International 444E engine - seems to have NO guts...

timmysaint

timmysaint

New member
Location
Ontario
Hey Fellas - I wonder if anyone has experience with the Int'l 444E. I purchased one for my chip truck - it's got the 7.3L engine, and I find that, even pulling my Bandit 65XP it really struggles on hills ( I should say 'inclines'... I'm in Southern Ontario!!!). Max speed of 80KPH (50MPH) and slows to a crawl, maybe 50KPH on pretty mild hills (if you'd call them that, even) when empty. Is this normal? I'd rather over-haul the engine or transmission rather than Chip it, if that could fix the problem. Don't want to have to buy a new truck.

The truck is nice - very clean (for a 1999) but I get a LOT of angry commuters behind my butt when heading home.
 
Tim, you have to put a lower gear in the rearend especially if it’s an automatic. Check the engine out of course but the gear ratio has to be changed.
 
Luzl78 said:
Tim, you have to put a lower gear in the rearend especially if it’s an automatic. Check the engine out of course but the gear ratio has to be changed.
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Thanks Luzl!! I will look at that. Even empty though (like completely empty) it feels real slow on the hills.
 
If it is not fuel related, (filter or lift pump), check engine oil level. The high pressure pump drives the HEUI injectors. Common for the high pressure lines to develop a leak. If the oil level is low, it may seem lower on a hill. I do not recall if the low pressure pick up is in the rear or front of the pan.

That is a quick place to check. What is the mileage? It could be other things as well .....
Boost leak- hard to even know it exists unless you have a gauge for it.
Worn or leaking injectors.
IPR- injector pressure regulator.

I'm sure my memory will serve me better the further this thread dwells on.
 
timmysaint said:
Hey Fellas - I wonder if anyone has experience with the Int'l 444E. I purchased one for my chip truck - it's got the 7.3L engine, and I find that, even pulling my Bandit 65XP it really struggles on hills ( I should say 'inclines'... I'm in Southern Ontario!!!). Max speed of 80KPH (50MPH) and slows to a crawl, maybe 50KPH on pretty mild hills (if you'd call them that, even) when empty. Is this normal? I'd rather over-haul the engine or transmission rather than Chip it, if that could fix the problem. Don't want to have to buy a new truck.

The truck is nice - very clean (for a 1999) but I get a LOT of angry commuters behind my butt when heading home.
Click to expand...
I have A 1998 international with the 444 also I have 3 chippers my heaviest being a Morbark 18 R, 11,200 lbs, it struggles on hills towing any of our chippers we have just become used to it, throw the 4 ways on if you get under 60 and have patience lol. Empty she‘ll do 90 up any hill though
 
Thanks for the input fellas. Well, at least it's fixable - that's a relief! @deevo My Chipper is only 1,600 lbs- so if it can pull a Morbark north of 10K, it should be able to handle my little 65XP. It'll be a project trying to figure it out, and I really, REALLY appreciate all the advice.
 
I meant to tell you in my last post, you'll have to buy a fuel pressure test port to be able to hook a duel pressure gauge to it. They screw into the back of the filter bowl.

We towed our bandit 990xp home with ours yesterday over a mountain loaded with chips. 45 was about all it would do climbing the mountain. Something is definitely wrong with yours.
 
timmysaint said:
Thanks for the input fellas. Well, at least it's fixable - that's a relief! @deevo My Chipper is only 1,600 lbs- so if it can pull a Morbark north of 10K, it should be able to handle my little 65XP. It'll be a project trying to figure it out, and I really, REALLY appreciate all the advice.
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Mine will do 100-105 km/h on flat land towing any of our chippers also I forgot to mention. Soon as it sees a hill she’s slows down lol! But you said yours tops out at 80?
 
The 7.3l has been around for quite some time and always considered to be somewhat of a dog under heavy load, and especially on hills. There are many aftermarket parts available for this beloved engine to give it some extra oomph. Keep in mind, mine is in my pick-up and not a medium duty truck.

With that all said, any mods done require other supporting mods to keep all in tune. For instance, more fuel will require a better free flowing exhaust, and air intake.

@timmysaint it seems you have other issues at hand and if you can't find the source of the problem I would highly recommend having it looked at by someone knowledgeable. You don't want to do more damage by continuing to drive it "under powered."

You also may find some help in one of the Powerstroke forums.

Keep us posted.
 
deevo said:
Mine will do 100-105 km/h on flat land towing any of our chippers also I forgot to mention. Soon as it sees a hill she’s slows down lol! But you said yours tops out at 80?
Click to expand...

That's 80 kilometres per hour (ie 50MPH), and only on flat (or, possibly, slight decline). Empty, no chipper.

It's actually a bit embarrassing. I'll bring it to one of our int'l mechanics do have a look-over and I'll keep you guys updated. Deevo- do you know any good mechanics your way? I'm living in Hockley (in a tent, but it's awesome).

T.
 
EBV ( exhaust back pressure valve ), stuck closed? It resides just before the turbo and above the up pipes.
Sometimes this is a common problem .........
 
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