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6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

Should i buy?

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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 08:27 PM
  #1  
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pskelton
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Should i buy?

Hi all,

I have the opportunity to buy a 2004 beautiful king ranch with 145000 on the clock. However, the guy states that three freeze plugs popped out this spring because of the degas bottle leak and him just adding water throughout the summer. This spring we had an unusual freeze and three of the head freeze plugs popped out. What kind of problems could that be otherwise, just in case it isn't the truth.
 
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 08:41 PM
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It all depends on how much he wants for it and how much you intend on investing after you buy it. Also it matters if your going to wrench on it yourself,shops time is BIG money
 
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 08:51 PM
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bobv60
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Plan for the worst, (new longblock). Hope for the best (new freeze plugs and cooling sys flush and refill)
 
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 08:56 PM
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It is listed for 12,500. The truck is beautiful, but a long block? Wow, it do alot of wrenching myself and have done injectors oil cooler and other minor things but that sounds overwhelming!
 
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by pskelton
It is listed for 12,500. The truck is beautiful, but a long block? Wow, it do alot of wrenching myself and have done injectors oil cooler and other minor things but that sounds overwhelming!
How do you know the block or heads didn't Crack if it froze enough to push out the CASTING plugs. Most likely stright water has also caused lots of rust in cooling system. Flush and new oil cooler is very likely. Then, if the cooling sys was not maintained, how about oil changes? Trans service? Again, this is worse case. Personally, I think you could find a 05-07 with the better brakes, frame , and the brake controller for less than you will prob have in this one.
 
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Old Sep 18, 2015 | 04:33 AM
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I think he is asking too much for the abuse already admitted to
by the owner. Running that long with water is a corrosion nightmare
and all the other problems that go with water in the system.

Who knows what else your going to find that was skipped over
or halfway done.



Sean

6.0L Tech Folder
 
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Old Sep 18, 2015 | 07:40 AM
  #7  
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I'd pass unless body and chassis is perfect and you have 10 to 15k for a possible new motor. So that puts the price I'd pay for the truck around 1000.
 
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Old Sep 18, 2015 | 08:27 AM
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Thanks all. Very reasonable advice. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up on a shiny object without thinking realistically. I'm going to pass.
 
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Old Sep 18, 2015 | 08:39 AM
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Originally Posted by pskelton
Thanks all. Very reasonable advice. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up on a shiny object without thinking realistically. I'm going to pass.

I have to say that you made a wise choice passing on that truck. It might very well become someone elses nightmare.
I would also add that I think there is a market for these trucks if bought right and made to show a new owner that they are getting a solid truck. I have considered trying to find a 6.0 in nice shape needing engine work that would be in my scope of knowledge, or something I could work myself into.
 
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Old Sep 18, 2015 | 11:48 AM
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i agree with the finding a nicer 05-07. i have an 03 and really wish i had an 05+, the new suspension, bigger brakes, built in brake controller along with other things would be very nice
 
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Old Sep 18, 2015 | 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by acf6
i agree with the finding a nicer 05-07. i have an 03 and really wish i had an 05+, the new suspension, bigger brakes, built in brake controller along with other things would be very nice
Yes, I bought a 2003 f250 real cheep, fixed it up and sold it after I learned about all the advantages of the 05-07. Ended up with a 2006 F350 SRW lariat. Bought from the original owner with great service records ( all oil changes done at ford dealer, 3000 to 5000 miles). Higher miles (195,000) and needed some work, but only paid $9600. I really noticed the tighter turning radius, and the factory TBC is the best I have ever used. If you are patent and buy private party, you can find some good deals.
 
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Old Sep 18, 2015 | 02:22 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by pskelton
Hi all,

I have the opportunity to buy a 2004 beautiful king ranch with 145000 on the clock. However, the guy states that three freeze plugs popped out this spring because of the degas bottle leak and him just adding water throughout the summer. This spring we had an unusual freeze and three of the head freeze plugs popped out. What kind of problems could that be otherwise, just in case it isn't the truth.
A famous movie quote comes to mind for me..."Run Forrest, RUN!!!"
 
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