Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

What do I do?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 21, 2003 | 08:47 AM
  #31  
eckart's Avatar
eckart
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 582
Likes: 5
From: Kelowna B.C.
Xan did you get any water in your diffs? For $10.- of vent line I ran my rear up to the top of the box behind the brake light and the front under the hood thinking if the water is that high its game over anyway.That was on my last truck,one more thing I forgot about and didn't do to the current yet.
 
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2003 | 03:35 PM
  #32  
xanthias's Avatar
xanthias
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 335
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
Originally posted by eckart
Xan did you get any water in your diffs? For $10.- of vent line I ran my rear up to the top of the box behind the brake light and the front under the hood thinking if the water is that high its game over anyway.That was on my last truck,one more thing I forgot about and didn't do to the current yet.
I'm betting it did--I'm changing the diffs this weekend. I couldn't get to it any sooner. Anybody know what size hose the vent lines are so I can go ahead and lay in some replacements? Any local-type parts shops (NAPA, O'Reilly) have a breather I could use? Finally, I'm not sure I can remember seeing where the vent tubes attach to the pumpkins. Anyone know?
 
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2003 | 03:37 PM
  #33  
xanthias's Avatar
xanthias
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 335
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
Originally posted by HerbertKornfeld
Thanks Xan - it's amazing how many forum readers live in the Houston area!

I guess in an emergency, you could go a little deeper before hitting the air intake or sensitive electronics?

James
You would have to go pretty damned deep--say midway up the headlights--before you had air intake problems (remember, the cold air inlet there by your driver headlight behind the grill). The PCM would be what I would worry about. It's on the driver floor behind the kick panel. I figure another 4" to 6" deeper and I would have been in trouble. (I don't have a lift--yet).
 
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 08:24 AM
  #34  
Toreador_Diesel's Avatar
Toreador_Diesel
Thread Starter
|
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,240
Likes: 754
From: Houston, Texas
Club FTE Gold Member
It so turns out you were all right. Within the last few days I noticed that my X was working a little harder than usual to accelerate. I also noticed that my RPMs weren't in the same spot that they are normally at when I'm at a specific speed. I checked my diff as you all suggested and the fluid looked more like thick caramel than it did normal fluid. But before I did this, I went to autozone and bought the fluid for the diff. An associate there told me that they didn't have they gastket for the diff. I went to two Autozone stores and neither of them had it. He suggested that I don't use a gasket and use some kind of substitute in a black tube. I don't remember what it's called, but I'll post once I get the tube. This may be a stupid question, but is not using a gasket a bad idea? If so, where can I get the gasket for the diff? It's a 3.73 no LS.
 
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 09:24 AM
  #35  
eckart's Avatar
eckart
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 582
Likes: 5
From: Kelowna B.C.
I've never had a problem with it. I like "the right stuff" made by permatex it cost more, $20.-cdn for a 1/2 caulking tube, but does a great job. its black and drys to something more like rubber than silicone.
 
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 10:33 AM
  #36  
Shake-N-Bake's Avatar
Shake-N-Bake
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 26
From: Mesa AZ
Club FTE Silver Member

My differential didn't have a gasket when I pulled the cover. I used Permatex RTV Black, I'm not sure if it said "The Right Stuff" on the tube or not. Seemed to work fine, no leaks.
 
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 12:21 PM
  #37  
HeatStroked's Avatar
HeatStroked
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 95
From: Phoenix, AZ
Just changed mine, yes, Pematex black. Works great-no leaks.
Also, be sure to use the right amount of Ford anti friction modifier XL-3 additive. (Read the fine print-the parts guy gave me XL-7 by mistake, same size bottle and color)
Use oil-75/140 high performance synthetic.
Modifier is supposedly not needed when using Amsoil and some other synthetics.
 
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 10:35 PM
  #38  
FoMoCo136's Avatar
FoMoCo136
Tuned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 303
Likes: 2
From: Kentucky
The tubes coming from the vents actually have a check valve at the top. Not very good ones but they are there. I have been an off roader for awhile and even your door seals will last for several minutes before they will start leaking. Assuming your truck is new,,or in new condition. And for clerifacation,,,I have had lots of water in my truck before(1994 F-350) 4X4 44" Swampers.
I have a crew cab now and will not be in the mud but I would not hesitate to drive through water up to 3 feet or so if the current is not too swift.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old Dec 3, 2003 | 01:57 PM
  #39  
Toreador_Diesel's Avatar
Toreador_Diesel
Thread Starter
|
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,240
Likes: 754
From: Houston, Texas
Club FTE Gold Member
Permatex is what they gave me, but I don't think I have synthetic oil. The guys over at Autozone gave the Coastal brand. I think it's the 74/140 I'm supposed to have but, I don't think it's synthetic. Where can I get the performance synthetic oil you all speak of?
 
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2003 | 02:34 PM
  #40  
HeatStroked's Avatar
HeatStroked
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 95
From: Phoenix, AZ
I'm surprised that Auto Zone carried it.

It must be synthetic and if you have a limited slip differential you must use the appropriate amount of friction modifier or you'll hear some bad noises from your rear end.(hahaha)

Anyway, I found only two sources for the 75/140, Ford and Amsoil. I went with the Ford 75/140 high perf synthetic with the XL-3 modifier. Amsoil claims that you don't need the modifier.

Thought I would stick with Ford products as I'm still under warranty.
 
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2003 | 09:57 PM
  #41  
Toreador_Diesel's Avatar
Toreador_Diesel
Thread Starter
|
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,240
Likes: 754
From: Houston, Texas
Club FTE Gold Member
The Coastal brand that Autozone gave me is indeed the high performance synthetic that I should have and use. BUT, is it a good idea to use that seeing as I only want the best for my X?
One last thing, those of you who used permatex to make a gasket for the diff, how long did you let it sit before you filled the diff and drove?
 

Last edited by Toreador_Diesel; Dec 3, 2003 at 10:19 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2003 | 11:23 PM
  #42  
HeatStroked's Avatar
HeatStroked
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 95
From: Phoenix, AZ
I used the Permatex Black and let mine sit overnight. It was getting late and I was getting tipsy so I thought 8-10 hours cure time would be good for it and me.
It's been a about 6 weeks, no leaks.
 
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2003 | 12:34 PM
  #43  
Toreador_Diesel's Avatar
Toreador_Diesel
Thread Starter
|
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,240
Likes: 754
From: Houston, Texas
Club FTE Gold Member
I just changed the fluid in my diff last night and....wow.....what a difference. When I compared the old, contaminated fluid to the new fluid I was shocked at what I saw.:-staun It had lumps and looked like the Mississippi Gumbo you encounter on while mudding on a cold, wet day. It's done now and my X drives ALOT better than it did before. Thanks to you all for lending a helping hand in all this! I appreciate it!
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:57 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE