I found a 2003 Excursion - XLT, 4x4 with the 6.0L with around 215k miles that I’m getting inspected today. Current owner has not done all the bulletproofing but has replaced the EGR valve, added the bulletproofed oil cooler, all new injectors, new turbocharger, radiator, brakes, and more. The current owner has a folder of maintenance records that we looked through.

We’ve been looking for a while (mainly for a 7.3L) but I’m interested in this one because of the condition and maintenance history.

What should I look for and be concerned about during inspection? Since it hasn’t been fully bulletproofed am I asking for trouble? Not sure if reading these forums has me overly paranoid or if 6.0L's are all going to be expensive to own, especially the 03's. Any advice?

Thanks!

 

Welcome to FTE!!

You'll find that the 6.0 folks are super helpful and so are the X owners over there in the X forum. I saw your post last night and didn't get a chance to respond there, so I'll do it here. First and foremost, check out and read as many of the tech folder posts that you can to familiarize yourself.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ch-folder.html

Bulletproofing is a loose term these days (IMHO). The bottom line is, the 6.0 NEEDS maintenance. Things like head studs, oil coolers, injectors, turbos, etc. are items that have to be maintained. For example, the oil cooler "problem" is due (again IMHO) to sand in the block and poor coolant maintenance. The Ford Gold coolant needs to be serviced on a regular basis and the sand, well, they have to cast blocks somehow. I'd recommend and full flush and a coolant filter. Otherwise, you're oil cooler will fail eventually no matter how "bulletproof" it is.

Obviously, make sure you check over the X really well for rust (rockers, door bottoms seem to be the first to go). Check out the X forum for steering wander and suspension mods. There's alos an X tech folder that has a TON of info in it.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...excursion.html

If you go look at it after all that reading and have specific questions, post them up!! Good luck!!

 

I LOVE my 6.0 Ex. With that said, if it checks out and the rockers aren't rusted jump on it. The steering gear is the only thing to watch out for as they are different than the F series. Blue top replacement is your best bet.

 

Thanks for the welcome! I'll definitely get more familiar with the tech folder.

Overall, the shop that performed the inspection thought the truck was in good shape and had been maintained well. The biggest issue of concern is an oil leak where the motor/transmission meet. The tech thought it could be the bed plate and warned its a big/expensive job. Since it's not leaking a lot, they said they would just keep an eye on it. A couple minor issues were sway bar links and track bar. So overall we were pleased with the outcome of the inspection.

What do I need to know about the bed plate leak and is this something that can be "watched" for a while?

Thanks!

 

It could be one of a few things,the bed plate could be leaking,a sensor leaking and running down or a gasket leak up top running down. I run 14qts of oil instead of 15 and the leak stopped or was less. Unless it's running I'd go with 14 qts.

 

Buy a ScanGauge with all the Ford PIDs preloaded. You can check so many important parameters such as oil temperature, coolant temperature, voltage, FICM voltage...all for about $140. It will tell you more than a $100 pre-inspection.

How old are the batteries? Are they both the same brand and rating? Old batteries/underperforming =FICM and injector problems.

Check the tires for uneven wear-ball joint and tie rods are not complicated-just hard work.

Check the date codes on the tires-tires are not cheap. About $1000 out the door.

Drain a sample of coolant into a glass jar and look at it.

If possible, drain a sample of the transmission fluid and look at it.

What does the exhaust look like on a cold start-I mean a completely cold start left overnight? My van has 823,000 and it smokes at startup when sitting for a week or two.

Does it have the Ford OEM alternator? If it has some unknown Chinese knock-off, get it replaced.

Check the AC. Don't let someone tell you that it needs a little refrigerant! If it blows warm, it has a leak or failed compressor. Both cost big bucks as you have to evacuate the system and refill. I have never bought a vehicle that does not blow cold. I walk away.

 

Coolfeet has the right idea,a monitor is the way to go. I found that Torque pro or Forscan is a better code reader,plus it's cheaper. Get a ELM 32 dongle off eBay and download either or both of those apts for about 5 dollars each and you have a winning code reader and monitor on your Android phone. If you want to get really fancy get a cheap 7 inch tablet and put all the **** in your own arrangements.

 

Thanks for the input. Based on the inspection, we went ahead and purchased the Excursion. So, I've started looking at monitors and plan to make a decision on that here soon. I'll get some pics, but to respond to some of the responses:

• There is minimal rust, none on rockers or the door bottoms.
• No EGR delete, EGR valve was replaced 4 years ago.
• Oil cooler replaced with remote oil cooler last year
• New IPR valve last year
• Original studs
• Batteries - Both say 2017
• Alternator is fairly new – It’s one of the reman’d units
• Tires are decent. They were just rotated, tires in rear have more tread than front.
• Cold start looks normal, don't notice any smoke.
• A/C and heat work well.
• Coolant reservoir looks a little low, it's below the min line.
• It needs tie rod ends
• There is an oil leak from the drain bolt

I plan to get started on a few of the issues in the coming weeks. I want to make sure everything is in good shape before taking it on our first trip towing. Thanks for all the help so far!