History/General Info
Nicknamed OBS for “Old Body Style” the 1992-1997 Ford F-Series are well known for their simplicity, reliability, and of course classic styling. One option that really raises the overall desirability and value is the 7.3L Powerstroke diesel engine. Introduced during the 1994 model year, the 7.3 is still one of the most sought-after Ford powerplants ever produced.
When Dodge introduced their turbo-diesel engine in 1989, it changed the entire landscape of the heavy-duty truck market and forced Ford and GM to play catch up. The 6.9/7.3 diesel offerings by Ford were reliable engines but the power levels paled compared to the Dodge 5.9L 6BT. Five years after Dodge sent shockwaves through the industry, Ford countered with the Powerstroke.
Not to be confused with the earlier 7.3 International Harvester IDI, the new 7.3L Powerstroke varied greatly from its predecessor with the bore and stroke being the only thing they had in common. The Powerstroke was manufactured by Navistar International and based on their T444E engine. The acronym T444E stands for Turbocharged, 444 cubic inch displacement, Electronically Controlled. Although the Powerstroke was based on the T444E there were some slight variances specific to Ford applications, with the Powerstroke using a different PCM (powertrain control module) and turbocharger, as well as some other small differences. The T444E was the first engine to be marketed under the Ford Powerstroke name.
Some of the biggest highlights of the 7.3L Powerstroke turbodiesel were Direct Injection and the HEUI (hydraulic electric unit injector) injection system. HEUI uses highly pressurized engine oil to create fuel pressure directly in the injector body, as opposed to requiring a typical injection pump. The HEUI offered improved performance and better fuel economy compared to the prior mechanical injection system.
7.3L Power Stroke Horsepower/Torque
Power levels in the 7.3 Powerstroke started out at 215 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque for the 1994.5-1995 model years and were bumped up to 225 hp and 450 lb-ft for 1996-1997. It is no coincidence that these numbers were slightly higher than the 6BT of the same era. The diesel power wars were heating up and we are still enjoying the benefits to this day as manufacturers continue to battle it out for the torque crown (all while making diesel engines cleaner and more efficient than ever before).
The 7.3 Powerstroke diesel was available in 3/4-ton (F-250) and 1-ton (F-350) models. Overall, the F-250 and F-350 shared a lot of commonalities. One of the biggest differences was F-250 models came equipped with a Dana 50 Front Axle and used Ford’s TTB (twin-traction beam) independent front suspension. The F-350 models on the other hand were equipped with the stouter Dana 60 solid front axle.
Cab and Bed Length options varied slightly by year and depending on the model type as well. If you are looking for a Crew Cab Short Bed, that was only available in a 1996-1997 F250. If you want a Crew Cab and a Dana 60 Front Axle you will have to go with an F-350 long bed or do an axle swap on an F-250 CCSB. Another F-250 exclusive setup was a Super Cab with 4WD.
What To Look For When Purchasing a 7.3L
As with any older pickup truck, rust issues can be common (especially depending on your region). Camshaft position sensor (CMP) failures can occur over time, but luckily it is a DIY repair and inexpensive to replace. The turbocharger up-pipes are another common problem, with the pipes beginning to develop leaks over time. Leaks cause the engine to lose boost and the Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGT’s) to increase. The TTB Dana 50 front end (F-250) can be wear-prone and is typically not as desirable as the Dana 60 found in the F-350. These are just some of the common cosmetic and mechanical issues associated with these trucks.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- Reliable
- Classic Styling
- Respectable Fuel Economy
- Forged Steel Connecting Rods
- 400,000+ mile Longevity with Proper Maintenance
Cons
- No Factory Intercooler
- Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) Failures
- Prone to Typical Pickup Truck Rust Issues
- Dana 50 Twin Traction Beam (TTB) on F-250 4WD Models
- Weak Automatic Transmission
Review
The 7.3 Powerstrokes are known to easily last 400,000+ miles if they are well maintained, with plenty of trucks joining the exclusive million-mile club. Like most diesel engines they can be easily tuned/modified, producing a substantial increase in horsepower/torque. The E4OD automatic transmissions that backed these engines were adequate at best, fortunately, there are many upgrades available for potential buyers that plan on upping the power levels.
Popular Aftermarket Upgrades
210 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque might have been impressive in 1994, but it pales to the power levels of a late-model diesel truck. Luckily the 7.3 Powerstroke really responds well to modifications and it can help close the gap quite considerably. Whether you are looking for upgraded performance or more power for towing, these are some popular upgrades.
1. Chip/Programmer
Easily add 50-140 HP to your 7.3L Powerstroke with a chip or programmer. They are a very easy installation and offer some of the best bang for your buck.
2. Air Intake System
Air Intake Systems are one of the most common and least expensive performance modifications available. Increasing airflow leads to quicker turbo spool-up, improved fuel mileage, and more power.
3. Exhaust
The benefits of increased exhaust flow are reduced EGT’s (exhaust gas temperature) and increased horsepower/torque.
4. 7.3L Injectors
The average 7.3L fuel injector needs rebuilding at around 125K miles, replacing or rebuilding the fuel injectors will help restore power in your truck
5. Injector Sleeves
As your 7.3L Powerstroke engine ages in time and mileage, you may begin to encounter Injector Sleeve failure. When an Injector Sleeve fails it usually splits or cracks which allows fuel to enter into your cooling system.
6. Engine Oil Cooler
A failing oil cooler can cause leaks and elevated temperatures which can lead to catastrophic engine damage
7. Radiator
Over time, sediment and other contaminants can clog your factory radiator hindering its ability to properly cool your engine. This can lead to the damage of other vital components when the engine coolant isn’t flowing like it should.
8. Intercooler
Adding an intercooler can help give your engine a continual supply of cool, dense, oxygen-rich air which helps improve the combustion as well as engine efficiency.
9. Upgraded Turbocharger or Turbo Wheel
How can we list popular turbo diesel upgrades and NOT include turbochargers? There are plenty of benefits to upgrading such as faster spool-up and reduced EGT’s.
10. Transmission Upgrades
If you plan on adding significant power to your 7.3L, you will eventually need to upgrade the E40D Transmission.
1994-1997 Ford 7.3 Powerstroke Specifications
| Production Years: | 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 | |
| Model Availability: | F250, F350, E250, E350, E450 | |
| Common Names: | 7.3, 7.3L, Powerstroke, Navistar T444E | |
| Configuration: | V8 | |
| Displacement: | 444 cubic inches, 7.3 liters | |
| Bore: | 4.11″ (104.4mm) | |
| Stroke: | 4.18″ (106.2mm) | |
| Cylinder Head: | Cast Iron w/ 6 Head Bolts Per Cylinder | |
| Engine Block: | Cast Iron | |
| Firing Order: | 1-2-7-3-4-5-6-8 | |
| Compression Ratio: | 17.5 : 1 | |
| Pistons: | Cast Aluminum | |
| Injection: | Direct Injection with Hydraulic Electronic Unit Injection (HEUI) Injectors | |
| Fuel Pump: | Cam-Driven Mechanical Lift Pump | |
| Turbocharger: | 1994 – 1997 | Garrett TP38 Fixed Geometry |
| Valvetrain: | OHV, 2 Valves Per Cylinder, Hydraulic Lifter Camshaft | |
| Weight: | Approx. 920 lbs (Dry) | |
| Oil Capacity: | 15 qts w/ Filter (14.2L) | (Original Ford spec for 1994 was 12 quarts. The dipstick was changed in the 1995 to indicate a full crankcase at 14 quarts) |
| Horsepower: | 1994-1995 | 210 Horsepower |
| 1996 | 215 Horsepower | |
| 1997 | 225 Horsepower | |
| Torque: | 1994-1995 | 425 lb-ft of Torque |
| 1996-1997 | 450 lb-ft of Torque | |
| Battery: | Group Size 65 | |
| Transmissions: | ZF S5-47 5-Speed Manual | |
| E4OD 4-Speed Automatic |
Fluid Specifications & Capacities
| Engine Oil: | 15W-40 | Acceptable viscosity in ambient temps > 10° F Preferred viscosity in ambient temps > 30° F | 15.0 qts Capacity w/ Oil Filter (14.2L) |
| 10W-30 | Acceptable viscosity in ambient temps -10 to 90° F Preferred viscosity in ambient temps -10 to 30° F | 15.0 qts Capacity w/ Oil Filter (14.2L) | |
| 5W-30 | Acceptable viscosity in ambient temps < 30° F | 15.0 qts Capacity w/ Oil Filter (14.2L) | |
| 0W-30 | Acceptable viscosity in ambient temps < 0° F | 15.0 qts Capacity w/ Oil Filter (14.2L) | |
| Engine Oil API Category: | CG-4/SH or equivalent | ||
| Engine Coolant: | 50/50 Ethylene Glycol Coolant, Distilled Water | 29 Qt Capacity (7.24 Gallons) | |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid: | E40D 4-Speed | Mercon V ATF | 4X2 15.7 qts 4X4 16.2 qts |
| Manual Transmission Fluid: | ZF S5-47 5-Speed | Mercon V ATF | 3.4 qts |
| Transfer Case Fluid: | BW1356 | Mercon V ATF | 2.0 qts |
| Front Differential Fluid: | Dana 50 TTB | SAE 80W-90 | 2.0 qts |
| Dana 60 Front | SAE 80W-90 | 3.0 qts | |
| Rear Differential Fluid: | Sterling 10.25″ Rear | SAE 75W-140 | 3.75 qts |
| Dana 80 Rear | SAE 75W-90 | 4.15 qts | |
| Limited Slip Additive: | Motorcraft XL-3 Friction Modifier | ||
| Brake Fluid: | DOT-3 Brake Fluid | Fill To Reservoir Marker | |
| Power Steering Fluid: | MERCON V ATF | Fill To Correct Dipstick Level |
Maintenance Schedule
| Service Procedure | Interval |
| Replace Engine Oil & Filter: | 5,000 miles/6 months under normal driving conditions 3,000 miles/3 months under severe driving conditions |
| Replace Fuel Filter: | 15,000 miles |
| Replace Air Filter: | 30,000 miles/30 months |
| Engine Cooling System: | 30,000 miles/36 months |
| Replace Automatic Transmission Fluid & Filter: | 30,000 miles |
| Replace Manual Transmission Fluid: | 60,000 miles |
| Replace Transfer Case Fluid: | 60,000 miles |
7.3L Powerstroke Fuel Injector Codes
| Application(s) | Injector Code | Type | Max Flowrate | Notes |
| 1994 – 1996 (All) 1997 Non-CARB | AA | Single Shot | 98 cc | 1997 Model year engines designed to meet California emission standards (CARB certification) feature AB split shot injectors, NOT AA. |
| 1997 CARB All Early 1999 | AB | Split Shot | 130 cc | 1997 Model year engines sold outside California featured AA single shot injectors, NOT AB. |
| International T444E (high torque models) | AC | Single Shot | 160 cc | AC injectors are similar to AB injectors, but are a single shot design with a higher flow-rate. They are found in International T444E engines, but were never used in Powerstroke models. |
| Late 1999 – 2003 | AD | Split Shot | 140 cc | Used in all 1999+ 7.3L Powerstroke and International T444E engines. |
| Late 1999 – 2003 | AE/AF | Split Shot | 140 cc | Based on an AD injector, used in the number 8 cylinder from the factory. These are long lead injectors. |