Opinions on durability of the 7.3 ford diesel

[Westside88]

I recently became aware of a 7.3 equipped crew cab that is availble. My understanding is that it's just under 200k for mileage. I've always heard these engines can go many thousands of miles. Any thoughts on what could be expected of one that hasn't been abused? I only drive a truck about 5k miles a year, so something like this could potentially last me a long time. I do all my own work, I currently have 200k on my 460 and I'd drive it anywhere. Any advice or experience is appreciated

[scotsman]

Are there any maintenance records? Ya sure diesels will go for hundreds of thousands of miles but are sensitive to oil quality.  Carbon builds up more rapidly in diesel crankcase oil than gas engines so should be changed on schedule.

[Woodchuck]

7.3 is historically one of the most dependable pickup engines out there. They are somewhat known for some injector issues but with good oil maintenance most of that can be averted. If it is auto trans that would be the "weakest" point. Those trucks do like to eat some ball joints but that is not engine related.

[Westside88]

I just learned about it so I don't yet know about maintenance records. My Dad told me it is supposed to have a new transmission. I'm pretty comfortable assessing most parts of a truck, but I'm not as experienced with Diesel engines. So far I've been told this era of truck is know to go through transmissions in the 75-100k range and that water pumps are fairly frequent. I've also been told to
Be aware of leaky injectors.

[huntnphool]

 I've got two, with one in the 430k range. As with any vehicle, it's how you take care of it. Nothing but good things to say about both of them, the weak point on them were the brakes, the factory rotors were completely inadequate. Once changed to heavier duty disks they have been great.

 I tow a 22' boat with mine a lot and had one transmission rebuilt at 400+k, again it's how you maintain it.

[jackelope]

Agree with what's been said. I will add that unless you have at least some degree of specialized tools, you won't be able to do all of your own work on the diesel engine.

[Kittman]

One recommendation- I would get yourself a DCA4 coolant test strip kit, they are inexpensive, and perform a check of the coolant before forking over any significant funds for the vehicle.  That and the tranny is about the only things to worry about. 

[luckyman]

I have 250k on my trans. Its been hot, blew the front seal and puked the fluid out a couple times but still working.
I don't think the trans is all that weak but does get hot.
If it drives nice I wouldn't shy a way from it.

[MagKarl]

7.3 is very well known, if you are good with internet forums you can figure most stuff out, it's all been done before.  A multi-meter is essential for diagnosis of electrical/sensor related problems. 

[LDennis24]

I've got a 99 superduty, crewcab, six speed with 220,000. I bought it used with 190,000 on it. It needs some front end work, bushing's, oil seal's, dust seals in the housing etc... but the motor runs great still and has plenty of power. It has trouble starting when its the slightest bit cold, under 50 degrees, not sure why. It's a long bed so it needs a little driveline work. The manual tranny will outlast the auto by far. Auto tranny's need rebuilt every 50,000-60,000 miles on superduty's with the 7.3l. If you go longer it could cost you. I've never met anyone who owns an automatic that hasn't had tranny issues. What year is it and is it manual?

[Westside88]

It's a 99 with an automatic. I've been told it's new, but I need to verify

[huntnphool]

Auto tranny's need rebuilt every 50,000-60,000 miles on superduty's with the 7.3l. If you go longer it could cost you. I've never met anyone who owns an automatic that hasn't had tranny issues. What year is it and is it manual?

 I've never had transmission issues.

 And as far as the auto needing to be rebuilt every 50-60k........hogwash!

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Auto tranny's need rebuilt every 50,000-60,000 miles on superduty's with the 7.3l. If you go longer it could cost you. I've never met anyone who owns an automatic that hasn't had tranny issues. What year is it and is it manual?

 I've never had transmission issues.

 And as far as the auto needing to be rebuilt every 50-60k........hogwash!

Yep maintenance on most any auto tranny and they di go a long ways.

[huntnphool]

 At 200k there are going to be some things to check on it. With the change to low sulphur, the water drain o-ring on the fuel bowl, as well as the other o-rings on the bowl tend to dry more quickly and crack, leading to fuel leaks into the valley. Easy fix but will need to be addressed. http://www.dieselorings.com/1999-2003-ford-7-3l/fuel-bowl-parts/fuel-bowl-reseal-kit-1999-2003.html

 Are the glow plugs original? If so its time to swap them.

 I'd consider changing the injectors as well at some point in the near future, OEM types can be found at places like http://www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%28roi%29+branded&utm_content=thoroughbred+diesel&utm_term=thoroughbred%20diesel where I got mine. Great people to deal with and good prices.

 While doing the injectors you will want to replace the injector/glow plug harness under the valve cover, as well as the valve cover gaskets. Easy job and not expensive.

 As with other vehicles with 200k, there will be other little things to look at as well, one would be to watch the tach at idle. Does it have a tiny surge or tiny drop all the time, this is generally a bad ICP sensor, another easy fix but just one more little thing to add up.

[jackelope]

At 200k there are going to be some things to check on it. With the change to low sulphur, the water drain o-ring on the fuel bowl, as well as the other o-rings on the bowl tend to dry more quickly and crack, leading to fuel leaks into the valley. Easy fix but will need to be addressed. http://www.dieselorings.com/1999-2003-ford-7-3l/fuel-bowl-parts/fuel-bowl-reseal-kit-1999-2003.html

 Are the glow plugs original? If so its time to swap them.

 I'd consider changing the injectors as well at some point in the near future, OEM types can be found at places like http://www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%28roi%29+branded&utm_content=thoroughbred+diesel&utm_term=thoroughbred%20diesel where I got mine. Great people to deal with and good prices.

 While doing the injectors you will want to replace the injector/glow plug harness under the valve cover, as well as the valve cover gaskets. Easy job and not expensive.

As with other vehicles with 200k, there will be other little things to look at as well, one would be to watch the tach at idle. Does it have a tiny surge or tiny drop all the time, this is generally a bad ICP sensor, another easy fix but just one more little thing to add up.

Not a bad idea to do the harnesses and v/c gaskets while doing the glow plugs also.