anyone drive a ford 7.3 diesel?

[Angie]

I don't know where to post this question....

Not a ranger topic, but still a ford topic...

Angie is looking into us buying a used small motor home for touring around in. and she has her eyes on a couple fords with a 7.3 diesel engine in them.

Do you have a vehicle with this engine in it? if so... what is your overall thoughts of the engine? would you buy another?

how well does it stand up to driving and wear and tear?

mileage, and durability?

cheers and thanks

 

[Curious Hound]

I had a 1990 F350 for a few years that had that engine. I think it's excellent. Wish I still had that truck. It probably got better when they turbocharged it.

 

[Dirtman]

Depends what year... Ford has had a 7.3 diesel forever. We talking pre power stroke or 1994+?

 

[1990RangerinSK]

Better Question: Will it fit in a Ranger?

 

[sgtsandman]

Better Question: Will it fit in a Ranger?

I seem to recall that someone did it. I'm not sure how much the Ranger had to be modified to get it to fit but I do seem to recall someone did it.

 

[CrabGuy]

They are pretty bulletproof if routine maintenance was performed, even the later turbo model years. Great engine but very noisy. I had a 99 F250, it ran great, would pull anything, got excellent mileage. Hopefully you'll never have an oilpan leak requiring removal of the pan, that is a job reserved for Satan himself; at least it is on the 4x4.

 

[Angie]

1994 class c motor homes. not sure the rest of it. she is looking for information on these engines, pre 94 and above i guess... as she has her eyes on the (for sale) section daily and seems to like these rigs best.

Thanks

 

[1990RangerinSK]

I seem to recall that someone did it. I'm not sure how much the Ranger had to be modified to get it to fit but I do seem to recall someone did it.

If somebody did, I bet the truck would go like stink. If it hasn't been done, somebody should.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I've had a powerstroke 7.3L for like 8 years now, it has a bunch of miles on it so it's had a bunch of random problems but it is a good engine, only makes like 225hp stock but it pulls just fine up to about 15k pounds total, gets a bit slow past that up long mountain passes not having an intercooler. On average if I'm towing over the mountains at around 15-19k pounds it gets 10-11mpg and has gotten over 17mpg empty.

 

[bilbo]

I have a 94 F250 with the 7.3 IDI NA engine (Pre-Powerstroke). It's no speed demon, I don't really know what its tow ratings are, but it handles skid steers and the like with grace. Just not quickly. It's a fairly simple engine, mechanical injection, 'smartest' electronics in the vehicle are in the AM/FM radio. They do have some known issues, such as cavitation eating holes in the cylinders and valves binding up in the guides, but so far mine's been good.

The Indirect/Direct Injection distinction is important. Both engines are the same displacement but completely different. I don't have personal experience with the 7.3 DI (Powerstroke) but everyone I've known with one has said they are great. Those are computer controlled and seems like many people "chip" them, and sometimes take it too far. Like anything once you start modifying it for more power all bets are off.

 

[Dirtman]

I've driven/worked on a 99 and a 2002 7.3. Both powerstrokes, great engines in my opinion. Reliable, oodles of power, and easy to work on. That said I have "heard" some years had quirks and issues BUT don't know if that's engine specific or truck specific. I've never worked on a pre powerstroke 7.3 but have driven a few. No where near the power but also not dogs either, personally though I think I'd rather have a 460 gas engine over an old 7.3. Not much difference in power between the two. Definitely would go with the 7.3 over any gas motor over 1994 though.

 

[rangerx4]

I had a 2002 F250 until a couple months ago. Had 308k miles on it when I sold it for $13k. Flawless until injectors at 276k, transmission at 280k.

 

[Angie]

thanks for all the input everybody. will pass these comments on to her.

 

[Shran]

IDI or PowerStroke? Pre super duty or SD? All great trucks, I think the Super Duty platform is superior in more than a few ways....... auto transmission and TTB front ends on the older trucks were probably the "weak" parts. Late old body style PowerStroke trucks are worth a lot of money if they're in excellent condition, followed closely by nice 1st gen Super Duties. I don't think IDI trucks are worth a premium but there's nothing really wrong with them either.

 

[Dirtman]

I think some of the automatics they put behind them were kinda sketchy but not sure what years. The 02 I had never had any trans problems and it had over 275k on it with 38" tires and frequently towed a 25' camper. That thing was never re-geared and would still pull anything happily.