640,491 miles on an F-250 with a 6.9L IDI that We added a Banks turbo kit to in shop class. We redid the rings, honed the cylinder walls, decked the block, decked the heads, rebuilt the injection pump. And our class all sold baked goods until we had enough to buy the Banks system. We emailed Banks and told them what we needed, the sales person asked what I was doing and O said it’s for our schools shopclass truck. Mr Banks HIMSELF brought it to our shop and helped us install it at NO charge- didn’t even charge us for the kit!
I just picked up a 2003 F250 Lariat 7.3 with 82K original miles on it from the original owner, never wrecked, no rust, Texas truck. Man I'm in love! lol.
Get a programmer/tuner and exhaust upgrade if you can to pull some more power out of her. I picked up an 02 f250 w/225K, same as you with no issues. You found a gem with 82K.
yep but seems like most dont know you can put a newer 6.4 and early 6.7 starter on to help with the slow start they really do start within a sec at that point
Also if you upgrade your batteries to batteries that come in a 2001 Lincoln navigator the hard start is thing of the past. I did it on both of my f250s
Did any of you read on other forums about the fuel diesel quality problems that worked OK with the 7.3 injection system, but gummed up the 6.0 system? The introduction of the 6 liter was mandated by emissions regulations that the 7.3 could not meet, but used technology from Europe for the engines, but not the regulations for the fuel. and have you seen how much stuff is in the engine bay, that requires so much removed to get at some of the basic emission controls, EGR cooler, oil cooler, etc., that is accessible on a heavy diesel. I got the impression that some maintenance would have been as costly as a Ferrari (EGR tune up) and pickup owners and shops were used to older diesels and gas motors. International was not aware of how the fuel quality required so much service and did not advise Ford or owners until the 6.0 and 6.4 got a bad reputation, received inadequate support from the engine supplier. That resulted in the improved 6.7. But you still are faced with major disassembly for a number of services
Thanks for the honest review of the 7.3. We have five of them in our family and they have all gone over 300K miles with no major issues. I plan on keeping mine for as long as I can. I live in AZ so even with 300K she looks like new.
When your 7.3 gets serious miles and is very hard to start cold, it's very likely low oil supply pressure to the h.p. oil pump. It's real easy to change the l.p. pump and only costs about 125 bucks. Works really good for me.
Speed is a matter of transmission geared a bit too low. It makes plenty of power (especially with some upgrades) to do whatever you want at any speed, but the tranny holds it back.
i agree. the stock tranny is geared for towing and you can tell. to drive it as just a commuter or to drive fast you have to shift a little differently than you would think. when you drive it with a load of shit in the back though you are happy to have that transmission. it is also a damn durable and long lasting transmission, somewhat i guess. at 320k mine has had only a minor rebuild and is due for another one, but in the last 100k i have beat the absolute shit out of it. other than that, if you aren't towing, it sucks.
and despite needing some work and having an absolute about to crumble to pieces clutch, its still solid. so to add, its definitely a durable component, but its also definitely for towing/work.
I love how level-headed, realistic, and unbiased Rich is. It really makes these videos educational. Hes absolutely right, about how _your_ truck is the best in the world, and what _everybody else drives_ is crap. Its refreshing to watch something that's entirely objective, and not opinion driven.
In case the Ford guys didn't notice, he basically said the 7.3 while not perfect, is actually a pretty good engine. I would agree with him. The 7.3 powerstroke overall is pretty good. Just keep that in mind when you watch the video where he discusses everything that is wrong with the triton V8, because it IS a piece of shit in many inexcusable ways.
Craig Campbell as an owner/former owner of Dozens of Triton Engines in vans, I would like to know what problems you had? (the 4.6 is underpowered, the 5.4 is a dog in the E250-350's, and though the V10 has balls, you pay for it at the pump) otherwise I have never had much issues.
I will never understand why they went with aluminum heads on those engines. What did they save 5 pounds? I have over 400,000 miles on a 5.4 in my van. It makes decent power. Only problem I have has is it blew a plug while I was out of state. I got lucky in that it that none of it landed in the engine. I found a muffler shop of all places that could fix it and so far the repair has held.
Craig Campbell is a liar! I've owned many vehicles with the triton engine and never had issues beyond regular maintenance...many of my Triton's got upwards of 375k
awesome videos, keep up the good work. I have two 7.3 diesel Fords. a 94 F250 and a 99 F350. I respect all the makes and models. I drove a 92 Dodge with a Cummins 5-speed straight pipe. thought I would lose my mind listening to the exhaust with that 5-speed. It was awesome. if someone takes the time to fix up a Ford Chevy or Dodge. And it's a diesel pickup, I totally respect that. Thumbs up to American boys and American trucks. they all have their good and bad.
7.3 is a true industrial engine. Ford screwed the pooch when they abandoned this workhorse. Although I'm not into V8 diesels, these things will last forever if you take care of them.
Ya setting in a heated garage international couldn't build a tractor not a truck or any powerplant for that matter owned by welfare farmers every where. John Deere and ram and a Cummins powered 379 Pete is all you need.
FishFind3000 dont tell guy proulx either, he swears that a GM will have massive engine failure after 2 years and that no GM truck ever has broken 100k miles. Except all the ones in LA that get the living fuck beat out of them in construction and run for like 250k miles
Frank Magana - I think people buy beat up, worn out, hurtin, old farm trucks that have 100-150 on the odometer, of hard ass miles.. and expect a miracle. You get what you pay for regardless of manufacturer.
@CockYaLegS - Couldn't agree more. I love the look and drive of many Chrystler/Dodge trucks and cars but after working on them for years and years it is painfully obvious that their standards are not on par with other makers. In fact, I argue that many of their vehicles are specifically DESIGNED to fail in order to force customers to bring vehicle in for repair, strategically right after warranties expire. It's one thing to make something of low quality but to Design it to fail??.....that's criminal in my opinion. Case in point, there is a part on a Dodge Magnum/Charger/200 on the shift lockout that is made so poorly that it's very suspiciously nefarious. It just so happens to be a plastic piece that is HOT PINK in color, whereas all the other plastic around it is either black or grey. Why? Please, some Dodge guy tell me what possible reason is a piece of plastic made in the color of hot pink in a place that is generally only seen by someone doing a repair??? You can't. There is no explanation for it other than it's that color for it to be easy to locate for WHEN it fails. That is a sign of a company that I want no part of. The shame is, the Cummins is a good engine but I liken it to the steak dangling in front of a consumers face.
As long as you leave it stock and make sure it has good quality coolant and oil the 6.0 is almost as good and has plenty of power and is actually good on fuel
These 7.3s are not bad engines, that's back when Navistar actually made good diesels, so they may not be very powerful, but definitely worth it for longevity. I think since all the failures of the 6.0 and 6.4, Ford decided to break free from their contract with Navistar and build their own diesel, and thus, the 6.7 was born.
Grayson Reichert the early 6.7s were not good either they dropped valves a lot and has turbo and injector problems, cracked pistons with tuning just like the 6.4 did but I heard they have corrected the turbo and valve issues in the newest ones.
I agree but I have to chime in that if Ford wasn't working beside Navistar with the powerstrokes, they are complete morons. No-one says, "build us an engine, give us a call when we can expect delivery". Ford engineers were in the same room designing the engine and fitment. On top of that, Ford never corrected known problems but only puts OEM back in. Simple things like replacing head bolts with studs would prevent future head gasket issues but that is against Ford policy.
DEBOSS GARAGE and I'd have to chime in and say International is just as to blame for the junk, if you really know diesels you would also know about the Powerstrokes really big brothers the Maxforce engines are total junk as well (No Ford involvement on those).. boy I'm glad my mom didn't wait another year to buy her 2002 7.3 super duty new or she would have ended up with a 6.0 now I own that truck and love it only 113k original miles on the 7.3...
Ford forced international to rush the 6.0 & 6.4 to the market. If international was given proper time they could have made a better engine. Then again what would international know they've just been making farm equipment for how many decades....
Suprised you didn’t mention the starters being under built and the oil pans like to leak. As a 7.3 owner it’s just what we suffer through for the million miles. Good video!
A common trick on the Super Duty trucks with the single glow plug/injector connector becoming loose was to insert a quarter under the connector tab (commonly known as the "quarter trick" or "50 cent mod." Did it on my 2000 F350 using knockouts from an electrical box after losing the left bank, never had an issue afterward.
Perhaps the thing which I find most frustrating about the 7.3 is that the “tin nut” on the IPR valve sometimes works itself loose and falls into the valley. Not exactly fun when you’re towing. Simple fix, obviously, but a solid nut from the factory might’ve been a better way to go
It does, but it also kills the glowplugs because they are red hot when the fuel hits them. All glowplugs suffer from that, but the ones used in 7.3s are especially sensitive to it.
Sean Hazelwood that is true. But also if you stick to that you might as well wait a bit after the light goes out because they plugs are still burning several seconds after the light goes out. In fact on colder days they can be energized up to 2 minutes after the light goes out. You can tell that by the battery gauge or lights if it's dark out. One thing we can all agree on is don't use starting fluid. If you can keep from it.
I might be one of the oddballs. I learned to drive diesels on 6.9s and GM 6.2s.....you follow the rules or the danged thing won't start at all, lol. So, I do it on all of them now. And, I agree...I Hate an "Ether Junky".
I've bypassed the GPR with a momentary switch so it can't automatically turn on and I have full control of the glow plugs(wiring harnesses had melted when I first got the pickup). And I honestly don't have to hit the glowplugs unless it's a cold start in about 30F or colder.
The 7.3 stock isn’t a too powerful stock but with some pretty good upgrades they are beasts! I have one with a ton of banks upgrades and can pretty easily smoke 6.0s and 6.4s and even 6.7s. Now once they get upgrades they can beat mine but without them they aren’t even close.
Spend more than you bought the truck for and you might be able to keep up with a stock tune 6.4 and a 6.0 with a 60 horse tune. You arent making over 400 hp without about 10000 dollars of parts plus labor if you cant do it your self. And then you will probably end up building the engine because something is going to break. Iv got a buddy with a pretty spicy 7.3 excursion. Its about as fast as my tune only 2003 cummins. Then again im running a 160 wheel hp tune. Hes got way more than 10k and he did most of the work himself. Then he wiped the cam and had to rebuild it
I would love to afford a cummins, I really like the duramax engine and I don't mind powerstroke but I really like your videos, I'm learning a lot on what to look out for and to be mindful of. I support you all the way
Great for snow plowing..... couldn't even feel the snow....even wet heavy snow. Never owned one, just used one for a former boss years ago so i have no idea if it was reliable but i do know it was a beast.
I'm driving a 2000 F350 just about to hit 448k on the odo. What they should have really done is used a MUCH better air filter housing, I've seen LOTS of 7.3s ruined over busted air filter housings causing the engine to be dusted. If you don't like electronics, well the PSD is as simple as a electronic controlled diesel engine will be so for sure don't buy a newer one, they are BY FAR worse. After for stopped using IH's 7.3 PSD, I won't have another diesel ford is slapping together, they are junk. I hate chevy and dodge too LOL, 12V Cummins 5.9 is a good engine.
Thanks for the vid and info. Preferences are just that. We ran a f350 v-10 gasser at work. I hated that truck, horrible issues with the lockers every winter, along with a poor running charging system for plowing that a new alternator and second battery did not alleviate. The engine did always start, but beyond that all of the maintenance crew loved to hate that truck
Just replaced the water pump on my 96 F-250 with the 7.3 Powerstroke after about 125,000 miles. She’s a beast, used to be used for hauling combines in North Dakota until my grandpa died in 2008. Sat for years in the Washington humidity and finally convinced my dad that we need to fix it. Did it in under a day, next up is the front ball joints
I like your approach to an analysis of keeping our mechanical stuff running....when all said and done the machine doesn't run on attitude it runs on know how.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about the 7.3’s But I can tell you from my experience I own an 01 this has been the most problematic truck I could even imagine I have literally went through every part of that truck and it still has issues. I’m sure there are good ones out there maybe I just got a dud. I have Spent about $5000 trying to keep the truck running just this year it’s ridiculous and everything is super expensive. That’s even with me doing all the work myself. I have almost re-done my entire electrical harness all new sensors, Not to mention all the mechanical issues I have already fixed including injectors flex plates front end issues Transmission The list just goes on and on and on and it only has 210,000 miles. People keep telling me to get rid of it but when you have spent that much money and spent that much time on the vehicle it’s kind of hard to want to get rid of it..Hope your experience is better than mine just figured I would throw this comment out there.
Your right on the climate...i live in Texas and my 97 f350 7.3 cclb 4x4 is a great truck no rust at all, it starts every time even with my bad glow plug relay and does it on 37" tires at 18mpg.
If hard starting, I found that you need new glow plugs when you see raw fuel or white smoke at tail pipe when starting a cold engine. First time change set, 2 glow plug element stuck in head passage when removing glow plug housing. I end up removing rocker , vice griped heating element, then push down then carefully,liquid wrench, then pulled up grinding the carbon off the dead heating element.
I and my dad have a 6.9 idi farm/ feed truck and it heavily relies on glow plugs even in 70+ degree weather but after it starts it is a great running truck
I love watching all your videos. I'm a big Cummins fan, but I've now been dabbling with other diesel trucks and it's good to know about all their issues, and no other better place to learn than from your videos. I really love your video how to check out buying an old diesel truck where you go over everything you need to check. I have sent that video to numerous friends so they don't get burnt when shopping. Thank you!
The 6.0 is great, I refuse to acknowledge the 6.4 as a good option though and I'm a Ford guy. That said I think everything needs arp headstuds so that might be why I still like the 6.0
Wow, think I found a new favorite channel. I like how you presented this info. There are pros and cons to all the manufacturers and it is often up to us as consumers to correct the problems. I like how you said treat it right and it'll treat you right, exactly!!! BTY, 2003 superduty E350 van with 332,000. Normal oil drips, otherwise not a single complaint.
One I've seen a handful of times is that exhaust back pressure valve they use for warm up can stick shut, it's easy to delete but it sure sucks the first time you go to pull out into the road on a cold morning and she hangs up.
Justin Kady second that! Just bought a budget beater F350 with s 7.3 and on cold morning you can floor it and it will only do 10 or so miles mph and then after about a block it unsticks and gets back to normal power
I'm actually more of a 6.9 fan but haven't had one for a while, lately it's been the 6.0 and yeah I've got powerstroke imprinted backwards on my belly from working on it. Shout out to the late great diesel tech Ron, he's kept my beast running...
I’m a mechanic and all I have to say is 7.3 Powerstroke oil pan replacement enough said... 24 hour book time job at ford on any short nosed E series vehicle with twin I beams
Great information, i definitely agree that the 7.3 is hard to start in the cold if the glow plug system isn't working. Had 3/8 glow plugs that were toast and couldn't get truck to start in 40*F if it wasn't plugged in. Was a easy fix and changed the GPR and all the glow plugs and she starts up no problem now. Thanks for the video
I have a 2000 F350. When diesel was over $4 a gallon I was burning cooking oil at an 84% ratio. 10% gasoline, 5% kerosene, and two additives. It was costing me about $1.05 a gallon. Let's see the rest of those engines do that. And I get around 20 miles to the gallon on the freeway with my foot in it.
Still working my 97 f350 with the 7.3. Out in the Fields in the farm working her like a mule all day everyday in extreme conditions! She still going hard without major issues! In the process I’ve had 2 other trucks, One with the 6.0 and the other 6.4. They are long gone by now as they were endless money pits. I bought them all brand new, I never buy used work trucks.
Issues with injectors sticking/ dying because of ppl ignoring to change hi pressure oil pump oil as well as motor oil are common, the system doesn't circulate oil as well as it should.
Alex Matthews I know no-one does this I made a tool for sucking out my hpop. I had to show my friends who own hpop powered Ford's what they are missing when they change their oil
I have a 2003 7.3 I purchased new. Issues I’ve had are HPOP seals, supply & return fuel line cracking, cam sensor, thermostat housing corroding and starter bolts falling out. It has a lot of Baja miles = rough; on it so I feel lucky these are the only issues I’ve had. Great vid and thanks!
The CPS got me the other day under load 😐 it was purring along, cut out really quick, then kept going. Learned my lesson the hard way 🤣 if your Cranks Pos Sensor goes out, replace it with the motor craft OEM sensor. Electronics like their original designs over aftermarket. I love the truck and the engine but that lil problem is always in the back of my mind. Sucks that the future is moving towards more electronic bullshit that's becoming increasingly complicated.
Great video Rich, I totally trust your opinion. After watching this vid though, I'd still lean towards a cummins powered Dodge as it sounds more reliable in the long run... Cheers
own a 2002 7.3 powerstroke and a 2003 Dodge 5.9, no comparison 5.9 more powerfull, easy starting, smoother running and way better gas mileage. run both on my farm, both workhorses, Cummins wins hands down!
I've had a 2002 7.3 and a 2001 24 valve in my family and the 7.3l is much more powerful and much quieter. No comparison. But the dodge gets about 5 more mpg. Edit: I think the older vp44(i think) pump 24 valves from 98-2002 is a more fair comparison against the 7.3
Great video!! I had to do replace the up pipes on my 2002 F350 with 143+ miles last weekend because it was leaking behind the turbo, common problem from what I have researched. I went with the updated up pipes, it was a pain but glad it is done. I also got a reman pedestal because it was leaking oil from the ebpv actuator another common problem from what I have read. I also change the orings while I had it tore down. Just thankful it is all done!!!
I like how you diplomatically described the positives and negatives of these diesels. I'm with Rich oh this one; the 7.3 isn't what a lot of Ford fan boys make it out to be, but is a good engine. My father in law owns one and loves it. I'm not a Ford guy at all, but I have to admit that the 7.3 powerjoke is a good engine ;) The truck is a 01 and has been taken care of every time something goes wrong with it. The truck seems to be falling apart around the engine just like dodges fall apart around the cummins. The 7.3 powerjoke is a massive improvement over the idi 7.3 which I have towed with dozens of times using a friend's truck. The idi usually gets about 13.7-14.5mpg empty, and around 10.5-12.5mpg towing a 6k lb car+trailer in the slow lane. The 01 f350 crew cab powerjoke gets around 10.5 towing a large horse trailer loaded with 4 horses, family, and gear. It gets around 17mpg on a good day unloaded. The power of the powerjoke vs the idi is night and day, and if someone held a gun to my head and told me I had to pick 1 Ford truck to own for life, it would definitely be a 7.3 powerjoke. Personally, I still believe cummins makes the best diesel engines for reliable heavy towing on the planet, but all the manufacturers make trucks that fall apart around the engines. However, sometimes it's the engine + the truck that are unreliable and that's when you have to start rethinking your automotive decision.
love my 7.3 in my '02 superduty. best truck I've ever owned so far. runs like a champ and the only thing to fail was my low pressure oil pump, which wasn't hard to replace, besides the normal maint.
Don't forget the dreaded failed IPR, that one will leave you stranded and not throw a code. Unless you have a proper scan tool to read the duty cycle your in the dark. When I take long trips in my 7.3 I always bring an IDM, CPS, and a IPR. That pretty much covers the issues that will leave you stranded. Now with the 6.0, just have towing coverage. Your going use it at least a couple times
Thank you Bosborn for interesting diesel acronyms. I had no idea these parts were essential... it's very scary to be driving around now in my 1999 E350 Ford 7.3 without an IDM, CFS, IPR :-) If you get a chance, we would enjoy a quick video on where these parts are located and how to replace if needed. Thank you again for your informative videos. God Bless.
achriscity They are essential to the engine running. The reason I keep spares On long trips is that many parts stores don't carry them. So if you have a failure that can leave you stranded for a day or so while they order them. Now in all reality the likely of failure is low. I just like being prepared. I will try to get a video up on common 7.3 issues that will cause a roadside breakdown
Okay great info Bosborn1. Thank you again for valuable tips on keeping Diesel 7.3 running. I am also going to keep an extra belt handy, because the other day my belt broke on the highway and barely made it to the mechanic while driving 20 minutes without belt, thus no alternator, no brakes, no power steering. It was very frightening :-/
Love 7.3 powerstrokes, my list of issues is as follows, oil pans rust out, fuel filter housings leak, glow plug and intake heater issues, oil cooler leaks, aftermarket valve cover gaskets always fail, icp sensors go bad or get air trapped under... i.d.m.'s go bad till they are upgraded with a better grounding circuit internally. Biggest one as of lately is clusters going bad and causing windows, radios, dome light, door lock issues. Also the hpop get weak after about 200k miles and the trucks benefit greatly in mileage and power with just a new hpop...they are definitely the old faithful of the powerstroke line.... thanks for you videos guys!
My2000 7.3 will be in my work truck for the rest of my life lol. I will keep it repaired and replace the engine in the body if I have to. Before I buy a new truck anyway
From the company that brought you stout engines like the DT466, the 7.Tree IDI and the 7.3 Powersmoke, Intersmashable gives you the 6.Blow and the 6.4 Powerjoke
Oil pans are SUPER thin. If you go to buy a northern truck, make sure you make sure it's not rotted through. I had one and you have to remove the engine to replace it because there's a cross member directly underneath.
Great video and opinion! The best part for me was when you take care of something, it will take care of you. Love my 7.3 with 368000 miles on the original injectors and engine. You've got the wheels in my head turning though. I'm thinking about trying to shoehorn a DT466 International engine in mine when it finally gives out on me 😉. Awesome channel!
I had a DT466 in my service truck. I don't have one bad thing to say about that engine. Wait, just the rubber return lines on the injectors leak every 2 years. Stupid.
The weak link in the 7.3 outfitted super duties isn't the engine. It's the E4OD/4R100 automatic transmissions set behind them. The T5-T56 manual transmission models fared better.
Excellent video Rich. I have the 7.3 with over 239,000 miles on it and the only problems I've had are the starter, water pump, CPS (Cam Position Sensor, a leaking ICP, and a PPS (Pedal Position Sensor). Other than that it's been a great truck, it even starts easy in the winter below freezing after a few cycles of the glow plug WAIT to start light. I agree with all that you said on this engine. If you maintain it, like all vehicles, it won't let you down. However of all the vehicles I've had, the worst ones were the 1969 124 Fiat Spider, 2002 Dodge 3.3 Grand Caravan with 124,000 miles, and a 1991 3.0 Dynasty at less than 100,000 miles. The van has made me the most money on my YT Channel on how to fix it. I called it my "Fix It Again Caravan". Most of the problems with the van were the AC system, CV shafts, Hub bearing and electrical. The engine ran fine with a rough Idle I could never figured out. I sold the van for the price of the new transmission I put in it. The folks I sold it to are constantly working on it. The most reliable vehicle I've had is my 1995 Nissan Pathfinder with over 270,000 miles on it with regular maintenance, water pump, belts and breaks. Thanks for the nice vid Rich. Best Wishes n Blessings. Keith Noneya
Really good slow and loud old Navistar engine. Used them for years way up in BC coast inlets and bays, barge access only sites. Parts and logistics a premium to get in. Year after year they ran and ran with just lots of fuel/water separator changes. Not a powerhouse engine. But for growling around on coastal logging roads they rocked. Put it in 4 low, it would climb a wall.
These videos are great...for the new or entering into the Diesel rig world. I appreciate all the comments on how they found and fixed a problem...we skip over the Homers. Thank for the information D'boss
only thing honestly is the oil changes. i like to keep my injectors working well so i do it at 3k miles no matter what. basic oil and good ol fl1995 usually costs $60-70 and i always do it myself.
@@dsruddell Just started running two stroke oil in my fuel, your injectors will love it. I never realized how noisy the motor was, something to due with the new diesel being dry.
@@themodernadventurer4320 well yes and no depends on the motor and if you can trick the computer into starting, cause old diesels mechanical injectors always try nothing stops them. Atf is automatic transmission fluid D-3, if you didn't know and for anyone whom may read.
I've owned all three, a Duramax, Cummins, and the current one is the 7.3 powerstroke. They all had their issues, but I loved them all and they did everything I needed them to do.
Dudes.., there are people providing constructive criticism aaaaand there are trolls, you can't get away from them so the best thing is to ignore ;) keep on keeping on..! ;)
I have always been partial to the Cummins, but the 7.3 was the first diesel truck I owned that drove like a gasoline truck without the slow acceleration of the earlier diesels. The only beef I had with the 7.3 was just how noisy it sounded when you would start it on a cold morning. It sounded like someone was shaking a bucket of nuts and bolts under the hood. That being said, it was the first of the modern diesels and really made driving a diesel truck enjoyable.
Used to have a 4X4 2002 F250 Crewcab 7.3 muffler delete S&B air box and a Quadzilla plug & play 60HP. I got 20 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg around town. I just couldn't afford to maintain it. DIY oil change was $80.00. The only engine problems were o-rings on the huey lines, glow plug relay, and the cam position sensor.
Hi may I ask if the coolant reservoir tank needs to be filled more... maybe to the top? If radiator coolant is low, did you do anything to improve cooling system? Thank you Scott.
I have had a 7.3 for 18 years. I can say that you pretty much nailed it. I had the cam trigger replaced under warranty (or it might have been a recall). I had the Injector bank go out. Replaced those harnesses. I replaced the starter. and the batteries. I also had an issue with the hydraulic clutch and the clutch petal switch. I have no real complaints. It will likely outlast me at this point.
The Ford F-900 in the Navy Seabees,which they still actually have in service,all use 7.3L's in them too,they have a hydraulic bed for loading up 20 FT containers.Not as powerful as a 12V 6CT or 7.2L 3126/C-7,but they still get up and go very well.
Hi Deboss, I'm in the beginning stages of building my car carrier and found a 2001 7.3 powerstroke in good shape for my chassis doner, swapping the f-350 body out for a 1960 mercury 700 classic farm truck body, I'm hoping to stretch the frame to hold a gasser for show, also in the plans, I found your video interesting and convincing that I made the right choice for the power to run this rig. Thanks for the great content, love the channel.
One major issue I've had with the 7.3 (I've owned 3 of them) is the fuel filter housing... They could have designed it much better and easier to change and reprime
My 01 7.3 has (I'm sorry to say) less than 200,000 miles. It has sat for months, pulled thousands of pounds and idled for a week many times. The timing control sensor messed with me once. All other fixes needed so far have been besides this engine. Water pumps, exhaust leakes, batteries, alternator, u-joints, dual mass flywheel and clutch, A/C, major clutch pedal linkage problems, Ebrake linkage problem and cable, some fixes in steering(because it has a 4 inch lift/level-springs not blocks) rough road work, glow plug relay, fuel bowl water drain valve.....I love this truck. It loves me.
my problem with his channel is that people start talking shit in the comments, he starts talking more shit in the comments, then he disables the comments. i wanna see what people are saying about the video.
Kor G. B. That’s half the fun. Don’t bogart that joint my friend. Pass it over to me I always say and everybody can learn a bit from other’s experiences. Right ? Right !👍✔️🇺🇸
I’m not sure if it’s just me but owning a 5.9 24v and a 2006 and 2008 duramax and a 2011 6.4 powerstroke I will say in Iowa it seems like the 08 duramax and the 11 powerstroke use and go through glow plugs every winter around the first of the year.
I have a 7.3L and a 6.0L. the transmission 5R110 in the 6.0L is way better. I have had all of the fixes done on the 6.0L and its soooo much easier to make big power. those are my 2 main complaints. also I don't know why but my 7.3L eats an alternator every 2 years. change the oil and your 7.3L should run forever.
Rich Farfugnuven completely agree. I have a 7.3 and 6.0 as well. The 7.3 doesn't need as much maintenance as the 6.0 but once you fix the problems on the 6.0 I believe they are just as reliable as a 7.3.
Spencer Garrett Spencer. more so for my 6.0L now, and ridiculously more power. getting there wasn't easy though. thank God for bulletproof diesel. the oil cooler added 2.5 more quarts to my oil capacity and I changed it at 6600 miles and sent a sample to Blackstone Labs and they said the oil looked brand new. I run Arch oil 9100 as well and Blackstone said to go 9000 miles this next time.
Spencer Garrett oh and I forgot to mention that I have to pass emissions, so I might have internally welded my EGR Cooler. still passes with flying colors. I just set my SCT tune back to baseline right before the test.
but but, I thought the 7.3 was BULLETPROOF!?!? I'm triggered haha I have a lifted excursion with 170,000 miles, runs awesome but leaks or burns some oil
Don't forget the flywheel dampening Springs breaking. If you have a power stroke that really rattles, odds are the Springs are broken and you need to pull the transmission to see what's going on
I’ve replaced them by just lifting the engine up in the engine bay, still a lot of work but the engine didn’t need to come all the way out. Never tried on a two wheel drive truck because in New England it’s pretty rare to see a f250-f350 that’s not 4x4.. only really see the 2 wheel drives in bigger trucks like tow trucks and flat beds etc (at least in my experience) my 7.3 had a lot of leak issues around the HPOP and it’s lines. Also a very common problem on the 7.3 is the cam sensors that can go at any time and shut your truck off while driving.. always kept an OEM spare in the glovebox for side of the road repairs.. happened twice to me in a few years
Love my '02 F350 Lariat Crew Cab LB with 7.3. Tows anything I can throw behind it. Love the cold AC. Love the sound of the engine and the turbo whistle. I always carry a spare crankshaft position sensor (CPS) , little common problem. Mine has 205k and I admit sometimes it does seem like it struggles to start but you just have to make sure you got the glow plugs on far a while to ensure it's preheated that diesel fuel. My truck still turns heads and it's 17 years old whenever a floor it on the 45 MPH roads.
Bought one of these for the right price, been a damn reliable truck. Seriously though change the oil and suck out the oil in the hpop it's been cold as hell this winter I plug it in in the morning but neg temps during the day sitting in a field for hours and starts up no problem. Will start fine without the plug but why not be nice to it when I can!
640,491 miles on an F-250 with a 6.9L IDI that We added a Banks turbo kit to in shop class. We redid the rings, honed the cylinder walls, decked the block, decked the heads, rebuilt the injection pump. And our class all sold baked goods until we had enough to buy the Banks system.
We emailed Banks and told them what we needed, the sales person asked what I was doing and O said it’s for our schools shopclass truck.
Mr Banks HIMSELF brought it to our shop and helped us install it at NO charge- didn’t even charge us for the kit!
Chloe Hennessey are you related to Hennessy performance? lol
Chloe Hennessey that sounds awesome! I wish my school would do something like that
The later 6.9 IDIs are awesome engines. I say that in present tense, because I still have one!
That's awesome.
Is that 640000 before or after the rebuild
do a video on how "awesome" chevy front ends are. Hahaha
You should see them now
ZIP TIES N BIAS PLIES howdy peg!!!!
Ol Peg Leg!!
If it ain’t ol whistling diesels fan boy ?! IDI Fords all the way Peg...
Hey dad is here
I just picked up a 2003 F250 Lariat 7.3 with 82K original miles on it from the original owner, never wrecked, no rust, Texas truck. Man I'm in love! lol.
Damn nice find man
3 years ago I found me a 7.3 Lariat 96000 miles awesome truck
Get a programmer/tuner and exhaust upgrade if you can to pull some more power out of her. I picked up an 02 f250 w/225K, same as you with no issues. You found a gem with 82K.
That’s a great find man. Please take care of it cause it will outlast u and ur grandkids will be driving it one day.
Damn, I didn't even know a 7.3 with that kind of miles even existed any more. Rings aren't even seated yet. Awesome
"We all understand that what you drive is the best and what everybody else drives is crap" should be the next T-Shirt
Up pipes, exhaust manifolds, rotten oil pans, crank sensors, and auto trans issues about cover it but I'll keep both of my 7.3's forever.
yep but seems like most dont know you can put a newer 6.4 and early 6.7 starter on to help with the slow start they really do start within a sec at that point
The only thing I'd add is the ever-looming oil cooler explosion :) .
Don't forget the high pressure fuel line o rings
Also if you upgrade your batteries to batteries that come in a 2001 Lincoln navigator the hard start is thing of the past. I did it on both of my f250s
Change to synthetic oil. Helps a ton in the winter
Everyone driving slower than me is an idiot and everyone driving faster than me is a maniac.
Conceited dumbshits.
Your following me and you have a mommy van behind you.
That's a george carlin quote.
@@The1emerican yup
Everything wrong with a 7.3 : They don't make it anymore. Oh and I guess fuel economy lol.
You can thank the EPA for that one!
fuel economy is pretty good on a 7.3
so true. but the 6.7s have sooo much powerrrrr
Did any of you read on other forums about the fuel diesel quality problems that worked OK with the 7.3 injection system, but gummed up the 6.0 system?
The introduction of the 6 liter was mandated by emissions regulations that the 7.3 could not meet, but used technology from Europe for the engines, but not the regulations for the fuel.
and have you seen how much stuff is in the engine bay, that requires so much removed to get at some of the basic emission controls, EGR cooler, oil cooler, etc., that is accessible on a heavy diesel. I got the impression that some maintenance would have been as costly as a Ferrari (EGR tune up) and pickup owners and shops were used to older diesels and gas motors. International was not aware of how the fuel quality required so much service and did not advise Ford or owners until the 6.0 and 6.4 got a bad reputation, received inadequate support from the engine supplier.
That resulted in the improved 6.7.
But you still are faced with major disassembly for a number of services
edm fuel economy is ok on the later double shot engines. OBS 7.3s were not very good on mileage at all.
Thanks for the honest review of the 7.3. We have five of them in our family and they have all gone over 300K miles with no major issues. I plan on keeping mine for as long as I can. I live in AZ so even with 300K she looks like new.
is it still going strong ?
When your 7.3 gets serious miles and is very hard to start cold, it's very likely low oil supply pressure to the h.p. oil pump. It's real easy to change the l.p. pump and only costs about 125 bucks. Works really good for me.
Also a good fresh set of batteries, makes a world of diffefence
@@JohnHynes_at_lookituplivereplace glow plugs
2000 7.3 6 speed , I fix stuff before it breaks . 338k, second owner. 100k so far and counting. Enjoyed the video .
1999 here with 385k
1999.5 405k miles 6 speed manual. Runs like a dream.
2000 f250 7.3 6 speed 424000 and still going strong
The best truck I ever owned was the one that never made me walk, I have a 7.3 and i am happy with it.
Top Jimmy
@@cliffniiranen1044 hes got the looks!
I got a 1999 Ford f-450 7.3 crew cab one ton, slow, heavy, loud, love it:)
Must be rich to afford all that diesel
its slow. Loud. old. i love mine.
it may be slow but it can pull anything you put behind it lol
if you get a nice tranny and a couple upgrades its actually pretty fast for a big truck. my acceleration from 3rd gear up is ridiculous.
Speed is a matter of transmission geared a bit too low. It makes plenty of power (especially with some upgrades) to do whatever you want at any speed, but the tranny holds it back.
i agree. the stock tranny is geared for towing and you can tell. to drive it as just a commuter or to drive fast you have to shift a little differently than you would think. when you drive it with a load of shit in the back though you are happy to have that transmission. it is also a damn durable and long lasting transmission, somewhat i guess. at 320k mine has had only a minor rebuild and is due for another one, but in the last 100k i have beat the absolute shit out of it. other than that, if you aren't towing, it sucks.
and despite needing some work and having an absolute about to crumble to pieces clutch, its still solid. so to add, its definitely a durable component, but its also definitely for towing/work.
I love how level-headed, realistic, and unbiased Rich is.
It really makes these videos educational.
Hes absolutely right, about how _your_ truck is the best in the world, and what _everybody else drives_ is crap. Its refreshing to watch something that's entirely objective, and not opinion driven.
In case the Ford guys didn't notice, he basically said the 7.3 while not perfect, is actually a pretty good engine. I would agree with him. The 7.3 powerstroke overall is pretty good. Just keep that in mind when you watch the video where he discusses everything that is wrong with the triton V8, because it IS a piece of shit in many inexcusable ways.
Craig Campbell as an owner/former owner of Dozens of Triton Engines in vans, I would like to know what problems you had? (the 4.6 is underpowered, the 5.4 is a dog in the E250-350's, and though the V10 has balls, you pay for it at the pump) otherwise I have never had much issues.
M Shultz the 5.4 has shallow spark plugs that like to strip and break and the cam lobes wear down prematurely causing knock and eventually failure.
I will never understand why they went with aluminum heads on those engines.
What did they save 5 pounds?
I have over 400,000 miles on a 5.4 in my van.
It makes decent power.
Only problem I have has is it blew a plug while I was out of state. I got lucky in that it that none of it landed in the engine. I found a muffler shop of all places that could fix it and so far the repair has held.
Craig Campbell is a liar! I've owned many vehicles with the triton engine and never had issues beyond regular maintenance...many of my Triton's got upwards of 375k
Triton is shit because ford designed it no one uses a Ford engine to make them better or quicker or more reliable no one
awesome videos, keep up the good work. I have two 7.3 diesel Fords. a 94 F250 and a 99 F350. I respect all the makes and models. I drove a 92 Dodge with a Cummins 5-speed straight pipe. thought I would lose my mind listening to the exhaust with that 5-speed. It was awesome. if someone takes the time to fix up a Ford Chevy or Dodge. And it's a diesel pickup, I totally respect that. Thumbs up to American boys and American trucks. they all have their good and bad.
7.3 is a true industrial engine. Ford screwed the pooch when they abandoned this workhorse. Although I'm not into V8 diesels, these things will last forever if you take care of them.
MCE Performance The EPA is to blame for that
Ya setting in a heated garage international couldn't build a tractor not a truck or any powerplant for that matter owned by welfare farmers every where. John Deere and ram and a Cummins powered 379 Pete is all you need.
Ford didn't just abondon it. Emmisions standards tightened.
@@MrErichonda30 7.3 is actually better for emissions than the 6.0, California noise regulations killed the 7.3
Love my 02 296k on it just did injectors running like a turtle with a brand new shell :D
Everybody makes a good truck you just have to find the right model and year.
FishFind3000 - Shhhhh... Don't tell that to - CockYaLegS - he'll argue dodge is the worst!
Apparently a fact!
FishFind3000 dont tell guy proulx either, he swears that a GM will have massive engine failure after 2 years and that no GM truck ever has broken 100k miles. Except all the ones in LA that get the living fuck beat out of them in construction and run for like 250k miles
Frank Magana - I think people buy beat up, worn out, hurtin, old farm trucks that have 100-150 on the odometer, of hard ass miles.. and expect a miracle.
You get what you pay for regardless of manufacturer.
@CockYaLegS - Couldn't agree more. I love the look and drive of many Chrystler/Dodge trucks and cars but after working on them for years and years it is painfully obvious that their standards are not on par with other makers. In fact, I argue that many of their vehicles are specifically DESIGNED to fail in order to force customers to bring vehicle in for repair, strategically right after warranties expire. It's one thing to make something of low quality but to Design it to fail??.....that's criminal in my opinion. Case in point, there is a part on a Dodge Magnum/Charger/200 on the shift lockout that is made so poorly that it's very suspiciously nefarious. It just so happens to be a plastic piece that is HOT PINK in color, whereas all the other plastic around it is either black or grey. Why? Please, some Dodge guy tell me what possible reason is a piece of plastic made in the color of hot pink in a place that is generally only seen by someone doing a repair??? You can't. There is no explanation for it other than it's that color for it to be easy to locate for WHEN it fails. That is a sign of a company that I want no part of. The shame is, the Cummins is a good engine but I liken it to the steak dangling in front of a consumers face.
Frank Magana my 98 C2500 has 250k and it’s running strong replaced a door handle and change fluids.
If you want a FORD the 7.3 is the ONLY way to go, I agree completely. Great video
6.7 is nasty tho... if you can afford it
As long as you leave it stock and make sure it has good quality coolant and oil the 6.0 is almost as good and has plenty of power and is actually good on fuel
I got a 1999 rebuilt one in f-250 was that a good year for them
6.7 if you have the money
I like the 6.9 and 7.3 idi also.
These 7.3s are not bad engines, that's back when Navistar actually made good diesels, so they may not be very powerful, but definitely worth it for longevity. I think since all the failures of the 6.0 and 6.4, Ford decided to break free from their contract with Navistar and build their own diesel, and thus, the 6.7 was born.
Grayson Reichert and the 6.7L is still shit.
Grayson Reichert the early 6.7s were not good either they dropped valves a lot and has turbo and injector problems, cracked pistons with tuning just like the 6.4 did but I heard they have corrected the turbo and valve issues in the newest ones.
I agree but I have to chime in that if Ford wasn't working beside Navistar with the powerstrokes, they are complete morons. No-one says, "build us an engine, give us a call when we can expect delivery". Ford engineers were in the same room designing the engine and fitment. On top of that, Ford never corrected known problems but only puts OEM back in. Simple things like replacing head bolts with studs would prevent future head gasket issues but that is against Ford policy.
DEBOSS GARAGE and I'd have to chime in and say International is just as to blame for the junk, if you really know diesels you would also know about the Powerstrokes really big brothers the Maxforce engines are total junk as well (No Ford involvement on those).. boy I'm glad my mom didn't wait another year to buy her 2002 7.3 super duty new or she would have ended up with a 6.0 now I own that truck and love it only 113k original miles on the 7.3...
Ford forced international to rush the 6.0 & 6.4 to the market. If international was given proper time they could have made a better engine. Then again what would international know they've just been making farm equipment for how many decades....
Suprised you didn’t mention the starters being under built and the oil pans like to leak. As a 7.3 owner it’s just what we suffer through for the million miles. Good video!
Just found your channel. I like that you do not seem biased, that makes your advice more credible. Thanks just subscribed.
A common trick on the Super Duty trucks with the single glow plug/injector connector becoming loose was to insert a quarter under the connector tab (commonly known as the "quarter trick" or "50 cent mod." Did it on my 2000 F350 using knockouts from an electrical box after losing the left bank, never had an issue afterward.
"All the automakers are wrong and we have to do it ourselves."
Amen
Perhaps the thing which I find most frustrating about the 7.3 is that the “tin nut” on the IPR valve sometimes works itself loose and falls into the valley. Not exactly fun when you’re towing. Simple fix, obviously, but a solid nut from the factory might’ve been a better way to go
Happened to me I replaced the Ipr then few days later that backed off.
7.3 is one of those engines that if the glowplug light is on, wait for it to go out before starting...no matter how warm the engine is.
i have to disagree, there are times i dont wait and hit the key and fires right up.
It does, but it also kills the glowplugs because they are red hot when the fuel hits them. All glowplugs suffer from that, but the ones used in 7.3s are especially sensitive to it.
Sean Hazelwood that is true. But also if you stick to that you might as well wait a bit after the light goes out because they plugs are still burning several seconds after the light goes out. In fact on colder days they can be energized up to 2 minutes after the light goes out. You can tell that by the battery gauge or lights if it's dark out. One thing we can all agree on is don't use starting fluid. If you can keep from it.
I might be one of the oddballs. I learned to drive diesels on 6.9s and GM 6.2s.....you follow the rules or the danged thing won't start at all, lol. So, I do it on all of them now. And, I agree...I Hate an "Ether Junky".
I've bypassed the GPR with a momentary switch so it can't automatically turn on and I have full control of the glow plugs(wiring harnesses had melted when I first got the pickup). And I honestly don't have to hit the glowplugs unless it's a cold start in about 30F or colder.
I love mine as well runs and drives like a dream never a single problem and it is way better than the 6.4 hands down
Great way to conclude the video Rich! Everything has strengths and weaknesses, everyone has their own preferences.
The 7.3 stock isn’t a too powerful stock but with some pretty good upgrades they are beasts! I have one with a ton of banks upgrades and can pretty easily smoke 6.0s and 6.4s and even 6.7s. Now once they get upgrades they can beat mine but without them they aren’t even close.
Lol There’s no way you can smoke any of those trucks with that old dinosaur. If yo are going to bullshit us you need to make it believable.
Maybe a stock 6.0. No way in hell you're outrunning a 6.4. Lol
Spend more than you bought the truck for and you might be able to keep up with a stock tune 6.4 and a 6.0 with a 60 horse tune. You arent making over 400 hp without about 10000 dollars of parts plus labor if you cant do it your self. And then you will probably end up building the engine because something is going to break.
Iv got a buddy with a pretty spicy 7.3 excursion. Its about as fast as my tune only 2003 cummins. Then again im running a 160 wheel hp tune. Hes got way more than 10k and he did most of the work himself. Then he wiped the cam and had to rebuild it
I would love to afford a cummins, I really like the duramax engine and I don't mind powerstroke but I really like your videos, I'm learning a lot on what to look out for and to be mindful of. I support you all the way
Great for snow plowing..... couldn't even feel the snow....even wet heavy snow. Never owned one, just used one for a former boss years ago so i have no idea if it was reliable but i do know it was a beast.
I'm driving a 2000 F350 just about to hit 448k on the odo.
What they should have really done is used a MUCH better air filter housing, I've seen LOTS of 7.3s ruined over busted air filter housings causing the engine to be dusted.
If you don't like electronics, well the PSD is as simple as a electronic controlled diesel engine will be so for sure don't buy a newer one, they are BY FAR worse.
After for stopped using IH's 7.3 PSD, I won't have another diesel ford is slapping together, they are junk. I hate chevy and dodge too LOL, 12V Cummins 5.9 is a good engine.
7.3s and Cummins were the best.
@@hoffer54 Are the best*
Thanks for the vid and info. Preferences are just that. We ran a f350 v-10 gasser at work. I hated that truck, horrible issues with the lockers every winter, along with a poor running charging system for plowing that a new alternator and second battery did not alleviate. The engine did always start, but beyond that all of the maintenance crew loved to hate that truck
Thanks for supplying great videos! the volvo 2,4 5cylinder is great diesel, would love some more info on that ✌
Just replaced the water pump on my 96 F-250 with the 7.3 Powerstroke after about 125,000 miles. She’s a beast, used to be used for hauling combines in North Dakota until my grandpa died in 2008. Sat for years in the Washington humidity and finally convinced my dad that we need to fix it. Did it in under a day, next up is the front ball joints
injector cups leaks fuel into the coolant. like yu said. maintain it and it will make yu happy
I like your approach to an analysis of keeping our mechanical stuff running....when all said and done the machine doesn't run on attitude it runs on know how.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about the 7.3’s But I can tell you from my experience I own an 01 this has been the most problematic truck I could even imagine I have literally went through every part of that truck and it still has issues. I’m sure there are good ones out there maybe I just got a dud. I have Spent about $5000 trying to keep the truck running just this year it’s ridiculous and everything is super expensive. That’s even with me doing all the work myself. I have almost re-done my entire electrical harness all new sensors, Not to mention all the mechanical issues I have already fixed including injectors flex plates front end issues Transmission The list just goes on and on and on and it only has 210,000 miles. People keep telling me to get rid of it but when you have spent that much money and spent that much time on the vehicle it’s kind of hard to want to get rid of it..Hope your experience is better than mine just figured I would throw this comment out there.
Your right on the climate...i live in Texas and my 97 f350 7.3 cclb 4x4 is a great truck no rust at all, it starts every time even with my bad glow plug relay and does it on 37" tires at 18mpg.
If hard starting, I found that you need new glow plugs when you see raw fuel or white smoke at tail pipe when starting a cold engine. First time change set, 2 glow plug element stuck in head passage when removing glow plug housing. I end up removing rocker , vice griped heating element, then push down then carefully,liquid wrench, then pulled up grinding the carbon off the dead heating element.
I and my dad have a 6.9 idi farm/ feed truck and it heavily relies on glow plugs even in 70+ degree weather but after it starts it is a great running truck
At the end of his videos he says “if your not filthy your not rich” well he is dirty and I believe his name is rich so it has a double meaning!
I love watching all your videos. I'm a big Cummins fan, but I've now been dabbling with other diesel trucks and it's good to know about all their issues, and no other better place to learn than from your videos.
I really love your video how to check out buying an old diesel truck where you go over everything you need to check. I have sent that video to numerous friends so they don't get burnt when shopping. Thank you!
The 6.0 is great, I refuse to acknowledge the 6.4 as a good option though and I'm a Ford guy.
That said I think everything needs arp headstuds so that might be why I still like the 6.0
I have an 03 f350 dually with the 6.0 bone stock 260k no issues at all
Wow, think I found a new favorite channel. I like how you presented this info. There are pros and cons to all the manufacturers and it is often up to us as consumers to correct the problems. I like how you said treat it right and it'll treat you right, exactly!!! BTY, 2003 superduty E350 van with 332,000. Normal oil drips, otherwise not a single complaint.
One I've seen a handful of times is that exhaust back pressure valve they use for warm up can stick shut, it's easy to delete but it sure sucks the first time you go to pull out into the road on a cold morning and she hangs up.
Justin Kady second that! Just bought a budget beater F350 with s 7.3 and on cold morning you can floor it and it will only do 10 or so miles mph and then after about a block it unsticks and gets back to normal power
I'm actually more of a 6.9 fan but haven't had one for a while, lately it's been the 6.0 and yeah I've got powerstroke imprinted backwards on my belly from working on it. Shout out to the late great diesel tech Ron, he's kept my beast running...
I’m a mechanic and all I have to say is 7.3 Powerstroke oil pan replacement enough said...
24 hour book time job at ford on any short nosed E series vehicle with twin I beams
Most people will never replace the oil pan unless you live in areas where they salt the road. Not relevant to the longevity of the motor.
Great information, i definitely agree that the 7.3 is hard to start in the cold if the glow plug system isn't working. Had 3/8 glow plugs that were toast and couldn't get truck to start in 40*F if it wasn't plugged in. Was a easy fix and changed the GPR and all the glow plugs and she starts up no problem now. Thanks for the video
I have a 2000 F350. When diesel was over $4 a gallon I was burning cooking oil at an 84% ratio. 10% gasoline, 5% kerosene, and two additives. It was costing me about $1.05 a gallon. Let's see the rest of those engines do that. And I get around 20 miles to the gallon on the freeway with my foot in it.
ED KUBINSKI actually most of the older diesels can run that mix
And kerosene is 5 bucks a gallon now
Still working my 97 f350 with the 7.3. Out in the Fields in the farm working her like a mule all day everyday in extreme conditions! She still going hard without major issues! In the process I’ve had 2 other trucks, One with the 6.0 and the other 6.4. They are long gone by now as they were endless money pits. I bought them all brand new, I never buy used work trucks.
Issues with injectors sticking/ dying because of ppl ignoring to change hi pressure oil pump oil as well as motor oil are common, the system doesn't circulate oil as well as it should.
Alex Matthews I know no-one does this I made a tool for sucking out my hpop. I had to show my friends who own hpop powered Ford's what they are missing when they change their oil
Jon Ruger This is why I will continue to enjoy my Cummins motor lol
I have both picked up a 7.3 last year to see what the hype was about so far not impressed have replaced a lot of expensive parts. Some twice...
i guess you have deep pockets to afford a cummins unless it has a million miles on it
Uh no you can buy them all day for five grand.
I have a 2003 7.3 I purchased new. Issues I’ve had are HPOP seals, supply & return fuel line cracking, cam sensor, thermostat housing corroding and starter bolts falling out. It has a lot of Baja miles = rough; on it so I feel lucky these are the only issues I’ve had. Great vid and thanks!
The CPS got me the other day under load 😐 it was purring along, cut out really quick, then kept going. Learned my lesson the hard way 🤣 if your Cranks Pos Sensor goes out, replace it with the motor craft OEM sensor. Electronics like their original designs over aftermarket. I love the truck and the engine but that lil problem is always in the back of my mind. Sucks that the future is moving towards more electronic bullshit that's becoming increasingly complicated.
I drive a 3.4 Four cam. It is hard to beat for longevity. I just love how easy it is to change the air cleaner.
Great video Rich, I totally trust your opinion. After watching this vid though, I'd still lean towards a cummins powered Dodge as it sounds more reliable in the long run... Cheers
Dude please do more of these "Everything wrong" i love them!
own a 2002 7.3 powerstroke and a 2003 Dodge 5.9, no comparison 5.9 more powerfull, easy starting, smoother running and way better gas mileage. run both on my farm, both workhorses, Cummins wins hands down!
Larry Hottle lol not even a fair comparison
I've had a 2002 7.3 and a 2001 24 valve in my family and the 7.3l is much more powerful and much quieter. No comparison. But the dodge gets about 5 more mpg.
Edit: I think the older vp44(i think) pump 24 valves from 98-2002 is a more fair comparison against the 7.3
Larry Hottle too bad it’s in a dodge
How much better GAS miilage ??
Great video!! I had to do replace the up pipes on my 2002 F350 with 143+ miles last weekend because it was leaking behind the turbo, common problem from what I have researched. I went with the updated up pipes, it was a pain but glad it is done. I also got a reman pedestal because it was leaking oil from the ebpv actuator another common problem from what I have read. I also change the orings while I had it tore down. Just thankful it is all done!!!
I like how you diplomatically described the positives and negatives of these diesels. I'm with Rich oh this one; the 7.3 isn't what a lot of Ford fan boys make it out to be, but is a good engine. My father in law owns one and loves it. I'm not a Ford guy at all, but I have to admit that the 7.3 powerjoke is a good engine ;) The truck is a 01 and has been taken care of every time something goes wrong with it. The truck seems to be falling apart around the engine just like dodges fall apart around the cummins. The 7.3 powerjoke is a massive improvement over the idi 7.3 which I have towed with dozens of times using a friend's truck. The idi usually gets about 13.7-14.5mpg empty, and around 10.5-12.5mpg towing a 6k lb car+trailer in the slow lane. The 01 f350 crew cab powerjoke gets around 10.5 towing a large horse trailer loaded with 4 horses, family, and gear. It gets around 17mpg on a good day unloaded. The power of the powerjoke vs the idi is night and day, and if someone held a gun to my head and told me I had to pick 1 Ford truck to own for life, it would definitely be a 7.3 powerjoke. Personally, I still believe cummins makes the best diesel engines for reliable heavy towing on the planet, but all the manufacturers make trucks that fall apart around the engines. However, sometimes it's the engine + the truck that are unreliable and that's when you have to start rethinking your automotive decision.
love my 7.3 in my '02 superduty. best truck I've ever owned so far. runs like a champ and the only thing to fail was my low pressure oil pump, which wasn't hard to replace, besides the normal maint.
Don't forget the dreaded failed IPR, that one will leave you stranded and not throw a code. Unless you have a proper scan tool to read the duty cycle your in the dark. When I take long trips in my 7.3 I always bring an IDM, CPS, and a IPR. That pretty much covers the issues that will leave you stranded.
Now with the 6.0, just have towing coverage. Your going use it at least a couple times
Hi may i ask what are IDM, CPS, IPR? Intelligent Data Management, Control Panel Switcher, Inner Panel Responder? :-) Thank you.
achriscity sorry, diesel guys commonly speak in acronyms.
IDM- Injector drive module
CPS- Cam position sensor
IPR- Injector pressure regulator
Thank you Bosborn for interesting diesel acronyms. I had no idea these parts were essential... it's very scary to be driving around now in my 1999 E350 Ford 7.3 without an IDM, CFS, IPR :-) If you get a chance, we would enjoy a quick video on where these parts are located and how to replace if needed. Thank you again for your informative videos. God Bless.
achriscity They are essential to the engine running. The reason I keep spares
On long trips is that many parts stores don't carry them. So if you have a failure that can leave you stranded for a day or so while they order them. Now in all reality the likely of failure is low. I just like being prepared.
I will try to get a video up on common 7.3 issues that will cause a roadside breakdown
Okay great info Bosborn1. Thank you again for valuable tips on keeping Diesel 7.3 running. I am also going to keep an extra belt handy, because the other day my belt broke on the highway and barely made it to the mechanic while driving 20 minutes without belt, thus no alternator, no brakes, no power steering. It was very frightening :-/
Love 7.3 powerstrokes, my list of issues is as follows, oil pans rust out, fuel filter housings leak, glow plug and intake heater issues, oil cooler leaks, aftermarket valve cover gaskets always fail, icp sensors go bad or get air trapped under... i.d.m.'s go bad till they are upgraded with a better grounding circuit internally. Biggest one as of lately is clusters going bad and causing windows, radios, dome light, door lock issues. Also the hpop get weak after about 200k miles and the trucks benefit greatly in mileage and power with just a new hpop...they are definitely the old faithful of the powerstroke line.... thanks for you videos guys!
My2000 7.3 will be in my work truck for the rest of my life lol.
I will keep it repaired and replace the engine in the body if I have to. Before I buy a new truck anyway
Looking at a 2000 f-450 as a wrecker. Recommended?
From the company that brought you stout engines like the DT466, the 7.Tree IDI and the 7.3 Powersmoke, Intersmashable gives you the 6.Blow and the 6.4 Powerjoke
Disconnect the fuel heater in the bottom of the fuel filter. Easy little project that will keep you from getting stranded on the road.
I agree because fuel heater is on the same fuse as the PCM
Just drove my ol 99 4 states away to tow my 42 travel trailer back home. Over 301k she still chugging along. Love the 6 speed.
The seals between the fuel water seperator behind the fuel bowl wear out causing a fuel leak the runs down the valley to the left side of the motor
Forgot about that. I already pulled it off to be replaced with a Fass
@@DEBOSSGARAGE whats a Fass?
Boosted Diesel ,
Currently waiting for my replacement seals, mine started dripping about 2 months ago, and I couldn’t find the problem. 😂
Minor tho
Oil pans are SUPER thin. If you go to buy a northern truck, make sure you make sure it's not rotted through. I had one and you have to remove the engine to replace it because there's a cross member directly underneath.
Great video and opinion! The best part for me was when you take care of something, it will take care of you. Love my 7.3 with 368000 miles on the original injectors and engine. You've got the wheels in my head turning though. I'm thinking about trying to shoehorn a DT466 International engine in mine when it finally gives out on me 😉. Awesome channel!
I had a DT466 in my service truck. I don't have one bad thing to say about that engine. Wait, just the rubber return lines on the injectors leak every 2 years. Stupid.
DEBOSS GARAGE Yes indeed, the mechanical DT-466 is one hell of an engine. So is it's big brother, the mechanical DT- 530.
I have a DT360 899,000 miles in my 26' International Box Truck only had to replace altenator
The weak link in the 7.3 outfitted super duties isn't the engine. It's the E4OD/4R100 automatic transmissions set behind them. The T5-T56 manual transmission models fared better.
“Leads to um, more electronic problems” lol
Excellent video Rich. I have the 7.3 with over 239,000 miles on it and the only problems I've had are the starter, water pump, CPS (Cam Position Sensor, a leaking ICP, and a PPS (Pedal Position Sensor). Other than that it's been a great truck, it even starts easy in the winter below freezing after a few cycles of the glow plug WAIT to start light. I agree with all that you said on this engine. If you maintain it, like all vehicles, it won't let you down. However of all the vehicles I've had, the worst ones were the 1969 124 Fiat Spider, 2002 Dodge 3.3 Grand Caravan with 124,000 miles, and a 1991 3.0 Dynasty at less than 100,000 miles. The van has made me the most money on my YT Channel on how to fix it. I called it my "Fix It Again Caravan". Most of the problems with the van were the AC system, CV shafts, Hub bearing and electrical. The engine ran fine with a rough Idle I could never figured out. I sold the van for the price of the new transmission I put in it. The folks I sold it to are constantly working on it. The most reliable vehicle I've had is my 1995 Nissan Pathfinder with over 270,000 miles on it with regular maintenance, water pump, belts and breaks. Thanks for the nice vid Rich. Best Wishes n Blessings. Keith Noneya
These are gold do a good old 6.9 IDI next
Thanks
Really good slow and loud old Navistar engine. Used them for years way up in BC coast inlets and bays, barge access only sites. Parts and logistics a premium to get in. Year after year they ran and ran with just lots of fuel/water separator changes. Not a powerhouse engine. But for growling around on coastal logging roads they rocked. Put it in 4 low, it would climb a wall.
These videos are great...for the new or entering into the Diesel rig world. I appreciate all the comments on how they found and fixed a problem...we skip over the Homers. Thank for the information D'boss
Clickbait title. There’s NOTHING wrong with the 7.3 😉
There are no bad 7.3s, only bad mechanics!
only thing honestly is the oil changes. i like to keep my injectors working well so i do it at 3k miles no matter what. basic oil and good ol fl1995 usually costs $60-70 and i always do it myself.
@@dsruddell
Just started running two stroke oil in my fuel, your injectors will love it. I never realized how noisy the motor was, something to due with the new diesel being dry.
@@themodernadventurer4320 Atf is just as amazing for when you injector/compressions issues add 1 quart per 100L/25gal.
@@themodernadventurer4320 well yes and no depends on the motor and if you can trick the computer into starting, cause old diesels mechanical injectors always try nothing stops them. Atf is automatic transmission fluid D-3, if you didn't know and for anyone whom may read.
I've owned all three, a Duramax, Cummins, and the current one is the 7.3 powerstroke. They all had their issues, but I loved them all and they did everything I needed them to do.
Dudes.., there are people providing constructive criticism aaaaand there are trolls, you can't get away from them so the best thing is to ignore ;) keep on keeping on..! ;)
Do you mean the people providing constructive criticism? 8-)
I have always been partial to the Cummins, but the 7.3 was the first diesel truck I owned that drove like a gasoline truck without the slow acceleration of the earlier diesels. The only beef I had with the 7.3 was just how noisy it sounded when you would start it on a cold morning. It sounded like someone was shaking a bucket of nuts and bolts under the hood. That being said, it was the first of the modern diesels and really made driving a diesel truck enjoyable.
ya old truck s fore me got 1981 4x4 350 8 foot bed and love to work on it
Used to have a 4X4 2002 F250 Crewcab 7.3 muffler delete S&B air box and a Quadzilla plug & play 60HP. I got 20 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg around town. I just couldn't afford to maintain it. DIY oil change was $80.00. The only engine problems were o-rings on the huey lines, glow plug relay, and the cam position sensor.
Coolant is low , I had a 03 7.3 now a early 99 love the motors never let me down
Hi may I ask if the coolant reservoir tank needs to be filled more... maybe to the top? If radiator coolant is low, did you do anything to improve cooling system? Thank you Scott.
I spied that too. Seems to be at the same level where i found mine at just this morning.
I have had a 7.3 for 18 years. I can say that you pretty much nailed it. I had the cam trigger replaced under warranty (or it might have been a recall). I had the Injector bank go out. Replaced those harnesses. I replaced the starter. and the batteries. I also had an issue with the hydraulic clutch and the clutch petal switch. I have no real complaints. It will likely outlast me at this point.
The 7.3 IDI sounds much cooler in my opinion and will always start in the cold
The Ford F-900 in the Navy Seabees,which they still actually have in service,all use 7.3L's in them too,they have a hydraulic bed for loading up 20 FT containers.Not as powerful as a 12V 6CT or 7.2L 3126/C-7,but they still get up and go very well.
"this is what's wrong with it, it lasts a million miles"
....
got it, check
Hi Deboss, I'm in the beginning stages of building my car carrier and found a 2001 7.3 powerstroke in good shape for my chassis doner, swapping the f-350 body out for a 1960 mercury 700 classic farm truck body, I'm hoping to stretch the frame to hold a gasser for show, also in the plans, I found your video interesting and convincing that I made the right choice for the power to run this rig. Thanks for the great content, love the channel.
One major issue I've had with the 7.3 (I've owned 3 of them) is the fuel filter housing... They could have designed it much better and easier to change and reprime
What fuel bowl?…mines deleted ☺️
I’ve had 1 major issue with mine. That it got stolen twice
My 01 7.3 has (I'm sorry to say) less than 200,000 miles. It has sat for months, pulled thousands of pounds and idled for a week many times. The timing control sensor messed with me once. All other fixes needed so far have been besides this engine. Water pumps, exhaust leakes, batteries, alternator, u-joints, dual mass flywheel and clutch, A/C, major clutch pedal linkage problems, Ebrake linkage problem and cable, some fixes in steering(because it has a 4 inch lift/level-springs not blocks) rough road work, glow plug relay, fuel bowl water drain valve.....I love this truck. It loves me.
Ask powerstrokehelp about everything wrong with the 7.3 lololol hours of content on his channel >_>
Great channel.
my problem with his channel is that people start talking shit in the comments, he starts talking more shit in the comments, then he disables the comments. i wanna see what people are saying about the video.
yep, bill knows his powerstrokes very well. im actually kinda surprised the rich is talking positively about him
Me to Max me to
Kor G. B. That’s half the fun. Don’t bogart that joint my friend. Pass it over to me I always say and everybody can learn a bit from other’s experiences. Right ? Right !👍✔️🇺🇸
I’m not sure if it’s just me but owning a 5.9 24v and a 2006 and 2008 duramax and a 2011 6.4 powerstroke I will say in Iowa it seems like the 08 duramax and the 11 powerstroke use and go through glow plugs every winter around the first of the year.
I have a 7.3L and a 6.0L. the transmission 5R110 in the 6.0L is way better. I have had all of the fixes done on the 6.0L and its soooo much easier to make big power. those are my 2 main complaints. also I don't know why but my 7.3L eats an alternator every 2 years. change the oil and your 7.3L should run forever.
Rich Farfugnuven completely agree. I have a 7.3 and 6.0 as well. The 7.3 doesn't need as much maintenance as the 6.0 but once you fix the problems on the 6.0 I believe they are just as reliable as a 7.3.
Spencer Garrett Spencer. more so for my 6.0L now, and ridiculously more power. getting there wasn't easy though. thank God for bulletproof diesel. the oil cooler added 2.5 more quarts to my oil capacity and I changed it at 6600 miles and sent a sample to Blackstone Labs and they said the oil looked brand new. I run Arch oil 9100 as well and Blackstone said to go 9000 miles this next time.
Rich Farfugnuven ya the bullet proof diesel oil cooler kit is a life saver. I never have to worry about the oil cooler clogging up ever again.
Spencer Garrett oh and I forgot to mention that I have to pass emissions, so I might have internally welded my EGR Cooler. still passes with flying colors. I just set my SCT tune back to baseline right before the test.
Rich Farfugnuven haha I hear ya. luckily I don't have to worry about emissions. so the ever was one of the first things to go.
"We all understand what you drive is the best and what everyone else drives is crap!"
but but, I thought the 7.3 was BULLETPROOF!?!? I'm triggered haha I have a lifted excursion with 170,000 miles, runs awesome but leaks or burns some oil
Team Wagy hell yeah I got 340k on mine
Team Wagy mine has 378k
Team Wagy mine 2001 f350 has 376,000 miles.
My 97 F350 has 380000 ish still going strong
Team Wagy mine Has 300k on it with a small leak threw the oil cooler tube but if you keep oil in it, it will never let you down
Don't forget the flywheel dampening Springs breaking. If you have a power stroke that really rattles, odds are the Springs are broken and you need to pull the transmission to see what's going on
Yeah those dual mass flywheels are a bad joke you're better off just using a solid balanced flywheel!
Oil pans are prone to rusting out. Motor must be removed to replace the oil pan.
407ForRent false
407ForRent not on mine it drops out from under the engine
I’ve replaced them by just lifting the engine up in the engine bay, still a lot of work but the engine didn’t need to come all the way out. Never tried on a two wheel drive truck because in New England it’s pretty rare to see a f250-f350 that’s not 4x4.. only really see the 2 wheel drives in bigger trucks like tow trucks and flat beds etc (at least in my experience) my 7.3 had a lot of leak issues around the HPOP and it’s lines. Also a very common problem on the 7.3 is the cam sensors that can go at any time and shut your truck off while driving.. always kept an OEM spare in the glovebox for side of the road repairs.. happened twice to me in a few years
mustangtech331 they tend to leak if you don't take the motor out and put it on its back when you put on the oil pan
you dont have to pull the motor.there is a way to remove the pan
Love my '02 F350 Lariat Crew Cab LB with 7.3. Tows anything I can throw behind it. Love the cold AC. Love the sound of the engine and the turbo whistle. I always carry a spare crankshaft position sensor (CPS) , little common problem. Mine has 205k and I admit sometimes it does seem like it struggles to start but you just have to make sure you got the glow plugs on far a while to ensure it's preheated that diesel fuel. My truck still turns heads and it's 17 years old whenever a floor it on the 45 MPH roads.
Basically I'm glad I have a Cummins lol.
Yeah, but ya gotta drive a Dodge to get it. puke
Bought one of these for the right price, been a damn reliable truck. Seriously though change the oil and suck out the oil in the hpop it's been cold as hell this winter I plug it in in the morning but neg temps during the day sitting in a field for hours and starts up no problem. Will start fine without the plug but why not be nice to it when I can!