (if your budget permits) going with a 99.5 or newer. The newer platform is a much better starting point.

YEAH,waytogo WHAT J. SAID,
When driving a powerstroke, you really have to put the hammer down to make it move. for some reason the throttle is more loose(more play) on fords. are you sure that you were driving a turbo diesel. If its really slow, it may be time for a turbo. Wonder why the rebuild? Maybe low compression:eek:

YEAH,waytogo . Wonder why the rebuild? Maybe low compression:eek:
he says bottem end rebuild, and that just sounds like a rebearing to me....
what most likely happened that it was in a shop for a clutch, so they had the trans out, they probably then put a new oil pan on it due to rust, and why they had it all apart(since its such a bitch to get the pans off these trucks) they would slap in new main and rod brarings before they put it back toghther since it would then only be a couple hours additional labor.....