7.3 idi with new cam and decompression gaskets, first start

I just got my 7.3 IDI rebuilt and ready to see if she fires.
This engine has:
1. 1988 7.3 IDI block, bored .030 over
2. One head which was rebuilt with oversized valvestems, the other is old but in decent shape.
3. Extra-thick 3-layer-steel decompression gaskets(.110 vs .065 thick)
4. A RD2-110 IP from R&D IDI performance. Injectors are Stage 1's from R&D
5. Custom S360 turbo which isn't shown here.
Anyway... she fires! And, surprisingly enough, doesn't seem like the decompression caused any issues with starting, though we won't know for sure until mid winter using glow plugs.

[@selador11]

Second half of the video you are beside yourself. There you are... And there you are!!!

[@nkwelchalk]

hahaha !! funny :)

[@luciankristov6436]

1:46 acid kicked in 😵

[@justinmaschino6882]

Running without a harmonic balancer is really bad on main bearings and you should always hand prime hydraulic lifters

[@aarontheidinut8926]

I was implying like a walbro pump with a regulator. That is the pump that all of the powerstroke guys run, it produces up to 60 psi and with a regulator would be more than plenty. just a thought because I still have the lift pump on my truck and I notice at idle about 4-4.5 psi and wot 1-1.5

[@brycen.nevada1262]

Thought the acid was kikin in the last seconds of of the the video video

[@colton7373]

Lmfao once I got that loop effect from a bunch of dabs and a xanax , my friend was on the phone and it sounded like he was repeating the same sentence for 5 mins

[@joshballard7761]

I can only hear one person at a time!! Lol

[@aarontheidinut8926]

just out of curiosirty why no electronic fuel pump? I would have thought with a 110 pump and as much as you are doing to you truck. I feel like the mechanical lift pump wouldn't keep up?

[@MacRobbSimpson]

I don't trust them. Plain and simple. I've seen plenty of failures, and what's worse... they won't "flow through" like a mechanical pump. If the mechanical pump won't keep up, the IP will simply suck fuel through it, and get enough(though at 0 PSI). If the electric pump won't keep up, the IP will start drawing a vacuum(I believe), which is hard on the internal "transfer pump" section. Also, the Facet Duralift pump that everyone swears by? My dad's 7.3 has one of those... It produces perhaps 7 PSI at idle; floor it at 3K RPM and it drops to 0. It simply can't keep up. A mechanical pump will produce more fuel the higher the revs are, so it should be more stable PSI wise. I haven't gotten a gauge on mine, though.

[@justinmaschino6882]

Its still a good idea to add an electric priming pump before the mechanical pump for starting and hard low RPM pulls, its best to wire it up on a toggle switch. you can get flow through pumps that have a check valve in them to prevent back flow. but you do have to be careful on the pressure because the stanadyne DB2 has a psi restriction. if there is too much psi going to it, it will ruin the internal pump iside the DB2. Im sure if you called conestoga diesel injection they could tell you the tolerances

[@squirrel3443]

Why would you use ether that is so terrible

[@offroadz4861]

You obviously never watched ole peg from zip ties and bias plies

[@vanstechcorral]

The ether is not timed.

[@charlesflaco7976]

What is that thing infront of the oil filler?

[@MacRobbSimpson]

The spacer? It allows connection of a crankcase gas vent hose. Comes from the Banks turbo kit. ATS and Ford turbo kits pick up the crankcase gasses from the driver's side valve cover. N/A IDIs from the valley pan at the rear of the motor(turbos use this hole for an oil drain spot)

[@charlesflaco7976]

@@MacRobbSimpson do they sell that part alone i have a 6.9l non turbo

[@MacRobbSimpson]

@@charlesflaco7976 No clue, but if you aren't using a turbo, you don't need it(and honestly, the stock design is better for not picking up oil with the crankcase gasses).

[@charlesflaco7976]

@@MacRobbSimpson ok cool thanks

[@aarontheidinut8926]

yeah marcrobb did you you get those from the guy Justin got his from? Out of country that is?

[@MacRobbSimpson]

Yup; these are the extra-thick, two layers of gaskets with 3 layers of sheet steel gaskets, from Jan in the Czech Republic.

[@zachhuble]

got a link or email to get those gaskets?

[@MacRobbSimpson]

You can ask on Ford-trucks.com in the IDI section. That being said, since this video was posted: 1. The gaskets /leaked/, at about the 1000-1500 mile mark. I apparently was supposed to re-torque the headstuds at some point, which I didn't know about. 2. The engine has never done very well with decompression gaskets. IDIs need that extra compression. If you are concerned about piston-valve contact, recess the valves. That's a far better solution, and will keep the stock gaskets(which, with headstuds, are good to 450+HP. These gaskets failed(for justin) at like 400, IIRC). Honestly, the stock gaskets are a really good design, and hold up really well. As long as you have sufficient clamping force, they will do much better than these.

[@dsruddell]

dude what machine shop took a 7.3idi .030 over? you should be mixing coolant in your cylinders

[@MacRobbSimpson]

And yet... that was the one thing that *didn't* go wrong with that build. The machine shop screwed up with piston to valve clearance, and it threw a rod a year later... but I never had issues with coolant loss/cavitation. Heck, it's *still* holding coolant! The thrown rod obviously didn't hit the water jacket.

[@edwardkesock216]

MacRobb Simpson can you tell me where you ordered your cam i want to get a bigger cam for my 91 7.3 idi give it more oomph anything for more power from this thing i hate when people say my motor is a dog cause i like it any help from you would be appreciated you can text me if you want my name and number is Ed kesock 703-498-5261 thankyou verymuch for your time

[@MacRobbSimpson]

Don't do a cam. Add a turbo. A cam, at best, is good for a few HP... and you are risking a lot doing it unless you completely tear the motor apart and check your clearances. A turbo on the other hand... it's not hard to double your HP(and torque), it bolts on, and is pretty safe if you keep an eye on your EGTs. Seriously. #1 mod for these engines.

[@aj6.9iditurbo41]

Where did you get those gaskets

[@brendan25]

I think they were custom made somewhere in eastern europe

[@quadrajet]

load it up with more ether

[@davidward6741]

TRIPPY SOUNDS LOL