Looking at an Excursion for towing
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
I paid a LOT less than asking price. Mostly because I was thorough in my inspection and noticed every little thing that was wrong with it. I hit him with a low price and pointed out every flaw. I think it worked in my favor. I have to give a big thank you to Bill Hewett from powerstrokehelp.com because his video "How to buy a used PSD truck" told me what to look for! There is an abundance of free and valuable information out there for those who seek it.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
Likes: 42
From: Stevens Point, WI
Thats the best motor option right there! I'd like to swap out my 7.3 for one. 
Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
Likes: 42
From: Stevens Point, WI
I paid a LOT less than asking price. Mostly because I was thorough in my inspection and noticed every little thing that was wrong with it. I hit him with a low price and pointed out every flaw. I think it worked in my favor. I have to give a big thank you to Bill Hewett from powerstrokehelp.com because his video "How to buy a used PSD truck" told me what to look for! There is an abundance of free and valuable information out there for those who seek it.
Congratulations on the X purchase! Hope she gives you long good trouble free service!
Be careful with that powerstrokehelp stuff. Some good advise there and some not as great. You would get much better information here threw searching and just asking questions. Every aspect of the 7.3 has been covered and scrutinized and gone over 100 times here. We'll steer you in the right directions and help you out any time you need.
Welcome to the club buddy!
New User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
From what I've learned, the 6.0 is actually a really solid, well-designed motors with a few exceptions. For $2500 or so, you can fix those issues and turn it into a very reliable engine.
The 7.3, on the other hand, comes from the factory already bullet-proofed. It also gets (from what I've read) slightly better gas mileage than the 6.0.
This is why I've decided to look at 2000-2003 Excursions with the 7.3. I'm actually going to check one out today and hopefully drive it home if it's a good one.
The 7.3, on the other hand, comes from the factory already bullet-proofed. It also gets (from what I've read) slightly better gas mileage than the 6.0.
This is why I've decided to look at 2000-2003 Excursions with the 7.3. I'm actually going to check one out today and hopefully drive it home if it's a good one.
All that to say don't be afraid to get a 7.3 with some miles on it they seem to last forever.
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
First, the bad news. This is how my trip ended.
The good news: I'm the original absent-minded professor. Always have been. Instead of filling up right after I'd had the truck parked for two hours while having lunch with a friend like I said I was going to do, I spaced out and got back on the freeway. I stopped again in about 15 miles to fill up and as I was doing so, noticed that I was parked on top of a large puddle of coolant at the pump. Just to satisfy my curiosity, I looked underneath my new-to-me truck and discovered a LARGE coolant leak from the front of the motor. As soon as I carefully removed the reservoir cap, the leak stopped. If I had filled it up where I intended, it wouldn't have built up enough pressure in the system to leak and I might never have noticed it and overheated it on the freeway. So I feel VERY fortunate.
Here's the best part. This was a 1,700 mile trip back home. My AAA covers up to 100 miles of towing. Where did this happen? 80 miles from home!
Thank my lucky stars.
The good news: I'm the original absent-minded professor. Always have been. Instead of filling up right after I'd had the truck parked for two hours while having lunch with a friend like I said I was going to do, I spaced out and got back on the freeway. I stopped again in about 15 miles to fill up and as I was doing so, noticed that I was parked on top of a large puddle of coolant at the pump. Just to satisfy my curiosity, I looked underneath my new-to-me truck and discovered a LARGE coolant leak from the front of the motor. As soon as I carefully removed the reservoir cap, the leak stopped. If I had filled it up where I intended, it wouldn't have built up enough pressure in the system to leak and I might never have noticed it and overheated it on the freeway. So I feel VERY fortunate.
Here's the best part. This was a 1,700 mile trip back home. My AAA covers up to 100 miles of towing. Where did this happen? 80 miles from home!
Thank my lucky stars.
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
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,050
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
Well you bought it for towing didn't you? Looks like it tows well. 
Sorry couldn't resist, I hope the fix is an easy one and that 7.3 treats you well for a looong time.
My V-10 has ridden piggyback back home once too.
Sorry couldn't resist, I hope the fix is an easy one and that 7.3 treats you well for a looong time.
My V-10 has ridden piggyback back home once too.
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
LOL what's funny is that I was thinking the exact same thing on the way home from the cab of the tow truck.
I'm going to drain and flush the whole cooling system, replace it with Chevron Delo ELC, replace the pump and hoses and call it good for another couple hundred. I really do not want to take my chances on a water pump with 140k on it if I'm going to be dragging an RV around the country.
I'm going to drain and flush the whole cooling system, replace it with Chevron Delo ELC, replace the pump and hoses and call it good for another couple hundred. I really do not want to take my chances on a water pump with 140k on it if I'm going to be dragging an RV around the country.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 224
Likes: 3
From: Central Valley
Excellent deal on the low mileage Ex. Congratulation!
You also need to do both "under valve cover harnesses (AKA 50 cent mod)" It's a plastic clip from Ford. Part #2C3Z-14A163-AB. The clip takes less than 30 seconds to install, but taking the valve cover off can be challenging.
You also need to do both "under valve cover harnesses (AKA 50 cent mod)" It's a plastic clip from Ford. Part #2C3Z-14A163-AB. The clip takes less than 30 seconds to install, but taking the valve cover off can be challenging.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
Likes: 42
From: Stevens Point, WI
Excellent deal on the low mileage Ex. Congratulation!
You also need to do both "under valve cover harnesses (AKA 50 cent mod)" It's a plastic clip from Ford. Part #2C3Z-14A163-AB. The clip takes less than 30 seconds to install, but taking the valve cover off can be challenging.
You also need to do both "under valve cover harnesses (AKA 50 cent mod)" It's a plastic clip from Ford. Part #2C3Z-14A163-AB. The clip takes less than 30 seconds to install, but taking the valve cover off can be challenging.
Good stuff there^
Get an extra $29 CPS sensor to keep in the glove box and a trans temp gauge too.
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
I already ordered the autometer quad gauge A-pillar pod. Trans temp, pyro, boost, and water temp are all on the way as well.
A CPS is on my list too. I thought they were a lot more than $29. Do you need a special wrench to replace?
Never heard of the under valve cover harness fix. Another thing to add to the "research" list.
A CPS is on my list too. I thought they were a lot more than $29. Do you need a special wrench to replace?
Never heard of the under valve cover harness fix. Another thing to add to the "research" list.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 17
I already ordered the autometer quad gauge A-pillar pod. Trans temp, pyro, boost, and water temp are all on the way as well. A CPS is on my list too. I thought they were a lot more than $29. Do you need a special wrench to replace? Never heard of the under valve cover harness fix. Another thing to add to the "research" list.