Hello Folks!

I'm looking at a 2003 7.3 Lariat that has 250K on it as a potential buy. I'm currently in a 2005 Chevy 1500 Silverado 5.3L 2WD that has zero issues, so I'm new to diesel engines and just as new to heavy duty chassis. I learned a lot on the test drive today and it has led me here based on that experience.

I test drove the truck today and most everything checks out, except I have a couple questions.

1. It has some oil leaks in multiple places, hard to tell if they are manageable.
2. It's got the ever dreaded "wandering" problem. I'm doing lots of reading on that issue and feel like I could handle it.

Any rate, I'd like some opinion on the oil leaks, and have posted a video to make it easy.

It can be seen here:
Used truck check - YouTube

Any comments or advice would be welcome.

Thanks.

 

Doesn't look any worse then my 99 with 260,000 on it. They do leak a little. Mine never leaves drips on the ground though. I wouldn't be too overly concerned with it. Nice late model 7.3 though.

 

The only issue I could see is the K&N air filter and the nasty looking coolant bottle. My 2000 Excursion looked the same underneath leak wise, I have yet to see a completely dry 7.3 with that age and mileage. Just keep in mind to budget for oil cooler re-build and possibly injectors in the future. At 275,000 my original injectors were getting tired. I have never seen an older truck that clean where I live. One word, SALT. Welcome to FTE!

 

Alright, thanks for the responses.

You'll have to elaborate on the "salt" statement. And on average, how much am I looking for an oil cooler and injectors rebuild?

 

I think what Kdr358 meant is they use road salt in his area and it eats away at your truck. Its really bad here in Mn also but, its a lot safer than not using it. Just sucks that it eats away the metal. We call it cancer it eventually eats everything away until it falls apart. The oil/fuel that was leaking on the back of the engine could have been coming from the engine valley and leaking out the back of the valley through the drain holes. I also thought I saw a bubble on the front of the oil pan in video. The oil pans like to rust out on these trucks. Its an expensive fix $1000 or more because the engine needs to come out to replace the pan. Mine is getting really bad.

 

First off why are wanting to get rid of your other truck with zero issues and into a truck with issues? Do you tow? The maintenance on a diesel is much more than a gasser. I would want to get rid of the chevy also just because I hate chevys but if you have zero issues then whats the reason?

 

Legit question. In no order of importance:

1. I will be towing (mainly boats) in the future.
2. My current 1500 is not 4x4 and has drum brakes in the rear. I'm concerned about being able to stop a heavy load with only two disc brakes. For the 4x4 requirement, I don't live on a farm or work outside the city, but I had to abandon my truck in a winter storm the other night because I couldn't get up a hill. So goes the old adage: you don't need a 4x4... Until you need one, and I've been kicking myself for a long while on not having a 4x4.

Those are the two main reasons.

Other than that, it's a fools argument on longevity between a gasser and a diesel. And I believe in longevity.

But make no mistake, your point weighs heavily on my mind. Especially on the tail end of winter.

 

If your looking for a lot of opinions on the 7.3l I would try the 7.3 forum you will get tons for opinions when it comes to the 7.3. And a lot of great knowledge.

To me a truck up here in New England in winter with out 4x4 is useless. This is my first Diesel (7.3) and I love the pulling power for my trailer.

1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

Good idea. I posted a thread there:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14077329

Thanks for the reply.

 

I tend to agree with you Rob about the maintenaince issues that come with a diesel. Don't get me wrong I love my 7.3 PSD but staying on top of the maintenaince and modds is alot more costly than a gasser. My '89 F150 I had when I bought Blackie / F350 7.3 I had only spent $1000 on maintenaince & repairs over a 20 yr I owned it. I wish I hadn't sold it ! Now Blackie with 213K has cost me MORE than $1000 a year since I have owned it which is about 3 yrs.

First all welcome to FTE !!
Now I am wondering what you mean by tow boats and how big of boats weight wise? I ask this because I bought my F350 DRW for pulling my boat and it is around 8500k. Now you as a boater know how towing down the road isn't that big of an issue.
BUT launch ramps are what can be tricky! So a 7.3 PSD and 4x4 will work nicely for you. I have a 2wd and I still don't have any issues launching or pulling my boat out on a wet ramp. I give credit for that to the dually. Also with this truck I was able to move the boat forward and put more tongue weight on it. I wish I would have got a 4x4 but after buying a DRW I will NEVER own a SRW for towing again.
Once you go DRW for towing you will never go back to towing with a SRW.

If you decide to get a diesel just be willing to spend some coin and if you do so you will be happy.
Or go spend $50k and buy a new truck.

 

Ha! THAT is not going to happen good sir! I'd buy unimproved land for that before I bought a truck.

I'd be hauling a party barge, pretty much is it. I'm not a livestock owner or anything. I live and work in the city. So really, I'm more interested in the 4x4 and longevity of the engine than I am the towing. I know my current 5.3L V8 Chevy 1500 will handle the tow, but with only 2 discs in the front/drums in the back, I might not be able to stop very well!

Your points are good things to think about though, so thank you.

 

Well since you do tow have you tried towing your party barge with your current truck? I know a 4x4 is desired for those once in a lifetime requirements but I just want you to know that the maintenance on a diesel will be more, for one the oil changes will triple in price.

 

Diesels also need to be driven up to temp and remain there for 10 or so miles jut to warm up. A typical synthetic oil change on a diesel is 150.00. If driving on short trips ( anything under 10 miles) you will need to increase your service intervals to the "severe service" supplement.

I had a 7.3 Excursion, it was great! Don't get me wrong but from what it sounds like a diesel is overkill. I went with a gas for my new truck because the maintenance is 1/2 the cost.

 

i can attest to the boat towing as my 2wd dodge dakota 4.7 that would pull my boat just fine, and it 6500 lbs it was the max the truck would tow. stopping was the issue. the dodge, with rear drums like your Chevy , i had to anticipate the traffic light turning red a mile before i approached it. the ford with 4 disc, stopping is almost like there is nothing back there. and yes, the boat ramp....the dodge could do it at the beginning of the boating season, late in the season when all the slop and moss on the ramp, it struggled, the last time was almost scary, i decided the truck has to go. the ford you put it in 4 low , it pulls the boat hardly any pressure on the gas pedal, in any weather condition.

 

7.3 is the best diesel in my opinon