Looking at a 92 E350 7.3
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Looking at a 92 E350 7.3
I have been searching for van for hauling my track bike to tracks and found a 92 E350 with the the N/A 7.3L diesel with 140K. Im fairly mechanically inclined but know little about diesels. The PO claims 24 mpg, it that possible?
What do I need to ask or look for when I go look at it?
I plan to use it 5-10x a year to drive 3-8hrs each way with up to a 1000lbs of stuff in it. Does this seem like a good idea?
What kind of problems am I going to deal with ? Dont be nice, I can take it.
What do I need to ask or look for when I go look at it?
I plan to use it 5-10x a year to drive 3-8hrs each way with up to a 1000lbs of stuff in it. Does this seem like a good idea?
What kind of problems am I going to deal with ? Dont be nice, I can take it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
You can pose these same questions in the diesel forums too---probably lots of great input from experienced users there.
The gasser engines are more common in the E-Series, or so it seems to be the case here on FTE.
HTH
The gasser engines are more common in the E-Series, or so it seems to be the case here on FTE.
HTH
New User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I think for your intended use you will be happy with that van. That engine will be easy to work on as well as easy on your wallet when new parts are needed. The only REAL problem you will experience is if you get bit by the "more power" bug. That is when everything changes. The remedy for that is to eat plenty of garlic to keep a lot of bugs (especially mosquitoes) from biting or snacking on you. Seriously though, if the van is in good condition, you really can't go wrong. At 140xxx miles, you have a ton of life left in that motor, but you should invest in something like opti lube to lubricate the fuel system since they changed the fuel back in 2007.
New User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
hum 24 mpg he have to stop dreaming, it's really hard to believe, to give you an idea, with my 97 7.3 psd e350 16ft I can do 13-14 at the best, average is 11.5 mpg.
I had a 7.3 N/A in a F serie with regular cab and 5 speed and I did 22 mpg at best.
Its a good engine but don't expect a good gas mileage in a cube van, it's a bit better than a gas but the diesel noise in cab will make you crazy during a 8h trip.
Also be careful with the E4OD trans, it is prone to fail around 100k-150k.
If the tranny has been rebuilt and looks good and the price is good, go ahead.
You can still insulated the cab, I did in mine and it's night and day.
This engine is very easy to work on, its a good bloc to learn the diesel engine but the accessibility is sucks on the E van.
I had a 7.3 N/A in a F serie with regular cab and 5 speed and I did 22 mpg at best.
Its a good engine but don't expect a good gas mileage in a cube van, it's a bit better than a gas but the diesel noise in cab will make you crazy during a 8h trip.
Also be careful with the E4OD trans, it is prone to fail around 100k-150k.
If the tranny has been rebuilt and looks good and the price is good, go ahead.
You can still insulated the cab, I did in mine and it's night and day.
This engine is very easy to work on, its a good bloc to learn the diesel engine but the accessibility is sucks on the E van.
New User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I am currently getting 20 MPG in my 95 E350 extended body with the power stroke turbo diesel and I am not at all gentle on the go fast pedal. And I get that all day long every day. I bet when I change out my air intake and replace all my fluids with some good quality synthetics like amsoil, I could realistically see 22 MPG. If I could find a good quality Tuner or programmer, I might see more. But please don't be put off by people telling you that you're only going to get 12 or 13 because that's all they are getting or ever got. Go get the van and enjoy it. If it doesn't work out for you, sell it, someone will buy it.
New User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I just changed my oil with rotella T, all my fluid, diff, trans, tire are at good pressure , I have 4.10 ratio. The best I seen is 14 mpg but I have a big cube van with a 16 ft box.
I thought It was looking at a cube van too, my bad
For a e350 wagon the mileage is way different, 24 mpg is realistic with a 3.55, cruise control at 60 mph in a flat hwy.
anyway, its a good engine, the old IDI or the powerstroke are very reliable and give you a good torque.
For the IDI, a good thing is to take the extra 4 belts with tools for your long trip, they need to be tightened frequently as they don't have a tensioner.
I thought It was looking at a cube van too, my bad
For a e350 wagon the mileage is way different, 24 mpg is realistic with a 3.55, cruise control at 60 mph in a flat hwy.
anyway, its a good engine, the old IDI or the powerstroke are very reliable and give you a good torque.
For the IDI, a good thing is to take the extra 4 belts with tools for your long trip, they need to be tightened frequently as they don't have a tensioner.
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 21
I have an '88 e250 with the 7.3 idi. Mine has the c6 trans.....yours will have the e4od. It should have no issue doing what you ask. It won't be a power house, but it is very reliable. The 24mpg is probably a little high. What rear gears does it have? I know of a few that average in the 20-22 mpg range. Lack of aero is the biggest factor, so keeping the cruising speeds at 65mph will help, 60mph even better. IdiJohn got about 18mpg with the cc set between 70 and 75. Jumped up to 22mpg by reducing it to 65mph. I believe his area is very flat too.
As far as the e4od you should put the biggest trans cooler that will fit on it. Flush it regularly. Check over in the IDI section for lots of good info.
As far as the e4od you should put the biggest trans cooler that will fit on it. Flush it regularly. Check over in the IDI section for lots of good info.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Thanks for the responses fellas.
I bought it, the price was right for me.
If I get in 17-19mpg range Ill be ecstatic.
Int444, this motor has one wide belt (6 groove) with an idler & tensioner. The belt looks to be old so it will get replaced, should I also replace the idler& tensioner? When does the h20 pump need replacing?
Crappy cell phone pic
Any idea what this is?
I bought it, the price was right for me.
If I get in 17-19mpg range Ill be ecstatic.
Int444, this motor has one wide belt (6 groove) with an idler & tensioner. The belt looks to be old so it will get replaced, should I also replace the idler& tensioner? When does the h20 pump need replacing?
Crappy cell phone pic
Any idea what this is?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 691
Likes: 2
My 89 Club Wagon 250 does around 17mpg in the hills of PA with minimal weight and myself being impatient. E4OD with 4.10 gears in the back.
You have the more desired (depending who you ask, I like my v-belts) serpentine belt system. It's not 100% necessary to replace the idlers and tensioner unless they are showing signs of wear. It is cheap insurance though.
That last picture, is that a switch we're looking at? I can see its 24v. Possibly to power 24v items in the ambu body?
You have the more desired (depending who you ask, I like my v-belts) serpentine belt system. It's not 100% necessary to replace the idlers and tensioner unless they are showing signs of wear. It is cheap insurance though.
That last picture, is that a switch we're looking at? I can see its 24v. Possibly to power 24v items in the ambu body?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 691
Likes: 2
Also to the best of my knowledge im sitting at over 230k miles. I just purchased it this year and have only put about 3k on myself, but she's been real good. Minus the recent over heating fit that has started. I'll have that all worked out soon lol
New User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Here is a pic of the 4 belts in my old 7.3 swapped into a 83 f250.
Given me a lots of fun especially during the cold start in Canadian winter.
It have been upgraded with belt and tensioner, that's better.
Look if your pulley jump, make noise, have play and try the spring, if it's good, keep it.
When you will change the belt, check by hand the water pump, for play... it should last a long time as they don't revs very high, 140k should be good enough for another 60k
+1 with you guys, with a E4OD it's preferable to use a big cooler, you maybe have one with the ambulance pack, it's easy and useful to put a gauge by the test port above the pan.
The 24v should come for your amb pack.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cityjack
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Jul 31, 2017 11:20 PM
MSkaggsy
General Automotive Discussion
2
Apr 15, 2013 08:34 AM
jimbbski
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
5
Mar 18, 2013 08:57 PM
zmanz1
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
1
Sep 25, 2011 10:58 PM