Do I have an IDI or Powerstroke Diesel? - Diesel Forum

cre8ive · 08-21-2007, 03:29 AM

To all who shall see these presents, Greetings!

If you've seen my previous posts and have offered me help, thank you.
THis has been an incredible learning experience, and I am extremely to this forum and it's members for giving me back my sanity!
I've received many replies and advice, with supporting facts, but with different opinions. I've been so thoroughly convinced that I have one or the other so many times, my girlfriend doesn't believe me anymore!

The facts are that I have an IDI Turbo (factory original), that was converted to a Banks Power Pack turbo kit by the original owner.

I went to the Ford dealership today and spoke with their diesel mechanic. BTW, the Fleet diesel service writer didn't know the difference (Antelope Valley Ford). The easiest way to tell the difference is the IDI's have the injectors outside the valve covers,
and the PSD's are inside the covers.

My VIN # 8th digit is a K, which does mean it's a turbo diesel, but not necessarily a PowerStroke.

I called Banks last Friday and spoke with Jim Moore, a tech person. He said that I must have a PSD because Banks didn't make a turbo for the IDI's in '94. He said it sounded like a chip malfunction and had me remove the e-brake assy and kick panel to check the chip. I did this weekend and voila- no chip. Called them back today and spoke with a different tech guru, who explained that they did make a turbo that would fit the IDI's, but it wasn't made especially for them. These models did not use a chip.

I found a tire receipt from the original owner and called him up. He said that he believes he bought a PSD, and changed it out for the Banks turbo kit, and added the Gear Vendors over/under. He didn't know anything about a chip.

My turbo boost measures only 7 psi max. Mr. Moore said I should be seeing about 13 psi. The new Banks guru said that if it's an IDI, 7 psi is about right. I'll tell ya, if I paid $3000.00 for a Banks sytem and this is all the better it got, I would certainly be looking for my money back!

I spoke with the man who will be my new diesel mechanic, who was the former diesel guy for AV Ford, and now owns his own shop. He verified all the above. He also said the this vehicle would never have enough power to meet all my needs. Towing the boat alone, it's great. Haulin' the Lance camper alone, love it. The 2 together is too much unless I only go to places that have no hills. Unfortunately, that's not where they put most of the lakes.

I'm stuck with what I got, at least until I sell this one and buy a newer model. The new mechanic recommended the '93-'03's. Sez that they can get more power with add-ons, still have the 7.3, and come with the intercoolers. It's out of my budget for now, but definately in my future. I think I could afford a '97, and maybe add an intercooler. Any suggestions? Thanks for all your help.
Kevin

cdnsarguy · 08-21-2007, 09:58 AM

I see no reason for poor performance with the turbo unless it is the wrong one as suggested....

My 93 normally aspirated F250 carried a 11.5 Caribou camper and towed an 18 foot Sylvan in the mountains around Virginia with no problem. Did have to install brakes on the boat trailer though.

I would suggest a good check of the injectors and timing, possibly a new IP if they are OEM. Opening up the exhaust and no muffler will give power without excess noise.

shorthair · 08-21-2007, 04:09 PM

sounds to me like you have an IDI to check just look to see if the glow plugs & injectors are visable or under the valve covers.

agnem · 08-22-2007, 09:55 AM

Good God! Never mind the fact that the Powerstroke actually says "Powerstroke" on the plastic decorative cover (OK, granted, that could have been lost or removed, but one would only need to google Powerstroke to see what it looks like) under the hood, or the fact that the truck probably has a powerstroke badge on it, but couldn't your Ford dealer (who should know what a PSD looks like) pop the hood, and say "I've never seen one of these before"!!. Sounds like incompetance is the norm in your neck of the woods. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

Aubrey · 08-25-2007, 01:27 PM

I might as well add my $0.25. The IDI's are much higher compression engines (22:1) than the newer PowerStrokes or Cummins Diesels that were designed for turbos. Engines not originally designed for turbos can only tolerate boost in the 7 psi range. When I installed my Hypermax aftermarket turbo (Banks is similar), it was suggested to me to keep the boost at 7 psi or lower and my EGT at 1100 degrees or lower (think "7-11"). PowerStrokes and Cummins Diesels have lower compression ratios in the 16:1 range and can use much higher boost pressures, I've heard in the 15-18 psi range.