Thinking about buying a 2003 F-250 crew and remember reading that one of the engines had problems but can't remember which. Which engine should I avoid if any? Sorry if this question has been asked a thousand times.

Thanks,

TXHAWK

 

TXhawk,
all there is now is the 6.0L. I'm fairly new here myself. I'd read the post and go from there. As you read you'll see many who had issues and many who have not. I have an 04 built in OCT and have no issues so far. What I've read is that the early and mid O3's have more of the issues, but not limited to just them. There are alot of great guys who will assist you in your truck issues. I found this site after I got mine and I thought..." what the hell did I do". Had a F150 and never had a issue.

I took the advise of one of the SR. members here....

"just drive it like you stole it" and it will all work out.

Good luck.

 

6.0 now matter if there was a choice

 

03 model year was a split between the 7.3 and the 6.0. My 03 was built in Oct 02 and has the 7.3. Around Nov 02 they started installing the 6.0. Reading about the problems with programing and fuel injectors in the early 6.0 engines, I'm glad I didn't buy one.

 

Thanks for the correction. didn't know that

 

I traded a 6 month old 2002 7.3 F350 (the 525 Ft-lb model) for the 2003 6.0L F350. I have one of the earliest engines (built 12/2002) and have had no real issues. It was reflased to eliminate a smoky start up and have had some issues with the "water in fuel" sensor which was also fixed.
I LOVE my 6.0 and would not trade it.

I traded the 7.3 just to get the 6.0!

 

The 7.3 was a good motor, and the 6.0 is too. There have been growing pains, but my 6.0 engine build date 4/15/03, is running great. Also Mileage depends on how you drive this new engine. Cold weather affects the MPG as well. Have not a flash yet. Small amount of smoke, but my 93IDI 7.3 belched when started on a cold morning. I am use to it.
You probably won't find much of a selection of the 7.3's left. Don't buy an auto if you buy one. They were terrible. You see, there are trade off's to everything.
If you are buying new, opt for the 2004, built after 11/04. The upgraded motor seems to be a little better than the 03 version, which by the way was supposed to be in all builds after 10/1/03, I believe. Unless you are getting one hell of a deal, that is the way I would go.
Lariat

 

txhawk

I'm not sure at what point they started using the new style injector in the 6.0, but the early injectors are prone to leaking fuel and the fuel mixing with the engine oil. Not good! From what I have read on other posts, Ford is only replacing injectors as they go bad and not as a set. Three bad injectors at different times is three trips to the dealer and three times fuel has mixed with the oil. Some people will have the 6.0 and not have any problems. There is no doubt 6.0 has a performance and noise advantage over the 7.3. I drove both before my purchase, went with the 7.3 and have no regrets. Read other posts and decide for yourself.

 

working on closing a deal on an 03 4x4 crew with 7.3. Thank you all for your input.

TXHAWK

 

Hi txhawk,
You may be making the best choice. My brother has a 2002 7.3 and gets 17 mpg and drives it like he stole it. Occassionally he will do long road trips and get up to 20 mpg. My 2003 and his 2002 Lariat SDCC look almost identical. My 6.0L gets 11.2 mpg consistently and I drive just like my brother does.

I don't know if this is true or not, but I hear that the actual weight of the 6.0L engine, and drive-train, is more than the 7.3L. Anybody know if this is a true fact?

By the way ... real dumb question perhaps ??
... I'm up here in Ontario Canada and it's getting vaaary cold for this 'former' Texas boy. Try 2 degrees F (okay I'm a wus). It's dark outside when I leave for work and dark outside when I get home from work. Where in the HECK is the engine block heater cord located so I can plug this beast in? Yeah I know ... get a flashlight and go out there and find it. Well ... maybe I will, but if someone could please tell me where it's at real quick, I would very much appreciate it. At the moment, I'm next to a fireplace playing with the two youngins and enjoying these moments. Going outside and searching tediously for a engine block heater cord while the snow is swirling around me is not at the top of my list right now. Any info regarding the engine block heater cord location would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Hi Skigalini,
Its wire tied up behind the passenger side tow hook, youll need a pair of wire cutters to cut the tie so you can pull the cord out to use it. I cut mine out last nite in a snow squall, wasnt fun, so i dont blame ya for it not being on the top of your things to do list. Why doesnt ford have a plug permanently mounted for easy acess like the big rigs, that cord is a pain in the butt, is the same way on my 99 7.3l. Stay warm, take care, John

 

Fm Larit
Did you mean to say that build date ????

 

OOOPS OK you caught me. Meant 11/03. Sorry. Course maybe by 11/04 ALL the bugs will be worked out. Not funny, I know.
Lariat

 

Thanks very much John. I'll jump out there with a pair of wire cutters when I come home from work tomorrow and plug it in. Just didn't want to have to take my truck apart to find it.