Can I get my 1994 F250 7.3 Turbo IDI to idle higher in winter?

Everything is controlled manually, but I’m wondering if there’s a way to make it idle higher during the winter months.

You should check for a high idle solenoid on the IP and a temp sensor nearby. Start with those and see if they’re working.

Milo said:
You should check for a high idle solenoid on the IP and a temp sensor nearby. Start with those and see if they’re working.

Since there’s no computer, that won’t be the way to do it.

You could try putting the high idle solenoid on a switch or create your own temp sensor. That would work.

The high idle solenoid is controlled by the coolant temperature. It’s connected to a sensor near the solenoid and IP. If you’re looking for a way to turn it on manually, you could wire a switch inside the cab to send 12v to the solenoid. But keep in mind, a lot of people’s high idle solenoids are already broken, and I’m not sure where you’d find a replacement. You can also try the old ‘high idle stick’ method, where you use a stick to prop the throttle up.

@Zion
I’ve got a friend who uses a stick.

On my 88, the high idle is set by pressing the pedal. Turn the key to the on position, press the gas pedal down, then release it before cranking it over. The idle doesn’t increase that much, but you can definitely hear it drop once the engine warms up. I think mine starts off slow to build oil pressure, then increases as the coolant temp comes up.

@Sullivan
Diesels don’t have a gas pedal. Oil pressure should reach full within 2-3 seconds, or at least that’s how mine works when I check it with a proper oil pressure gauge—not the dummy gauge Ford put in.

Edit: Looks like someone didn’t like my joke about a ‘gas pedal’ on a diesel. But hey, it gave me a good laugh!

@Zion
Yeah, I meant the accelerator pedal, throttle, foot feed… whatever.

Sullivan said:
@Zion
Yeah, I meant the accelerator pedal, throttle, foot feed… whatever.

‘Foot feed’ is a new one for me. My feet prefer socks, but I guess everyone has their own preferences!

Sullivan said:
@Zion
Yeah, I meant the accelerator pedal, throttle, foot feed… whatever.

Camel power accelerator foot lever!

Just wedge your ice scraper between the seat and the pedal.