Looking for USED F-350 - Which year/engine/model is best?

[Soundguy]

Would you believe 1 in 5? That's still hundreds of thousands.

Well that solves it, there are 4 confirmed Ford 6.0's with no engine problems. This means it must be a completely problem-free engine and a bullet proof design. What a mistake Ford made dropping it...

you are badly skewing the data, and makeing extrapolations and assumptions based upon a small population that I do not think bear out for the full population.

Early 03 6.0psd's are the ones you hear about the most. I'd wager they have the bulk of the problems, IE.. a higher percentage vs the later years. Even averaging that out. i'd have to read HARD data to believe there was even 1 in 5 IE 20% blown up engines in the 6.0 psd's.

if you have that HARD irrefutable data to post.. do so. seeing is believing.. and lay this to rest.

if you don't have that data to post.. it's just like anything else on the internet. an opinion or an unsubstantiated data..

If I count.. and I'm not taking my boots off right this moment.. I probably know 30 people with a 6.0psd. I know of -one- guy that had the classic engine problem. and he had one of the first ones built.. he's the kind of guy that pre orders things..... etc.

soundguy

 

[Soundguy]

Plus DiamondPilot knows at least a dozen people with problem free 6.0l's and amazingly they have all had problems with a GM/Dodge truck as well.
You guys have proved me and all the broken Ford diesel owners wrong. Call off the class action suit and get Navistar to bring back the 6.0l, the greatest diesel in history!

that kind of post does nothing to help support your argument.

some DATA would though....

soundguy

 

[Sterff]

Plus DiamondPilot knows at least a dozen people with problem free 6.0l's and amazingly they have all had problems with a GM/Dodge truck as well.
You guys have proved me and all the broken Ford diesel owners wrong. Call off the class action suit and get Navistar to bring back the 6.0l, the greatest diesel in history!

Navistar already came out with a new updated 6.0. Maxx Force... I guess it is the greatest!

 

[Dmace]

you are badly skewing the data, and makeing extrapolations and assumptions based upon a small population that I do not think bear out for the full population.

if you have that HARD irrefutable data to post.. do so. seeing is believing.. and lay this to rest.

if you don't have that data to post.. it's just like anything else on the internet. an opinion or an unsubstantiated data..

Your not going to find an exact number of problems related to that engine, I'm sure it's a figure well protected by Ford. Also, we're not just talking complete engine destruction, many problems I've seen are turbo failures, oil leaks, blown head gaskets, etc...
None of which are catastrophic when caught early but still unnecessary.

Small population? Your joking right? Ever heard of the internet or forums like this with thousands of real people with real problems?

If your so sure about your "theory" of this engines reliability then YOU should be able to provide "hard data" as well, right...?

 

[Bigfoot62]

David,
I didn't take the time to read through all ten pages of this thread.
But, let me throw in my 2 cents worth.

I would suggest a 7.3L Powerstroke. '95-early '03 model year. I would not recommend the '94, simply because it was the first year of the PSD. There were some issues. I would also not recommend anything after an early '03, because that was the last of the 7.3's. (they changed over to the 6.0 in mid-year '03) Note: there were some 6.0 engines that have gone for years with zero problems, but that's not always the case. (I think you've probably seen enough negative comments about that) I would also stay away from the 6.4. Seems to be a good enough motor, but it sucks fuel. You could run a gasser and get as good, if not better, fuel mileage. The new 6.7's seem to be better, but the jury is still out. Just haven't been around long enough to know for sure, and I don't want any truck that I have to feed a steady diet of urea.

Two years ago, I bought a really nice used F250. 7.3, auto, crew cab, XLT, 2wd, with 108,000 miles. Got it from the guy that bought it new. He sold it to me for way less than wholesale, and I was glad to get it. He only sold it because he wanted a new one. (he bought a new F250 Lariat 4x4 with the 6.7)
IF you can be patient, there are still some "cream puffs" out there.

As far as the problem areas for the '97-'03 Super Duty trucks, there are only a few that I'm aware of:
Glow plugs on the 7.3L. Usually need to be replaced about every 100K miles. Parts needed are the 8 glow plugs and the two valve cover gaskets
Auto transmission. Typically, about 150K, it will require a rebuild.
Manual transmission. The OEM clutch is a flawed design. Easily, but not cheaply, fixed with a LuK clutch.
As with any diesel, electrolysis will corrode the internals of the engine if preventatives are not used. (do a search on supplemental coolant additives)
As with any used vehicle, especially a diesel, regular maintenance is a must. It has to have clean filters and fluids.

If you want to read a BUNCH about these engines, and the trucks too, check out this forum:
Diesel Forum - TheDieselStop.com

 

[RollingsFarms]

I can lay my hands on an 01 f-250 regular cab 4x4 7.3psd with only 68000 miles if you're interested. Never had a fifth wheel installed either. It needs tires and the drivers side seat is kinda rough so it might need some reupholstering. Good friend of mine father owns it and is going to sell it here soon. Last I heard I think he said he'd take $17-18000 but don't quote me on that. Can get some pics for you of you'd like.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

I can lay my hands on an 01 f-250 regular cab 4x4 7.3psd with only 68000 miles if you're interested. Never had a fifth wheel installed either. It needs tires and the drivers side seat is kinda rough so it might need some reupholstering. Good friend of mine father owns it and is going to sell it here soon. Last I heard I think he said he'd take $17-18000 but don't quote me on that. Can get some pics for you of you'd like.

RollingsFarms

I need F-350 & Crew Cab (I've got 3 kids).

But THANK YOU!

David

 

[MossflowerWoods]

David,
I didn't take the time to read through all ten pages of this thread.
But, let me throw in my 2 cents worth.

I would suggest a 7.3L Powerstroke. '95-early '03 model year.

IF you can be patient, there are still some "cream puffs" out there.

As far as the problem areas for the '97-'03 Super Duty trucks, there are only a few that I'm aware of:

As with any diesel, electrolysis will corrode the internals of the engine if preventatives are not used. (do a search on supplemental coolant additives)

BF62,

Solid advice, I'm basically looking for exactly what you describe.

I've not heard of the electrolysis issue before. Are you saying additive to the anti-freeze? or the Fuel? :confused2:

David

 

[Bigfoot62]

BF62,

Solid advice, I'm basically looking for exactly what you describe.

I've not heard of the electrolysis issue before. Are you saying additive to the anti-freeze? or the Fuel? :confused2:

David

Anti-freeze.

Read this: Part I: Choosing and Using a Supplemental Coolant Additive

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Anti-freeze.

Read this: Part I: Choosing and Using a Supplemental Coolant Additive

BF62,

I will read it. But the engineer in me is totally :confused2: over the NEED for all these additives in diesels...

I'm very shocked and confused that there are all of these little problems that the manufacturers don't address and must be "supplemented" after the fact by the end users.

Now I'm a computer engineer, not a mechanic, but there are underlying principles that are all the same.

I have always believed all of those additives you can get at auto-parts stores and mechanics shops were closer to placebo if not outright snake oil.

It seems crazy to me we need to add special stuff to make them run right.

But I'm going to do it if it works and needs to be done, because I want my stuff to last a long time and to remain fully useful...

I have been learning SO MUCH I just did not knoiw since joining TBN...

Thanks again, I WILL study the link provided..

Be well,
David