Article

20 Questions with Jason Lester
author of the Ford Diesel Webpage
http://www.thedieselstop.com/

Jason,

Thanks again for participating in the Q/A session - before we get to the questions I would appreciate it if you tell us a little bit about yourself, family and what you do for a living.

Jason Lester: 24 years old, married and live in Abingdon, VA. I do computer networking, Internet access, and tech support for the local school system. A partner and I also have a web business on the side (www.abol.com).

To the questions ---

#1 When did the Ford Powerstroke Page first go online and what made you decide to start it?

The page officially went online July 30, 1997, although there wasn't much there at the time. It's kind of strange how it came about. We've always had diesels on my dad's farm, but I bought my first personal one in July. I've been working on the Internet and dial-up BBS's (anyone remember those?) since '92. You always hear that anything you want to know about is on the Internet, and it's mostly true. When I bought my Power Stroke, I went searching for information and couldn't find anything! So, I decided to start one.

#2 Did you ever think when you first started the site that it would become so popular? What makes your site so popular?

I had no idea the kind of response it would get. Since last July, I've had 120,000 hits on the main page and am now averaging about 1000 hits/day. The site has become popular because it's unique. If you want specific info on Ford diesels, this is the only place on the Internet to get it. Also, it's impossible to update a site every day so the discussion boards give people a chance to ask questions and communicate with each other. Some days almost 50 new messages are posted. I now have around 13,000 messages online.

#3 You have since changed the websites name to the Ford Diesel Webpage and now offer information on the earlier 6.9/7.3L models. Any specific reasons for making the change?

Several people asked if I could provide information on the older diesels. I added the sections, but I still don't have many maintenance tips for the older models. If anyone has any, please e-mail them to me.

#4 How much time do you spend working on your website/answering e-mail daily? Your wife must be a very tolerant person I would assume?

Not a lot really. E-mail probably takes 10 minutes with another 20 minutes or so to look through all the message conferences. The site used to be updated very frequently, but I've run out of my own ideas and am now dependent on others to send me information to update the site. I like to do a major update about every 2 weeks. The entire website is driven by a back-end database server. I don't actually have to sit down and create web pages when I update the site. I just add the topics and items to a database and the server creates the web pages on the fly. It gives a consistent look throughout the site and is very easy to maintain.

#5 How did you decide on becoming a Ford Powerstroke owner over the Chevy and Dodge diesels?

We've always had Ford trucks and cars as long as I can remember. I was originally looking for a 1-ton Dodge with Cummins but was unable to find one. They said the wait time would be at least 3 months. While driving around looking for one, I decided to stop and look at the Fords. After driving one, I knew I had to have it. I never even considered the GM diesels. I know they've improved in the last couple of years, but the Ford and Dodge are still the kings of power and torque. When I first told my wife I wanted a Dodge, she said there's no way I'd buy one and would end up with a Ford in the end - she was right.

#6 We often get e-mail from people looking to purchase a new diesel. What are your recommendations for the 1999 Powerstroke over the competition?

I'm not one of those die-hard Ford vs Dodge guys. I really like both trucks and wouldn't complain if someone bought either of them for me. When someone asks that same question, I always tell them to drive both and then make the decision. Both are excellent trucks and will tow or haul anything you want them to. Again, I haven't mentioned the GM's, but from what I've seen they attract a different buyer. It's not that they're not good trucks, I just don't see nearly as many GM diesels on the road hauling or towing heavy loads. I've never been asked by someone to compare the Ford and GM, but get the Dodge vs Ford question at least once a week. As far as power goes, Ford and Dodge leapfrog each other every year. Right now, the Ford is the most powerful diesel you can buy in a light truck. It's also very advanced with the engine control system, wastegated turbo, intercooler, etc. Both have problems with the automatic. If you're going to buy one of these trucks, do yourself a favor and get the manual transmission. In my opinion, they shouldn't even offer automatics with them until they can build one that can stand up to the engine's power.

#7 In regard to Dodge Cummins owners and Ford Powerstroke owners. Why can't they just get along?

I really don't know. It's just the competition I think. As I said, I like both. I think that most people who knock the other brand either have never driven one or had a bad experience with one (or know someone who has).

#8 In August you will be having a Roundup of Powerstroke owners in your hometown. How are things progressing? Does it look like it will become a yearly event?

It's going pretty well. I wish either Ford or Navistar would step in and help out a little. I commend Dodge and Cummins for the support they give the Turbo Diesel Registry. Hopefully if I can get enough people we'll be able to do something similar. Right now, I have 25 trucks registered for this year. It will be July 31-Aug 2. We'll be having a couple of meetings, a trail ride, and picnic. It's mostly just to get to know each other and discuss plans for starting a club. There's a very large event going on during this time called the Highlands Festival that will offer lots more to do if someone wants to stay longer. For people on the western end of the country, James Langan is having a Power Stroke Rally in Reno, Nevada on September 6. I'll have info on it online soon. I hope to make it a yearly event and have more activities planned next year. I also hope to have it in a more central location. Several people (including you at DIS) have expressed interest in participating.

#9 You recently had a chat session with Gale Banks on your website. What has the feedback been like from the chat session?

It's been great. I had a small technical problem that prevented more than 25 people from participating. Gale said he'd do another one at any time. He's a great guy to work with and seems to really care about all us gearheads out here. I'd recommend his products to anyone.

#10 Any plans on another chat session in the future? If so with who or what topics?

We'll probably have another with Gale later this year. No other plans, but it would be nice to have someone from Ford or Navistar online.

#11 Have you received any feedback from Ford Motor Company pertaining to your website?

I've been contacted by several engineers and dealers at Ford. Evidently, they aren't allowed to speak to the press (I guess that would include us?), but have passed along lots of helpful information. Several Ford techs monitor the message conference regularly to help out people with problems. I'm still amazed that some Ford dealers don't know about the common problems that occur on these vehicles.

#12 You currently have the Banks Stinger system on your vehicle. What are your impressions of the system?

The truck was powerful when stock, but the Banks kit made it into a hot rod. I've never driven a diesel with this much power and it's interesting to see people's faces when you run off and leave them in a pokey old loud smelly diesel <g>. It was a difficult install because of the firewall clearances, but worth it in the end. I have the parts to take it up to the Stinger-Plus level, but haven't had time to install them yet.

#13 What are your thoughts on adding a chip to the Ford Powerstroke without replacing any of the exhaust?

I wouldn't recommend it. The stock downpipe is very restrictive. I was really shocked at how flat it was after I removed it. I've got the pieces if anyone wants to see at the Roundup. Adding a chip without the pipe is asking for trouble in my opinion. You're putting more fuel into the engine, but not providing enough flow for gases to escape. If you do go this route, be sure and add a pyrometer and watch it closely. Gale Banks has a very interesting article on his website in the Banks Talks section. They tested a competitors chip/pipe combo and found EGT to be as high as 1560 degrees! Obviously, the chip was putting out way too much fuel even with the pipe replacement. Imagine what the temp would have been with the stock pipe.

#14 You have a bulletin board on your web site - are you concerned on people passing misinformation on it?

I "police" it pretty regularly. Between myself and several other knowledgeable diesel mechanics that frequent the site we can usually weed out the misinformation. I also delete irrelevant and offensive posts as soon as I see them. There's some real idiots out there on the Internet, but thankfully most of them go away when no one responds to them.

#15 Maintenance is the key with the longevity of diesels. Any specific tips you wish to pass out on getting the longest life out of the Powerstroke engine?

The most important thing on any Ford diesel is to take care of your cooling system. It's well known that the Ford diesels have a reputation for having coolant-related failures. Change the coolant every 30,000 miles and add the appropriate additive (Fleetguard DCA4, Motorcraft FW15/16, PenCool, etc.) when you refill and at 15,000 miles. If you want to really be picky, pick up some test strips from a heavy-duty truck dealer. Fleetguard, Cat, John Deere, and Baldwin all have them. You'll be able to tell exactly how much you have. Otherwise, just perform regular maintenance. I do an oil and filter change at 3500 miles using Motorcraft filters and Shell Rotella-T 15W-40 oil. Change the fuel filter at 12-15K miles. Take care of them and they'll last you a long time. I perform all my own maintenance and recommend other people do too. It's the only way to know for sure that it's done right.

#16 As a diesel owner you are be a terrific candidate for this question. Why on earth do so many people remove the Cat converter off their diesel? Is it worth the risk?

I have no idea really. Even if states don't do an inspection, it's still a Federal crime to remove it. Gale said it wasn't restrictive and that's good enough for me.

#17 What are your thoughts on synthetic oils? Do you run them?

I don't use or recommend them. They aren't feasible for the extra cost, especially when an oil and filter change is 14 quarts. The only way the oil companies can justify the cost is to recommend "extended drain intervals" (a fancy way to say "leave the oil in for 20,000 miles", I guess it doesn't sound as scary). I don't care how good the oil is, that can't be good for the engine. It's well proven that these engines will go 300,000 miles with regular oil. What's the advantage for synthetic?

#18 I know it's probably too early to ask but in your communications with owners how is the new Automatic Transmission on the '99 model holding up so far? Does it look like the problems encountered with the E40D are fixed?

So far, so good. I don't know of anyone doing heavy towing yet so time will tell. The current problem is with the ESOF (electronic shift on the fly). Ford is having to replace almost all of them. Same as the transmission, I recommend manual hubs and transfer case on these trucks. The automakers are "dumbing-down" their trucks in my opinion. The piece of mind you get with manual hubs and transfer case is worth it when you're in the middle of nowhere and need 4WD. You have lots more options with manual hubs. Besides, who is too lazy to get out and turn two dials?

#19 Are there any plans on going to a membership type offering like Jim Bigley's Unofficial 6.2/6.5L website offers?

No plans. I do hope to start a club but plan on always making my information available for free. Since I run my own webserver, there's no monthly fees or access charges that I have to pay.

#20 What does the future hold for the Ford Diesel Website?

Hopefully it'll keep growing with more and more information. By this time next year I'd like to have a full fledged club/registry and plans for a much larger Roundup.