1. Yes these motors are extremely good, in my opinion the best Ford diesels as a far as realiability is concerned.

I've heard of several of these motors lasting into the 500K range, but they were 6.9's not the 7.3's which can last just as long IF the SCA level was maintained in the antifreeze to combat cavitation.

The only 2 autos offered were the C6 (83-88) and the E4OD (89-94.5).

Common problems are def hard to start due to air intrusion caused by old return line O rings and caps. GP issues (only buy motorcraft GP's, thats a long story), and well thats about I can think of at the moment.