As the OP, I'm ignoring the snarky comments. Fix or repair maybe once every 5 years with my 1997 7.3. Last repair was about 5 years ago, a glow plug relay. before that, a starter in 2003. Not bad for a 20 year old truck I'd say.
5 more years and I can plate it as a Historical Vehicle and it will be here in 5 years.
That don't count consumable items like brakes, tires, windshield wipers and drive belts but then every truck consumes that stuff.
Cold started it this morning (40 degrees) and it started right up, little bit of smoke but not like before and it settled right down to a nice idle. I believe it will improve with time and as the crud gets removed from the spool valves.
Even at 20 years old, I'm not at all concerned with the reliability. I'd take it to Alaska with my camper if I wanted to. Sure is a whole lot less to worry about compared to a new diesel truck with all the emissions hardware and computer controlled this and that. I have very little of that stuff and no emissions hardware at all. To me, simpler is better.
Like I said, so far, quite an improvement.
