Slightly OT but----------
 

Seems to me that some of the most sound automotive advice comes from this forum, so I would like to ask these questions to this audience. I'm considering buying a 2000 Ford 350 powerstroke box van to convert into a hillbilly RV. Has 140K on the odometer. Two questions 1) any advice on the 2000 model powerstroke would be appreciated 2) would this particular engine be a good candidate for a two tank WVO conversion? (Not interested in the WVO debate ---- just is this engine a candidate) I'd really rather have a Mercedes built Sprinter but don't have the initial outlay of $ and would be concerned about service and repair. So the Ford is a consideration.

One of the people I consider an expert on the powerstroke is on the West Coast...
I can't remember his call sign... He was a Scout leader, Boat person, ... Stopped by here in Central Texas with his newly acquired ebay car and girlfriend before driving it crosscountry...TxBill came to here to help evaluate it before the trip... but that was several years ago and I don't remember his name... can anyone else help with his name ?
He was seriously into Ford Diesel knowledge....
thanks,Greg

The 2000 was one of the best years for the PSD. Should be a good candidate for WVO. Only real drawback on the van is the lack of an intercooler... Find out if the current owner has replaced the cam position sensor as there's a recall on the part now. It's (one of) the Achilles heel(s) of the engine.

We've got a '97 E350 PS with 240K that we bought new and the thing just keeps going. Lube, oil, filter, brakes and tires when needed. We've gotten our money's worth out of it, I've got no complaints. It routinely hauls 2 tons worth of palletized fertilizer or ball field clay for spot deliveries. I can't speak for conversion but I do know there is a VeggieStroke kit so there might be something additional that would need to be done to burn VO.

That said, if Dodge had a fullsize van with a Cummins I'd be all over it for a work truck.:D

Our company has a 2000 F-550 with a 7.3 and man that thing will not die. Sure it's had it injector/pump woes, but thats because our absent minded drivers keep running gasoline in it.:eek:

Many thanks. One of my diesel buddies says the 7.3 is the best powerstroke. I had an old 7.3 (90 model) that was super dependable.

John, check out this site. http://www.thedieselstop.com/forums/

That was Warden, or The Warden, or TheWarden, or something like that. He popped up on here a couple weeks ago.

www.thedieselstop.com is a little stuffy but good info there. I prefer www.thedieselgarage.com It's a lot like this forum. It's for all brands and they have events where everyone is welcome. I enjoy learning about all brands of Diesels at the meets.

I believe there are problems with the E40D tranny.

I believe 97 was the Last year for the E4OD Trans , but never the less the 99 and newer had its issues also.

E4OD Has evolved to the 4R100 at this point. (99+ F-Super Duty and Certain Half ton F150s, and others in the E Series Model Line)

Power Stroke Diesels do not have IPs. Its HEUI (Hydraulic Electronic Unit Injection ).

So, PSDs do not have injection pumps and lines. Instead, it has a high pressure oil pump (HPOP) and reservoir, pressure regulator and galleys/passages in the cylinder head for flow of fuel to the injectors.

Fuel is pumped from the tank by a tandem fuel pump which circulates fuel at low pressure through the filter bowl/water separator/heater then fuel is sent back to the fuel pump where fuel is distributed at very high pressure into the cylinder head fuel galleries. The injectors are then fired by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the injectors, which are controlled by the PCM but are hydraulically actuated by the oil pressure from the HPOP.

More importantly, is this a F350 or E350.

Subtle differences:

F350 has Intercooler and double pop injectors, and MUCH easier to work on vs the short nosed van. No intercooler on the E Series either.



Problems to watch for:

Failed torque converter in the 4R100 (sounds like marbles in the coffee can)
Doesnt seem to affect anything after 99.5 but I have seen a 00 with the rattle.

2000s have forged rods, vs the PMR that was used halfway thru 2001 production.

Crank Sensor Recall. The new campaign sensors are failing, throwing MIL lights and #8 cylinder failing Cylinder Contribution tests......I kept the old one in my glove box just in case.

Rear pinion seals leak in the axle (with anything of that age anyway)

Check out the dieselstop, but since Jason Lester sold it, it has all these banners, advertising stickies etc. I was going to the dieselstop when it was ford-diesel.com and before that, a guestbook on Jasons personal page (1995).

Good luck on your purchase.

You guys rock!!! Many thanks. Now I'm armed with way more info than I would have otherwise had. Will test drive and have checked out with these matters in mind.

I'm going to regret saying this, but we've never had an issue with it. < knock on wood>

Our '92 non-turbo 7.3L F-Super is on it's 2nd tranny at 180K although in its defense it hauls 3.5+ tons and has to haul a box around behind it.

Keep in mind that E4OD and 4R100s live a long life with regular fluid changes.

Oh yeah, if its an E-Series, expect to put some money into the front end.

Radius arm Bushings etc.