I friend of mine has a 2003 F-250 with the 7.3L Diesel for sale that I am going to look at tomorrow. It has 75,000 miles on it, and I know it has had meticulous care (he is a retired heavy diesel mechanic). As a reader of this forum, I am familiar with the reported issues with the Ford 6.0 and later engines (and do not want to restart that discussion in this thread). I am wondering what the known issues with this engine are, and what the expected longevity of this truck would be.If I buy this truck, I will also be buying his 10,000 lb (empty) fifth wheel. I know that this engine does not have the power of the current generation of diesels. However, the complexity of the current diesels scares me, along with the cost. I appreciate all the input that you all can provide.

If you don't buy it can you please give me your friends contact information?:B.

Friend of mine has a 2002 F250 with the 7.3L he loves it. Hasn't had any major issues, about the same mileage as the one your looking at. Gets pretty good MPG with his stick, better then my 2005 Auto did. If I found a good, reliable and well maintained one I'd be all over it. Few & far between it seems though.

The 7.3 was a good engine, but a little lacking in power, compared to later models. It should have many miles left in it. The transmission would be the possible weak link, especially if he upped the power on the stock engine.It should handle the trailer mentioned above.Jerry

Many on here consider the 7.3 motor the best diesel motor produced until the 6.7 recently came around. Only issues I can think of is a sensor with a long tube that occasionally gets clogged with soot and needs to be blown out. Other issue that's also a cheap fix is the cam sensor. Then there's the "quarter" shim to ensure that the injector wiring harness in the heads doesn't un-seat from the wiring clip. Really, all the issues around this engine are cheap fixes. Only thing pricey that was previously mentioned is the transmission. But at 75k miles and good maintenance, I would figure you had another 75k miles minimum. There are many on this forum that would buy the vehicle if you don't :).

I think that 7.3 was a great engine for it time, but it was really loud, maybe louder than the Cummins. However, for towing at that time, it couldn't be beat.

7.3L Ford Diesel | Good Sam Community

Targa
Explorer
Mar 28, 2015
If you don't buy it can you please give me your friends contact information?:B.
Y-Guy
Moderator
Mar 28, 2015
Friend of mine has a 2002 F250 with the 7.3L he loves it. Hasn't had any major issues, about the same mileage as the one your looking at. Gets pretty good MPG with his stick, better then my 2005 Auto did. If I found a good, reliable and well maintained one I'd be all over it. Few & far between it seems though.
MFL
Nomad II
Mar 28, 2015
The 7.3 was a good engine, but a little lacking in power, compared to later models. It should have many miles left in it. The transmission would be the possible weak link, especially if he upped the power on the stock engine.

It should handle the trailer mentioned above.

Jerry
jus2shy
Explorer
Mar 28, 2015
Many on here consider the 7.3 motor the best diesel motor produced until the 6.7 recently came around. Only issues I can think of is a sensor with a long tube that occasionally gets clogged with soot and needs to be blown out. Other issue that's also a cheap fix is the cam sensor. Then there's the "quarter" shim to ensure that the injector wiring harness in the heads doesn't un-seat from the wiring clip. Really, all the issues around this engine are cheap fixes. Only thing pricey that was previously mentioned is the transmission. But at 75k miles and good maintenance, I would figure you had another 75k miles minimum. There are many on this forum that would buy the vehicle if you don't :).
jalichty
Explorer
Mar 28, 2015
I think that 7.3 was a great engine for it time, but it was really loud, maybe louder than the Cummins. However, for towing at that time, it couldn't be beat.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Mar 28, 2015
I had one ,best they ever made. your gonna love it.and it,ll out mpg than a new one. 75k not even broke in.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Mar 28, 2015
I still have a 99 and 02 7.3 with the ZF 6spd manual trannies which I bought new. Chipped the 99 and bought a programmer for the 02 which I never put in as it came stock at 275HP. If it's a auto tranny I'd add a extra oil cooler and all the engine needs is a new radiator cap... seriously. Look to see if it has the camper package as it adds a rear sway bar and the extra helper spring... same as a F350. 3.73 rear axle is great and you can pull in OD with most loads. The turbo's butterfly can be tricked into being a very good exhaust brake, even with a auto tranny.
There is a reason it will cost more than a newer 6.0 PSD POS. I am thinking about selling my 99 extended cab 4X4.:W Hopefully the 6.7 will be as good as the 7.3.
cummins2014
Explorer
Mar 28, 2015
MFL wrote:
The 7.3 was a good engine, but a little lacking in power, compared to later models. It should have many miles left in it. The transmission would be the possible weak link, especially if he upped the power on the stock engine.

It should handle the trailer mentioned above.

Jerry

I disagree on a unloaded fifth wheel at 10K , He is looking at 12 K minimum loaded. I towed nearly 16 years with a 7. 3 with a bunch of mods. Too much weight for 7.3. Running on flat ground all the time it would work . In simple terms 12-13K will kick that 7.3 in the rear, in the mountains.. Great motor, just doesn't handle the heavier fifth wheels that great in the mountains .
jayco302fk
Explorer
Mar 28, 2015
Buy it!!
Lynnmor
Explorer
Mar 28, 2015
It's loud, stinks and smokes, but it works. Grab it now before someone else does. If he were to advertise it, the phone would never stop ringing.