I just came across a used F-250 4x4, LB 7.3 with 260K on the engine. Any ideas how long I can expect the diesel to last? I'm looking for a good truck for towing the boat on some road trips. Any comments and/or suggestions? Hows that thing for power and performance?

Thanks in advance, Chris

 

With that many miles it depends on how well it was maintained and how it was used.

 

I'll agree with powerstroker, with out knowing the previous owner it's hard to say. I bought my truck new, just turned 100000 miles. I fully expect to get another 400000 but then I know how she's been taken care of.

 

I just bought my 99 f250 powerstroke crew cab short bed with 207,000 miles with all maintenance records. So it just depends on how the truck was treated and how often fluids changed,etc... Good luck

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Aaron 99 F250 PSD CC 212,000

 

If it has been take care of perfectly then you should have zero problems. Might need a set of injectors, or glowplugs something along those lines but i would imagine that the ring seals are still excellent and thier are zero bearing issues.

However, if the guy tried to go 20000 miles between oil changes and drove the complete crap out of it when it was cold, and put a bigger turbo on it, it could be hurting. It is all about the maintence.

 

Best guess is subjective but you can get some clues:

1). Check oil pressure at hot idle (not the dash gauge).
2). Check volume of blowby leaving crankcase.
3). Get an oil analysis.
4). Get coolant checked for proper anti-cavitation addittive.

Enjoy your truck.

 

Agree with everyone on the miles- once you find out the records of how well she has been taken care-I have 297,932 miles on my truck this morning and when i bought my 97 f-250 PS she had 122,000 miles from pulling around a RV all her life- but she was well taken care of and i hope to get at least 200,000 more before any major probs- I have only had one major prob and after glowplug and glow plug relay replacment just all TLC-gotta love these trucks! as for power and performance-well lets just say that a 95 chevy dually with a 454 (proir truck) couldnt hold a candle next to my PS that i have now -I have seen the light

 

Well here is what I learned from my '99 PSD purchase:
1. Check condition of air filter housing and the filter itself. Busted tabs on air box or dirty filter.
2. Pull the intake hose off of the turbo compressor inlet and verify condition of the compressor blades. If any forgein debris made it by your filter, you will know by the condition of your compressor blades. You can look at my compressor blades in my photo gallery under tech photos if you want to see a damaged compressor blade.
3. Take it to a reputable mechanic and have them check the boost off of the turbo, other engine vitals and the condition of the torque converter and transmission (of course if it is an automatic). It looks like you have some knowledge on transmissions so I apologize if this came across wrong.

4. My front rotors warped recently so that may be a another element to look at. I am not sure which years apply to this problem but there is a history on this topic with these trucks.

If the owner has had their maitenance done at your local dealer, the dealer should have a record of all maintenance performed.........


These are things that I wished I would have paid more attention to prior to purchasing my outfit. Mine had only 36K in January when I purchased it and I have had several problems. Outside of the few problems I have had, I absolutely love this truck.

 

Thanks for all the info.

Just an fyi, I bought the thing from State Surplus and was pleased to see that there was no hitch or ball ever in the bumper. Fluids look good, and aside from the torn up seat, and what looks like 6 years of grime - it moves out well.

Bought it for the business, and even though we do trannies I just am not up to speed on diesel engines - part of my motivation of buying. Figured I better learn, and this is probably a good way.

If I can get another 200k I'd be more than happy, hell, how many other vehicles can make that claim?

Thanks again, Chris

 

FTE has helped me learn alot about my diesel. I knew nothing about them. Read and ask questions, it'll save ya alot of time and money.(It has me) Good luck with your new truck. I think you'll be happy with it.