I'm looking at a '97 F250 CC SB 4X4 with 84,000 miles on it. I'm new to the diesel thing and was wondering how many miles I can expect out of the 7.3 PSD. The second owner is selling it and he seems really **** about maintenance. The truck appears very well cared for but the origianal owner can't be located. NADA books the truck around $16.5 and he's asking $22 for it. Its kind of high but its got an air locker, rear airbags, Rancho air shocks, aftermarket torque converter and a 60 hp chip (I can't recall the brand). How long can I expect this motor to last ?????

 

about 350K miles is the normal expected milage for these engines. 22 sounds a little high for this year. Make sure to check the anti-cavitive levels in the coolant.

 

I agree with 78fordman, It is a little high. I really wish I had the CC though. I havn't seen the truck but it sounds like a good buy if the anti-cavitate checks out.

 

My PSD was shot at 90K. Factory warrenty replaced it but I have lost a great deal of faith in the "durability" of the PSD.

 

That's certainly not the norm. What was wrong with it?

 

Not enough compression. Also had to replace the turbo downpipe at the same time,it was cracked, and the CPS, and the flywheel/clutch, and the glow plug solenoid, and the fuel filter bowl.................

 

That price is to high,you can find the same truck with half the miles for 22k.

 

That Guy is as high as his price is. Look around and you will save some serious cash. I just bought a 96 f250 4x4 psd with 58,000 miles on it for 14,000.
good luck and dont give up.

 

What are anti-cavitive levels? I'm going to look at a 97 F350 in a few days. They also want 22k. I think it's only worth 18k

 

You need to use test strips. You can either buy a huge package of them at International or a much more usable number from HERE.

 

cool, but what do they indicate?

 

They tell you the SCA level in the coolant. The additive is used in all diesels up to 2001 and some in 2002 to prevent cavitation. If the truck has green coolant you should test for it, if it has gold coolant it is not needed.

 

In July of 03, I purchased my 97 F250, crew cab, short bed, 7.3 PSD, auto trans, 2 wheel drive, lifted 4" with a nice Rancho kit, wheels tires, and air bags and 41K miles for $17,500. He was asking $18,000 in San Diego, CA. It also came with a car cover. He had a company truck that he used Mon - Fri. I was looking at $21,000 asking price trucks on the internet with many more miles. At the time, I thought that 85k miles was low miles....If you like the truck, buy it...

 

By the way, Truck was purchased new in June of 98, thus it was only five years old when I purchased it used.
Dan...