Any Ford Powerstroke Diesel knowledge here?

speeder · speeder's Garage

I am looking for a truck and have noticed more than one used PS Ford w/ moderate miles, (125-150k), and (1) dead cylinder. (For a "fixer" price, obviously). I know that these motors have a really good rep in general, (don't they?), so I am wondering if they burn valves? I cannot imagine how the rings in one hole would fail on more than one motor, but then they are turbo-ed w/ an effective CR of probably ~22:1 or something.

There is quite a difference in cost between repairing one head and a new longblock, and since it's on ebay I cannot really dig deep in it. I would bid based on it needing a motor, (which all others are doing I'm pretty sure), what are the odds of just a burned valve? Anyone know? TIA.

HardDrive · 08-21-2005, 03:16 PM

No help on the repair. My father has a F-350 with a diesel. The torque is amazing. It has been extremely reliable.

asphaltgambler · 08-21-2005, 03:24 PM

I understand the newer engines (6 liter) are more powerful and more fuel efficient but they don't last long with "leaned-on" chips/ecu's. Broken cranks, blown out intake systems, piston and rings cooked from overboost, blown head gaskets, etc.

The older 7.4 powerstroke was more forgiving to performance mods but a lot of guys really abuse them.

Evans, Marv · 08-21-2005, 04:05 PM

I just bought an '03, F350, 7.3L Powerstroke. I understand they last like a diesel should, unlike the newer 6L. I haven't had it long enough to comment on it. I had a diesel car in the late '70's and liked it (used to buy fuel in Tijuana for 13 cents/gal. at that time). Do a google search and you will find a board much like this one for Ford 7.3L owners which has a lot of info, plus you can ask questions there.

johnco · 08-21-2005, 04:22 PM

here's a good forum to ask questions about Ford diesels, thedieselstop.com
I have a 96 350 dually 7.3 with 240,000+ miles and haven't had any major problems. my 6.9 350 has 399,996 miles before I parked it. still runs great but everything else is worn.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Thanks, everyone. Hey Johnco, tell me a little about that 6.9, that is the older one, right? (Predecessor to PS)? How was the torque? WHat kind of fuel mileage? Turbo or not? TIA.

johnco · 08-21-2005, 05:21 PM

my 86 6.9 had no turbo, automatic, got 14-16+ miles a gallon. I overheated and cracked a head at 240,000 miles and the compression was still at factory spec. It was nothing to carry 2 yards of sand in the back or pull heavy excavators or skidloaders. that really didn't affect the mileage that much it seems. not much acceleration though. the 96 7.3 auto/overdrive gets 16-18 mpg but has tons more power I think. and with the turbo, I don't have to wait untill traffic is a quarter mile away to pull out on the road. it goes like a passenger car. I drive a 100-150+ miles a day and I find the truck rides better than most cars i've owned. Being a 4 door 8ft bed dually, you have to be careful where you park. sometimes, just because you got in there, doesn't mean you can leave before anyone else does.

TimT · 08-21-2005, 05:35 PM

I have an 2003 F250 PSD, its been great so far.

I get about 22 mpg highway unloaded, about 16mpg around town, and about 14mpg when towing my 10000 lb 26' enclosed trailer. The dieselstop is a good site to learn about these trucks

speeder · speeder's Garage

Tim, is that the 6.0 or the 7.3?

TimT · 08-21-2005, 05:58 PM

Mine is a 6.0, I believe the engine change happened late 2002 early 2003.

I have a friend with a 2004 6.0 PSD with a banks tuner on it and he get better mileage than me! and his truck is a dually

billyboy · 08-21-2005, 05:59 PM

I've had mine since '95. I know that you better run coolant additive like Nalcool in the water as the liners in these engines, as well as Cummins, are prone to erosion fron the electrolitic action of the water flowing around the liners. The erosion looks like worm tunnels on the outside of the liners until it finally breaks through. Water will not compress well, thus the dead holes and bent rods.

Dan Mc Intyre · Dan Mc Intyre's Garage

I bought my 7.3 new a couple years ago to pull my fifth wheel camper. It tows great and I've had no trouble with it at all.

However, what I read, is that they suffer injector problems. But that is a long term problem (high miles). The 7.3 engine should run 250,000 to 300,000 miles no problem with regular maintenance.

But, like everything, they all have problems. the early 6.0's had fuel injector mapping problems as well as oil leakage problems somewhere around the intake manifold at the rear of the engine.

The engines changed in 2003. That year one could purchase a Ford Super Duty with either a 7.3 or a 6.0. As the 7.3 was tried & true, I went with existing technology so I wasn't the lab rat for the 6.0.

I'm not an expert, I just did my homework before I pulled the trigger on the purchase.

Dan

jbryant · 08-22-2005, 12:01 PM

I have had or have:

96 F250 Turbo D (not PS)
97 F350 PS
97 F250 PS
99 F350 PS
05 F350 PS

These are all used for farm work and hauling a 24ft cattle trailer
w/ 14k #'s. They are used in the fields and off road most of the time. They HOLD UP!
I sell them at 200K+ miles, and have never had any major problems.
I can not stress how much these trucks get abused and still run great. They get run around like there on the set of Dukes of Hazard and never break.

Franklin · 08-22-2005, 12:08 PM

I have an 2004 F350 with the powerstroke that is used to pull horse trailers, stock trailers, duty on the ranch, 2+ ton loads and one road trip to OK city and San Antonio, partially pulling a trailer. It has been perfect. relatively comfortable and very good for passing on single lane roads. I don't get the gas mileage I've heard others talk about. Usually 15 to 17 range, mostly on dirt roads. Just went for a ride in a friends 2005 F350: Shorter turning radius, ABS to the trailer brakes, and a little nicer ride.