Thoughts on a 2002 F350 7.3

[cableguy11]

2003 Excursion 7.3 4X4...Maintenance wise so far, alternator, passenger side hub, power steering pump, one tie rod went bad, and that is about it. The tranny blew, but that was my fault . I did rebuild the fuel bowl, and the turbo myself, replaced all the O-rings as necessary. A lot of supporting mods to build up to a bigger turbo and injectors. That reminds me one injector went bad and I replaced it. Right now I have a check engine code that I have been running down maybe this weekend I will get it resolved. I only use about 12-13 quarts for oil changes. I also replaced one battery when I first got it. Had it going on 2 years and multiple trips down to Texas with no problems.

[O2HeN2]

I only use about 12-13 quarts for oil changes.

For fear of poking a hornet's nest: I never changed my oil. I tested it, replaced the filter and topped off after the filter change. Used Amsoil. Never did a full change (well, not including the full change to Amsoil after break in) and the tests always came back glowing.

O2

[cableguy11]

For fear of poking a hornet's nest: I never changed my oil. I tested it, replaced the filter and topped off after the filter change. Used Amsoil. Never did a full change (well, not including the full change to Amsoil after break in) and the tests always came back glowing.

O2

The amsoil is on the way as we speak...I switched to Rotella last winter, now going back to 15W/40 vs. 5w/40. I will test it after about 2-3k and see what it looks like. Hopefully just and oil filter and top it off.

[Wulf202]

Look up bypass filtration if you want to keep your oil research it. The 7.3 can use plugs that cause no flow restrictions

I do cold starts only all winter so I feel the need to dump it

[jmg8550]

Amsoil-snake oil, same thing.

[sportbikeco]

Did TFOGGER recently screw you over or something?

The coil springs are a huge improvement but the 6.0's never can run long enough to enjoy them.

Plenty out there with 200k-300k miles on them...

If you fix the egr/oil cooler issue and what causes it (shitty ford coolant that people neglect) you have a good motor. Lots of people blow head gaskets because its easy to tune it with thhe truck stock and have it blow the tires off and haul major ass, obviously not recommended unless you put in strong head studs and square the heads up.

[3beansalad]

Picked up a 02 EX, 7.3L PSD in 2014. No real issues, but I found a low mileage unit with good service records. I've had to fix wiring on the IPR connector and replace an alternator. Glow plugs done a month before I got it. If it's got the 4R100 service it regularly. Check out powerstrokehelp.com for some great tips on buying and test driving a used PS.

[TRnCO]

make sure the coolant is correctly treated to avoid cavitation

Or run CAT ELC coolant, no need to treat it. That's what I do. There are other coolants that come with ELC in them I'm sure.
Mine is an 01 F250 and just last year I had to do a water pump, for the first time.
I also added the tranny cooler that normally goes on the 06 models to add a bit more cooling for my auto tranny, at the same time that I had it rebuilt at 105,000.
Other than an occasion glow plug replay, oh and I had to take mine in for the CPS recall and haven't had that go out since. Tie rod ends done once also.
I'm nearing 185,000 now. I don't plan on ever buying another 3/4 ton because this one will last my life time.

[jmg8550]

The CAT coolant won't cavitate and create wormholes in the engine. Cavitation is very bad because it erodes metal.

[fportmen45]

Did TFOGGER recently screw you over or something?

No kidding. My 6.0l was the biggest POS ever.