2002 F250 diesel - discovery and build thread.

[Curious Hound]

The old 7.3L is a good solid gutless (in stock form while towing, but unloaded under 12k pounds mine is very peppy even worn the F out...) workhorse, could be better, could be worse, it has OBD II but doesn't tell you much that's useful... plug your dongle in and watch for RPM, if it doesn't have any then cam sensor...

I've had mine since late '12 and somewhere around 25k miles I think, doesn't move much unless it's towing, gets 9-17mpg depending, have put a fancy aluminum racing radiator chasing an overheating loaded issue that was mostly the turbo and other part being non intercooled...

I used to have a 1990 7.3l. That was non-turbo. Seems like I remember always getting around 17mpg - loaded, unloaded, towing, not towing. Anything I asked of it, it did well.

 

[racsan]

Dad bought a new ‘86 2wd F250 with the 6.9 (NA). Hated it, would get good mileage with the pump turned down (stock) but not very powerful, He had the dealership turn the pump up, power -yes but rolled the smoke and used fuel about as heavily as the ‘77 with the 400/C6/4.10 full-time 4wd. Twice while I was driving it on the 2-3 upshift (4-speed manual/creeper 1st) the lever came up while shifting and trans somehow was in reverse. He traded it in ‘89 and swore he’d never have another diesel truck. He hasn’t but He also had quite a hatred of chrysler vehicles, Ironically he is now on his 3rd jeep grand cherokee, a 2023 he just took delivery on a few weeks ago.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Oh, you can get good mileage it just happens that pretty much anywhere fun for me involves driving over mountains... and for the most part I'm at above recommended loading... not sure it's kosher to be at around 19k pounds total weight with the old girl... 8 wheel braking and a manual transmission help...

Turbos add more air, more air plus more fuel equals less MPG , before I had a in bed camper that weighs near 3k pounds I was in the 13mpg range, now I leak more diesel and can use more power so it uses more but almost always in the 10-11mpg range loaded heavy, empty near 18mpg... that's with 4.10's and 35" tires... Theoretically since my injectors are shot assuming I use the same power my mileage might improve since the fuel timing would be more ideal once I get new injectors and the intercooler...

 

[rusty ol ranger]

You may regret that offer. I appreciate it. My EVTM arrived yesterday. I had some time to study it today. Not bad. I would prefer an older, less electronic diesel. But I feel pretty good about this at the moment. The newest ones are probably a lot worse. And I'm glad it doesn't have the DEF system that's on the new stuff. I've heard nothing good about that.

DEF/DPF's are the worst thing ever to happen to diesel engines

 

[Curious Hound]

Well, I went to message the guy earlier to let him know what time I hoped to be there tomorrow and to get the address. When I brought up the thread in messenger, the header said "sold". I tried to confirm. But he hasn't responded.

Back to the hunt for a new tow vehicle.

 

[racsan]

That sucks, went through that while trying to get a “new” open trailer.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Meh it wasn't meant to be.

 

[Curious Hound]

Meh it wasn't meant to be.

Yup. That's the game.

 

[Curious Hound]

I'll just continue this thread as I continue my search for a tow vehicle.

What are the pros and cons of a salvage title? Might look at a 2002 F350 this weekend. I realize I have to look real close for hidden damage. Owner says it was just front driver fender, hood and bumper that got bent up. Truck looks good in photos, except for mismatched paint. He just sent me video of it running. 7.3l powerstroke, crew cab, dually 2wd. 268k miles sure I can get it for $5000, maybe a little less.

 

[RobbieD]

On a salvage title I'd be real concerned about flood damage. So much so, I'd be tempted to spring for a CarFax or similar report before committing to the purchase.

 

[Curious Hound]

On a salvage title I'd be real concerned about flood damage. So much so, I'd be tempted to spring for a CarFax or similar report before committing to the purchase.

The carfax thing is a good idea. I'm pretty sure I could recognize signs of flood damage, though. Looking closely at electrical/ electronic items usually gives that away.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It can vary with age too, a run away shopping cart could total a 20 year old truck while they will put a new frame and front clip on a new one and it keeps a clean title.

I kind of wish they would go away after the vehicle hits a certain age, they lose their meaning.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

It can vary with age too, a run away shopping cart could total a 20 year old truck while they will put a new frame and front clip on a new one and it keeps a clean title.

I kind of wish they would go away after the vehicle hits a certain age, they lose their meaning.

Plus hail damage is alot different then a flood damage total.

 

[RobbieD]

The carfax thing is a good idea. I'm pretty sure I could recognize signs of flood damage, though. Looking closely at electrical/ electronic items usually gives that away.

True; but still, don't forget to check for fish in the glovebox.

 

[Curious Hound]

True; but still, don't forget to check for fish in the glovebox.

That's a visual check for me. With my bad sinuses, my sense of smell isn't the greatest.