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I just bought a 2000 F-350 with the 7.3, it only has 65,000 miles on it. My question is where would I take this for servicing, Ford or an independent shop. I'm handy with gas engines but never had a diesel before, in saying that I can do oil and filter changes and other small maintenance items.
Get a good service manual for it. You can find some of the Ford
DVDs on Ebay. The only thing about them is they are expired dates.
You just change the computer date or get a program called Run As Date
Very handy tool so you don't have to chamge the clock all the time.
My opinion don't take it to just any independent shop if you do, unless they are familiar with diesels. The 7.3 you can get away with a lot more in terms of maintenance.
I always took mine to dealer for bigger stuff but did fluid and filter changes in the driveway.
If its not been serviced yet...Do the trans fluid/filter service now, all of the fluid. Many threads here on how to drain all of it not just the pan contents.... With any old vehicle its a good idea to drop ALL fluids. Trans, diffs, xfer case, coolant, power steering, brake....this will insure many more trouble free miles with this cream puff.
Buy test strips at a diesel equipment dealer, change the antifreeze, buy and add the correct Ford additive for the 7.3 ($10/bottle x 2, I think), and test the antifreeze. This is important on this engine, so don't just add Prestone and call it done. You can also purchase diesel-rated (SCA include) pre-mix lifetime coolant (600K mile stuff) at the diesel truck place, and use that, instead of conventional coolant and an additive. Be sure to read the 'diesel supplement' owners manual in the glovebox.
Thanks for all the info guys, I'll look into getting the cd on repairs and I will do the fluid changes.
The truck ran flawlessly on a 1500 mile trip, with a 3300 lb. camper on it, got 16 mpg to a Canadian gallon, thought I might do better but it was somewhat mountainous. I ran at about 1900 rpm or 61-62 mph.
Concerning service manuals. Look up a guy on ebay called doit-repair.
I got a pdf version from him for my 06 that was surprisingly well done. Even had a search button that worked. Hope this helps.
Personally, I didn't mess with coolant additive. I did a complete flush and then refilled with pre charged anti freeze. I'm not at home or I'd provide an excellent link for the procedure.
I don't know if this is a no no or not, but here goes: I was a member of The Diesel Stop forum when I owned a 7.3. Lots of excellent advice and helpful guys there.
