7.3 Gas Valve Train Problems
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 1,671
From: NW Wyoming USA
I took mine in to the dealer to get the oil changed. 82k miles no noise, no cel, no codes. When I picked it up it was making a noise which they had not mentioned when I picked it up.
I left it there . They called and said it needs a engine, that a lifter was bad and that they found my old oil filter, cut it open and there was metal inside.
They quoted 10,600 to replace the engine
I left it there . They called and said it needs a engine, that a lifter was bad and that they found my old oil filter, cut it open and there was metal inside.
They quoted 10,600 to replace the engine
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 124
Likes: 58
The new 7.3's from Ford have updated parts. will be putting a new updated long block in. The rep I got the info from had heard of the tsb software update. He said it expires May 31st. Will have a different dealer check my VIN to see if my truck is included. He said the reflash provides more oil to the top end where these motors are failing
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 537
Likes: 224
You can also run 0w40 in them. It will raise hot oil pressure a bit over the book 5w30. If you idle a bunch, that may be just the ticket. Also 0w40 will offer better protection in extremes because it has a higher hths than your api energy conserving 5w30. 0w40 should be obove 3.5 hths. 5w30 Api is 3.0to 3 5. Higher is better here.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
Yes there's been plenty of reported 7.3 lifter failures here and most seem to be under 40k miles with some outliers around 100k miles. Ford sent out a service bulletin on this topic that essentially admitted these failures have hit Fords radar and the fix was to reflash the ECM to increase oil pressure. If you have some concerns, take your truck to your Ford dealer to see if it qualifies for this flash update. I've yet to read someone here had their truck reflashed, but it wouldn't hurt.
Good luck...
Good luck...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 124
Likes: 58
So I determined that the software update seems to be hot starts. Motor will idle at 1000 rpm for about 15 seconds before it idles down. Cold start are normal high idle till the engine reaches a certain temp.
I guess the 1000 rpm on start up gets more oil to top end on startup.
I guess the 1000 rpm on start up gets more oil to top end on startup.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,687
Likes: 4,802
From: Itinerant
So I determined that the software update seems to be hot starts. Motor will idle at 1000 rpm for about 15 seconds before it idles down. Cold start are normal high idle till the engine reaches a certain temp.
I guess the 1000 rpm on start up gets more oil to top end on startup.
I guess the 1000 rpm on start up gets more oil to top end on startup.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 124
Likes: 58
I don't remember mine doing that on hot starts before I got the new engine and update. I am running full synthetic since the first oil change at 3000 miles on the new motor so we will see how it holds up. So far so good. I still like the 7.3.
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