1998 7.3 powerstroke E450
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1998 7.3 powerstroke E450
Hi everyone! I am thinking about purchasing a 1998 Ford powerstroke E450 to convert into a mini-RV. I am wondering if anyone has any experience with these buses and what their mpg is like. We won't be towing anything.
Also, how expensive is the maintenance? Current owner replaced all of the following so they only have 6k on them each. Engine has 180k on it.
New front tires.
All rear brake lines replaced and system flushed. All brakes inspected and working perfectly
New class three trailer hitch with brake controller
Fuel filter
Transmission service
Oil change.
All pulleys belt and tensioner
Extra CPS
Air filters
Thermostat replaced radiator flushed new coolant
Rear differential serviced
Both air-conditioner serviced working 100%
Engine bay steam cleaned
And and all help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Also, how expensive is the maintenance? Current owner replaced all of the following so they only have 6k on them each. Engine has 180k on it.
New front tires.
All rear brake lines replaced and system flushed. All brakes inspected and working perfectly
New class three trailer hitch with brake controller
Fuel filter
Transmission service
Oil change.
All pulleys belt and tensioner
Extra CPS
Air filters
Thermostat replaced radiator flushed new coolant
Rear differential serviced
Both air-conditioner serviced working 100%
Engine bay steam cleaned
And and all help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,802
Likes: 1,333
From: Elk Grove, CA
A few folks here have vans, but not many. One major difference between the trucks and vans are the vans do not have an intercooler and associated tubes, and the turbo is a bit larger to compensate. 7.3 holds almost 4 gallons of oil so maintenance is not exactly cheap. Oil quality is a big deal on these engines. Conventional wisdom is do not use oil additives. Fuel additives yes, oil no. If these vans are like the chassis cab models the fuel tank may be the kind with an interior coating that likes to delaminate, clogging filters. If so you'll need to do the Hutch and Harpoon mods. New front tires are a clue to check the front ball joints and hubs for wear.
There is a learning curve with diesels and 7.3s, and plenty of acronyms under the hood, so here's a pic with labels. Your van will be very similar.
There is a learning curve with diesels and 7.3s, and plenty of acronyms under the hood, so here's a pic with labels. Your van will be very similar.
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Thank you for your response! I must confess, I don't know much about cars at all lol. Since it has a larger turbo, it uses more gas?
My boyfriend is going to look at it next week with his friend who is a mechanic, so I will mention to him to check for what you mentioned. Thank you for the photo-- very helpful to me!!
Owner is claiming he averaged 8-10 mpg while towing a large trailer with it. Does that sound right to you?
My boyfriend is going to look at it next week with his friend who is a mechanic, so I will mention to him to check for what you mentioned. Thank you for the photo-- very helpful to me!!
Owner is claiming he averaged 8-10 mpg while towing a large trailer with it. Does that sound right to you?
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,802
Likes: 1,333
From: Elk Grove, CA
8-10 mpg towing with that van is not horrible, a gas engine would be worse. Empty a truck will do 15-18, best I ever got is 19.2 and I was nursing it big time.
Bigger turbo does not use more fuel, not really a factor there. Get used to saying "fuel".
No worries, we can help with power mods to use plenty more fuel.
Bigger turbo does not use more fuel, not really a factor there. Get used to saying "fuel".
No worries, we can help with power mods to use plenty more fuel.
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