Ford F350 crewcab

powerstrokenation.com and thedieselstop.com are both valuable websites that are dedicated to Ford diesels. You have the OBS (Older body Style) and there are a ton of them still around. They are a good truck. As others have said, change all fluids right away so you know they are good and get an oil analysis done. That will tell you a lot about the engine condition and also how long you can go. You need to provide mileage on current oil so if you dont know how long the oil has been in their, change it once and get the analysis done after 3000 miles.

I would not own a diesel and nit have a RAcor fuel water separator withoutcan "S" series 1-micron fuel filter cartridge. I have 3 diesels and 3 RAcor fuel filters. Get your steering and suspension checked. Ford front-end problems are as common as a radar cop perched at the bottom of a long grade.

I second the vote to have an oil sample tested to establish an engine condition baseline. I bought a 1999 about 3 years ago and have been testing every oil change since then. They will help you if you want to extend change intervals. I have been running at 10K mile intervals and the oil analysis has continued to look good. For my use that works out to about twice a year which is good when the change involves so much oil and $.

Good luck with your new to your truck. Take your time and read/listen/learn about it and the 7.3. It's the noisy one but the good one. I have about 225k and it is going strong.

PM if you would like to learn more about the oil sample or anything else on these.

Terry

click HERE and have them send you a test kit. Send them a sample of your used oil with $28.00. They will tell everything you would want to know about your oil including how often you should change it.

These engines aren't very fussy, but I would follow the manual, severe service table. Also change all fluids as suggested. As long as your changing the coolant, I would go with ec1 rated. Think the oe was green, which is probably ok too. Wouldn't use the gold. Congratulations! Get ready to have some towing fun!

As for the radiator antifreeze, make sure you get the right kind for your model year and engine. Ford went thru several different kinds since that truck was made. If it is a 4WD then add the transfer case to the list above.

Here's a coolant reference: Motorcraft

I have a 2002 7.3 Turbo diesel and have changed the oil every 3000 miles since new. Currently it has 236,000 and is running great. If I had just purchased one like you did, I'd change the following fluids....tranny, radiator, rear differential and also change the fuel filter.