7.3 IDI COMPRESSED AIR STARTER

[Ford F834]

Ok. I'll keep digging. I want to make this truck CME/EMP proof. Maybe I'm just paranoid (likely), or want to brag I have an air start 7.3 (likely). I've got a healthy electric start system, but if an EMP or Solar blast occurs.....I need a manual way to start it.

I have never heard of an IDI air starter… but I would look at International Harvester applications or perhaps marine applications. I do not know what the starter mount pattern is, but I do know the gear reduction starters from the early 7.3 Powerstroke fits the 6.9/7.3 IDI.

If you want to have an EMP-proof no-electricity IDI then you will also need to devise a mechanical FSS (look at tractor applications with rotary pumps?) and count on ether for starting as these things DO NOT start well without glow plugs or block heater. Even in 100*F weather.

[85lebaront2]

I have never heard of an IDI air starter… but I would look at International Harvester applications or perhaps marine applications. I do not know what the starter mount pattern is, but I do know the gear reduction starters from the early 7.3 Powerstroke fits the 6.9/7.3 IDI.

If you want to have an EMP-proof no-electricity IDI then you will also need to devise a mechanical FSS (look at tractor applications with rotary pumps?) and count on ether for starting as these things DO NOT start well without glow plugs or block heater. Even in 100*F weather.

Ether egg is what we called the ones we used on the USMC stuff.

[Ray Cecil]

I have never heard of an IDI air starter… but I would look at International Harvester applications or perhaps marine applications. I do not know what the starter mount pattern is, but I do know the gear reduction starters from the early 7.3 Powerstroke fits the 6.9/7.3 IDI.

If you want to have an EMP-proof no-electricity IDI then you will also need to devise a mechanical FSS (look at tractor applications with rotary pumps?) and count on ether for starting as these things DO NOT start well without glow plugs or block heater. Even in 100*F weather.

Thanks for the reply.

Might be onto something here:

https://airstartersdirect.com/int-harvester/

[Gary Lewis]

Thanks for the reply.

Might be onto something here:

https://airstartersdirect.com/int-harvester/

What will you have to compress the air?

[Ray Cecil]

What will you have to compress the air?

In a true SHTF scenario, an air tank will be already pressurized and ready to go. In a real bad event, I will only need to start the truck a couple times. Once to go get my mom, granny, sister and bro inlaw/neice and nephew....any starts after that will be for lesser emergencies.

I'll have an on board compressor, but who knows if that'll work afterwards. The 60 gallon standup compressor in the garage will be and auxiliary pressure vessel, as well as a few harbor freight pressure tanks on the shelf.

[Gary Lewis]

In a true SHTF scenario, an air tank will be already pressurized and ready to go. In a real bad event, I will only need to start the truck a couple times. Once to go get my mom, granny, sister and bro inlaw/neice and nephew....any starts after that will be for lesser emergencies.

I'll have an on board compressor, but who knows if that'll work afterwards. The 60 gallon standup compressor in the garage will be and auxiliary pressure vessel, as well as a few harbor freight pressure tanks on the shelf.

That’s why I asked - most of the setups I can think of to compress air would be toast in your scenario. But you might consider installing a York/Tecumseh air conditioning compressor on your diesel. They were stock on up to ‘81 trucks with A/C so are plentiful. And there are lots of how-to’s on converting them to air compressor duty.

But there is the potential of the clutch winding being ruined in the event.

[Nothing Special]

That’s why I asked - most of the setups I can think of to compress air would be toast in your scenario. But you might consider installing a York/Tecumseh air conditioning compressor on your diesel. They were stock on up to ‘81 trucks with A/C so are plentiful. And there are lots of how-to’s on converting them to air compressor duty.

But there is the potential of the clutch winding being ruined in the event.

Maybe a PTO-driven air compressor? And you could set something up with a purely mechanical clutch.

[Ray Cecil]

That’s why I asked - most of the setups I can think of to compress air would be toast in your scenario. But you might consider installing a York/Tecumseh air conditioning compressor on your diesel. They were stock on up to ‘81 trucks with A/C so are plentiful. And there are lots of how-to’s on converting them to air compressor duty.

But there is the potential of the clutch winding being ruined in the event.

That's a great idea. I was pondering an accessory driven compressor. I'm sure you could modify a clutch to me mechanically engaged somehow. Maybe lock the clutch, and engage/disengage the belt instead.

[Ray Cecil]

Maybe a PTO-driven air compressor? And you could set something up with a purely mechanical clutch.

I've got a C6, no pto....but I do have a 1356 tcase that could couple to a compressor. It would be a lot of manual work to set that up anytime I need to compress air. The better idea in my opinion is to drive a compressor using the rear tires. Have some dyno style rollers that turn a shaft and chain it to a compressor. Just simply drive up on the compressor and let her rip.

[Ford F834]

Thanks for the reply.

Might be onto something here:

https://airstartersdirect.com/int-harvester/

One issue with this is that the starter may not fit the pickup application. I think that the 1” thick bellhousing adapter plate that the starter bolts to may be a Ford-specific part. I have no idea about the IH flywheel or OEM starter… you would have to inquire about it.

Another way to go about it would be a manual transmission that can be roll started… but you would need a hill or some strong horses.