tow rig f-250

[rngrnewbie]

I have a question, im looking for a truck to tow my truck, i got a 18ft car hauler with dual axle and brakes, im looking at F-250s, i found a 1999 7.3 powerstroke with 230000 miles, my question is, what would you expect the engine to last in normal operating conditions? 300,000 or 500,000 miles? or would that mileage be too high to think about buying?

 

[02RangerXLT]

Most people say, oh, a diesel with that mileage is still new... well, I will throw the BS flag on that... sure, they may last longer, but you will probably have to start replacing parts on it, and other stuff will go bad...

Find a 7.3 Powerstroke or a 5.9 Cummins, with around 180,000 on it, or less, and you will have something that will last longer, especially if its a 5.9.

 

[Ranger Kip]

Diesle Engines run a helluva lot harder than a standard gasoline engine, considering that, I have seen a lot of old diesle tractors with around 120,000 miles and still run like new, original parts.

I have seen semi's with moreso 500,000+ miles with a rebuilt engines that runs like it came off the assembly line.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Diesle Engines run a helluva lot harder than a standard gasoline engine, considering that, I have seen a lot of old diesle tractors with around 120,000 miles and still run like new, original parts.

I have seen semi's with moreso 500,000+ miles with a rebuilt engines that runs like it came off the assembly line.

Older tractors don't have odometers? There are too many variables to what a tractor could do to make them really worthwhile. Running an auger for example puts 0 miles on a odometer, but will really work an engine. That is why their life is measured in hours, not miles. They ain't always movin.

Personally, even with a new engine the truck will be needing restored shortly. That is a ton of miles on the drivetrain.

Gas engines are more than capable of lasting 300k as well, same story as anything else... good care and a lot of luck. Diesels don't always make it either.

 

[Danger FX4 Ranger]

Gas engines are more than capable of lasting 300k as well, same story as anything else... good care and a lot of luck. Diesels don't always make it either.

+1. With the trouble SOME people had with the 6.0 and even the 6.4 Power Stroke Diesels, I wouldn't be so quick to rate all diesels as very reliable. I talked to a carrier factory rep last week who had 320,000 miles on his V10 equiped 2006 E350 van. He said it hasn't missed a lick yet.

 

[colby450xc]

The engine may last forever but every other part on the truck will wear just like a gas vehicle. My truck may have 145k with a perfectly working 5.0 but every other part of the truck is showing its age. The drive train and suspension will nickle and dime you to death even if the engine is fine.