IHI 444 info needed

[George2615]

I'm considering buying a 1988 International S1800 tractor (as in tractor trailer). It is no longer used as a tractor but instead has an 8 dump pickup bed on it (so its a big toy). I've been told it has the IDI 444 engine which is a 7.3L naturally aspirated engine. Website info says this engine was used from 1986-1994 (mainly in fords and medium duty trucks). The owner knows nothing about diesels and says his mechanic told him it did not come with this engine. The truck has a 5 spd manual without a 2 spd rear. It runs great but haven't road tested yet. Going to take a second look and test drive later next week.

1) Everything I've found says an 88 S1800 could have come with this In Direct Injection engine (IDI 444). Is there anything I should be aware of and what should I look for? I've driven a lot of tractors like this but never owned one or had to worry about any service work. Any known issues with the IDI 444?
2) I didn't see the engine yet and I'm hoping it has a turbo. That could make it a newer 444E (Powerstroke engine) with Direct Injection. How could I tell the difference between a 444 and 444E (IDI or DI). I'm not familiar with either.
3) Any idea on the 5 speed manual? Not sure but could be a model ZF5.
4) Rear end ratios used in the S1800?
5) It has hydraulic disc brakes F&R.
6) It has an on board compressor and rear air bags on the suspension.
7) Also has a HD receiver hitch.
Owner says it will do 65 on the highway.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Rustyiron]

The 444 is very reliable motor. The idi models, you can see the injector lines. If it is a transplanted Powerstroke, look for the intercooler in front of the radiator. There are other things to look for but a PS is intercooled and the easyiest thing to discribe & pick out, not sure what IH did. This is from owning (in a Ford) the 7.3 since 1988, in all it's versions. I'd be a little concerned if it's a Ford p/u truck trans all left together for convienience. Too light imo.

 

[George2615]

Thanks, I'll look for the injector lines and / or intercooler. I'm pretty sure the 5 spd is original to the truck. I did see the truck once and it started and ran great. No smoke on startup or when running. No leaks under truck. As mentioned I didn't have him tilt the hood yet because I wouldn't have known what I was looking at. I'll be going again next week for a road test and I'm starting a checklist of things to ask about.

 

[dieselcrawler]

IDI motors did not come with turbo's in most cases, some of the later models (1992-1994) could have had a factory installed aftermarket setup installed. Still the IDI motor, but with a Banks turbo kit.

The Powerstroke 7.3 is a IH T444E, was offered in Ford trucks starting in 1994. Early models had no intercooler, and two wiring harness connectors going thru the valve cover gasket. 1999 and later (pictured) have intercoolers, and single larger wiring connectors going thru the valve cover gasket.





If you want more pictures of Powerstroke motors, I have LOTS more...

 

[George2615]

Thanks for the info. I talked to another mechanic a little while ago tonight. Like Rustiron, he agreed the IHI 444 is a reliable engine and the owner was sure it was an IHI 444. I'll find out more this coming week.

 

[powerscol]

The only issue I ever had with my 7.3 was the cam position sensor located next to the front flywheel. If they go bad the truck will just shut off. It will do this intermittently. They are easy to replace and I always carried a spare in the glove box. Otherwise I was a great motor.

 

[dieselcrawler]

Cam sensor is a powerstroke issue, not an IDI issue.

 

[RickB]

A 7.3 IDI coupled with a 5 speed tranny won't make much of a dump truck. It was all they could handle just dragging a pickup bed around. It had better have an ultra low rear ratio, and if it was a road horse, it probably does not.

Put 8 yards of dirt in it, you probably can't make it move unless its parked on pavement.

Vacuum pump &hydraulic brakes on a truck that size ='instant deal breaker for me.

I wouldn't take this truck as a gift.

 

[powerscol]

Cam sensor is a powerstroke issue, not an IDI issue.

Strange - I always bought mine from the IH dealer and sourced the part number off of the IH 444E engine. The block and internals are very close, but Ford put it own fuel management system on to get more HP. Just passing on what I know,, but could be wrong....boss unit says that a lot about me :confused3::laughing:

 

[George2615]

Strange - I always bought mine from the IH dealer and sourced the part number off of the IH 444E engine. The block and internals are very close, but Ford put it own fuel management system on to get more HP. Just passing on what I know,, but could be wrong....boss unit says that a lot about me :confused3::laughing:

The International Harvester IDI (from Indirect Injection) engine is a 4-stroke 8-cylinder Diesel engine used in International Harvester trucks, Ford F-Series pickups, and Ford E-Series vans from 1983 to 1994. The engine had two displacements: 420 cubic inches (6.9 litres), which was used in Ford trucks from 1983 until 1987, and 444 cubic inches (7.3 litres), which was used in Ford trucks from 1988 until 1994 (naturally aspirated) and in 1993 and 1994 (turbocharged). These engines were replaced in 1994.5 by the Navistar T444E (7.3 L) engine, which was also marketed under the Ford Power Stroke name.

The truck I'm looking at supposedly has the earlier non-powerstroke IDI 444. Was yours an early IDI or a powerstroke engine.