7.3 Suggestions
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Ohio
7.3 Suggestions
Well, its time for me to bite the bullet. i've been looking for a while and plan on buying my own 7.3 ive been round these since they came out and love them. im currently goin to school as a Diesel Tech Student so i know how good they are, but is there any certain small things to look for in a 99-03? im a particular person and wont have anything less than nice... so im alwasy checkin fenderwels and door seams for bubbles and holes. any other small problems to keep eye out for?
you can't fix stupid!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,906
Likes: 2
if you want something nice just be prepared to pay for it. i am very particular myself and looked for 4 months before i found my truck and it almost got sent off to the auction before i nabbed it. give a good looking over for the stuff you would normally look for on a regular truck then take a look at the turbo fins and make sure the oil pan isnt leaking as you have to take out the engine to fix that. a truck that starts up nicely will also let you know how shes been taken care of. other guys will chime in on other stuff to look for......
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Check the air intake first. The factory airbox is prone to leaking. If you see any dirt or dust inside the intake tube check for a dusted compressor wheel or dusted engine. Also, K&N filters don't perform well in these motors and can leak as bad as the stock airbox. The other common things to check can be found here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 509
Likes: 3
From: Findlay, Il
[QUOTE=F350-6;9613199] Also, K&N filters don't perform well in these motors and can leak as bad as the stock airbox.
On what grounds do you have that K&N filters don't perform. I have been using this filter on three 7.3's(680000, 830000+ and 575000+). Maybe I done something wrong!
On what grounds do you have that K&N filters don't perform. I have been using this filter on three 7.3's(680000, 830000+ and 575000+). Maybe I done something wrong!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
[QUOTE=tommyl;9613245]The drop in K&N filters do not seal well in the stock airbox. There has been plenty of history on this. They allow dirt past them on the edges of the filter and get into the turbo.
you can't fix stupid!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,906
Likes: 2
[quote=tommyl;9613245]its not that the k&n doesnt perform well its that it doesnt perform well in the stock airbox and the airbox design is different and the smaller k&n moves around letting unfiltered air past it. say a cone type k&n clamped on the end of the intake tubes will work fine.......
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
[quote=tommyl;9613245]
If you drive a lot, that probably means you don't play around and tend to drive in a more conservative manner. The problems do seem to be more prevalent when stuck in a chipped truck or when not very well maintained, but have you ever heard from someone that a K&N actually filters better when a little dirty?
The issue is the increased airflow means it doesn't filter as well on the fine particles. You've been a member here for several years. Have you missed all the dusted turbo and dusted engine threads? There was even a study done a while back that compared different air intakes.
Like I said, K&N can (read CAN) leak as bad as the factory airbox so if you see one, check for signs of dusting since that is an issue we have read about here over and over again. We've also seen several trucks that did not spontaneously combust when a K&N was installed which is why I said check it instead of saying run away from it.
If K&N works for you that's great, but what we're dealing with in this thread is buying a used truck where we don't really know how the previous owner treated the truck or how he maintained it. Since others here have reported dusted turbos and engines as a result of an improperly fitted or maintained K&N filter, do you not think it's at least wise to pay attention to this possibility before buying a used vehicle?
The issue is the increased airflow means it doesn't filter as well on the fine particles. You've been a member here for several years. Have you missed all the dusted turbo and dusted engine threads? There was even a study done a while back that compared different air intakes.
Like I said, K&N can (read CAN) leak as bad as the factory airbox so if you see one, check for signs of dusting since that is an issue we have read about here over and over again. We've also seen several trucks that did not spontaneously combust when a K&N was installed which is why I said check it instead of saying run away from it.
If K&N works for you that's great, but what we're dealing with in this thread is buying a used truck where we don't really know how the previous owner treated the truck or how he maintained it. Since others here have reported dusted turbos and engines as a result of an improperly fitted or maintained K&N filter, do you not think it's at least wise to pay attention to this possibility before buying a used vehicle?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 453
Likes: 0
From: Dade City, FL
To the OP: welcome and sorry for the hijack. You've made a great choice for a truck.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 799
Likes: 0
From: Mission, BC
[QUOTE=F350-6;9613329]
If you drive a lot, that probably means you don't play around and tend to drive in a more conservative manner. The problems do seem to be more prevalent when stuck in a chipped truck or when not very well maintained, but have you ever heard from someone that a K&N actually filters better when a little dirty?
The issue is the increased airflow means it doesn't filter as well on the fine particles. You've been a member here for several years. Have you missed all the dusted turbo and dusted engine threads? There was even a study done a while back that compared different air intakes.
Like I said, K&N can (read CAN) leak as bad as the factory airbox so if you see one, check for signs of dusting since that is an issue we have read about here over and over again. We've also seen several trucks that did not spontaneously combust when a K&N was installed which is why I said check it instead of saying run away from it.
If K&N works for you that's great, but what we're dealing with in this thread is buying a used truck where we don't really know how the previous owner treated the truck or how he maintained it. Since others here have reported dusted turbos and engines as a result of an improperly fitted or maintained K&N filter, do you not think it's at least wise to pay attention to this possibility before buying a used vehicle?
Well put!
If you drive a lot, that probably means you don't play around and tend to drive in a more conservative manner. The problems do seem to be more prevalent when stuck in a chipped truck or when not very well maintained, but have you ever heard from someone that a K&N actually filters better when a little dirty?
The issue is the increased airflow means it doesn't filter as well on the fine particles. You've been a member here for several years. Have you missed all the dusted turbo and dusted engine threads? There was even a study done a while back that compared different air intakes.
Like I said, K&N can (read CAN) leak as bad as the factory airbox so if you see one, check for signs of dusting since that is an issue we have read about here over and over again. We've also seen several trucks that did not spontaneously combust when a K&N was installed which is why I said check it instead of saying run away from it.
If K&N works for you that's great, but what we're dealing with in this thread is buying a used truck where we don't really know how the previous owner treated the truck or how he maintained it. Since others here have reported dusted turbos and engines as a result of an improperly fitted or maintained K&N filter, do you not think it's at least wise to pay attention to this possibility before buying a used vehicle?
Well put!
