Do Not Count that Old Diesel Engine Out Yet

Cars and trucks made prior to the last decade or so were built to last. The engines were not complicated, the bodies were made of metal, and people manually cranked windows up and down. Vehicles could collide and barely get a scratch rather than folding up like accordions. Repairs were not dependent on diagnostic computers, and if one window crank broke all the other windows still worked.

Trade-Offs

It was not unusual for people to own a family vehicle for thirty years or more with proper maintenance. Cars and trucks were handed down from generation to generation. Now, those heavy vehicles did not get excellent gas mileage and were not environmentally friendly. At that point in time, there were no pollution reduction standards, no emissions regulations, and no seatbelts or airbags. Vehicles today are safer and more efficient, but not always as much fun to drive.

Enter Aftermarket Products

Aftermarket products are used to enhance or replace original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to give diesel engines more power, better performance, and eliminate common issues with factory parts. There are many products from manufacturers such as driven diesel, Fuelab, Hughes Performance, Bulletproof, and over sixty-five others. One example is an OEM oil cooler. The factory oil cooler gets clogged frequently, the filter bypass system often needs repairs, and the head gaskets tend to fail. An aftermarket, heavy-duty exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler and oil cooler kit is stronger and more durable than the original cooler.

Upgrades for Older Engines

Ford 7.3L diesel engines were replaced in 2003 with the 6.0L engine to meet changing emissions regulations. Owners of those older engines can purchase a Driven Diesel COMPLETE OBS Electric Fuel System and increase the consistency of the fuel pressure for enhanced power capabilities. It is important to note that OBS stands for old body style. The kit includes what is required for regulated return, an electric fuel pump, fuel filters, hardware, and fittings.

If that engine runs, it can be upgraded. Before putting that truck out to pasture, check out the website and determine if a kit can provide enough spark into that engine to make it roar once again. The results will surprise many owners.