used 7.3 Ford

[pipeline Dan]

brother-in-law just bought a used 2000 Ford with a 7.3 diesel, I told him he would be better off to get a new diesel with warranty behind it. what are your guys thoughts on this truck? was he a dumb a$$? Was 2000 a good year to buy?? I am not sure what he paid for it

[crawler]

What coalsmoke said. I'm a Cummins guy too.
Make sure your brother checks the coolant. Powerstrokes need SCA (supplement coolant additive) because of cavitation.

Also, he'll want to carry a spare CPS (crank position sensor). These will fail and make leave him stranded.

I believe 2000 is a good year. If I remember correctly, it should have forged connecting rods instead of powdered metal.

He can get parts/filters are www.genosgarage.com

[Fortyfords]

Yes the cps is a common failure,can be a pita to get correctly adjusted when installing the new sensor in because of shims that space it away from the crank.Also if the this truck has a ton of miles on it, the crank can also move back and forth further causing problems.

Is it a 4wd? if so,front ball joints are a common failure.

But that diesel engine is one of the best navistar built for Ford.
Rich

[admweld]

Dan, I'm a Cummins guy, but you tell him that his new 7.3 is way better an engine than anything new that you will find on the Ford lot that has both a warranty and ford badge on it. If I were to buy a ford tomorrow, it would be a 2000-2002 with the 7.3L.

Thanks alot coalsmoke,I know my 04-550 6.0 has had trouble but don,t rub it in.

[pipeline Dan]

Ahhh I am very sorry guys, the truck is a 2002 7.3 diesel not a 2000. so if anyone has more info I would be thankful.

[burnie]

I also run a Cummins but only because I got tired of Ford's that run like sh#t and eat turbos. The 7.3's were(are) awsome powerplants and I think that if Ford could have evolved them I would still be a Ford owner. After 230000 km's on my Dodge without a cent into it, Ford would have to come up with something magic to get me back.

[admweld]

at dealer today

Coal, The dealer had my truck today they repaired a oil leak said it was the lower oil cooler line.Under warrenty though so i cant *****.

[alha]

Ahhh I am very sorry guys, the truck is a 2002 7.3 diesel not a 2000. so if anyone has more info I would be thankful.

Dan, you may want to check out this forum, they have quite a bit of info on the Ford diesels:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/ford-diesel.html

Hope it helps

[lynx_welding]

I didin't think the 7.3 came in a 2002 i thought that 2001 was the last year either way the 7.3 was a great motor i don't know why the took it out of production on the trucks my dad has a 2001 ford extend cab with a deck on it and i don't think he'll trade it in on any new ford or dodge or gm product.

[hurricunning]

I have an '02 7.3 and it is a great engine in a great truck. The rest of the drivetrain (and truck) should be very stout with proper maintenance. I am still a Ford guy even though I have an '06 Dodge Cummins too. I just couldn't bear to get a new Ford engine. I believe 2003 was the crossover year for the 7.3 and 6.0 engines. I would be very reluctant to buy any brand of truck with the new emissions diesels.

[gatkeper1]

2003 was the change over from 7.3 to 6.0.
Both engines can be found in the 03's.

[beamwalker]

i have 99 with 7.3. good truck and it screams when i wind the turbo. 18 mpg i cant gripe

[admweld]

beamwalker;104997]i have 99 with 7.3. good truck and it screams when i wind the turbo. 18 mpg i cant gripe[/QUOTE]

I also have a 99 7.3 F-350 p/u w/135k on it and it runs strong. i have no gripes with this truck at all.

[weld-tek]

i dont understand the dislike for the new ford powerstrokes,my brother has a new 08 550 with auto,and i made a steel run with it and his 32 ft gooseneck and on the way home loaded(pretty good load)it would run like a scalded dog,plenty of power,lots of low end pull.i sure like it,and i would take it over a dodge(i like the cummins-just not the truck) any day.once again everybody has a opinion.im gonna buy a new 08 350 or 450 soon,i even looked at dodges but i thought the ford was more truck.

[admweld]

lots of troubles

Weldingrod, It is no secret theses 6.0,s have been plagued with troubles turbos,injectors,oil leaks,reflashes.Mine has had 3 turbos,ball joints,oil cooler tube leak,all in 14k for a 40,000 dollar chassis that is non-sense.