Ok guys, how many miles do you think a diesel engine can go if properly maintained? You hear so many stories 1,000,000 miles for just one example. From what I've heard through the years is that 300,000-400,000 is a realistic assumption. Any thoughts and or examples? I have 162,000 on my 2000 4x4. Runs killer! Just the ordinary maintenance....CPS now wheel bearings. Why did ford do that thing with the pressed hub and all? I like the "old fashion setup". I think they need to leave a proven thing alone personally. thanks and take Care!

 

I think that it really all depends on the truck and how it is used. A truck that sees mostly highway miles would probably be in the 200,000 to 300,000?? I've heard lots of stories but I don't personally know anyone with those kinds of miles, so taht's just my thoughts. I've gotta believe that the truck itself would be pretty worn down with those kind of miles. I don't think I would keep one that long - but that's just me.

 

I have 144 K on my 99 350 and my first oil analysis showed that I was very low on the elements that would indicate wear. I would guess that the engine is good for at least 300,000. It all depends on the vehicle. Although very new to oil analysis, I see that it could be used to keep track of the health of the engine. If you see that things are starting to get to that questionable zone you could always sell it. I wouldn't and don't recommend being deceptive. You would just know that it was time for that truck to go.
Scott

 

There are several boats out here in Mass and RI with 60's diesel engines in them. I've heard of the local fishermen having the engine room flood and them flushing the engine out and putting new oil in and the things run like new. I am a firm believer in the diesel engine, and I can't possibly see how or y any who takes care of their diesel and LOVES the 7.3 like we all sound like we do, should have any problem making the 500,000 mile marker at the VERY least.

Just my 2 cents.

 

My 94 psd has 260,000 on it and isn't showing signs of slowing. Still starts and runs great, still has good power.

 

I don't see why you couldn't make it to 3-400,000 miles. By that time, though, I imagine you're also looking at a bunch of worn-out things, like suspension, seats, ball and wheel joints, shift linkage and transmission.... the engine may be one of the sturdiest components!

One thing I'm watching on mine is the turn signal/washer/high beam stalk. It's awfully floppy. I hate those things, it seems to be the one thing that is not Ford tough.

 

I'm at 233,000 on my 95 and it starts right up and runs real strong. Biggest problem I'm having is with fluid leaks but that's typical for deisels...

 

I just replaced a 7.3 idi diesel in a 94 E-SERIES van at the dealership i work at with 295k on it.And that van had a bad service history.Not bad for that many miles

 

If I can get around 150K-180K on several gas engines (and trannies) babying them, I better get more with this diesel engine! Everyone of the gassers was leaking and sometimes snarfing oil and other various fluids by around 80k to 130k ish, especially at the 150K mark. Mine is a 95 with almost 155K and it is very tight engine. I can park on clean area and there is no drips of any kind of fluids. Kind of weird since I am used to gas engines!

Generally people get a diff vehicle in ~ 3 years. This sight will have a small minority of PSD owners. Even smaller that really works them through years and years. Go to the local general store, barber shops, & other normal hangouts for good talk on trucks for people that work them years and don't have PCs or go on Internet. That is where I get all of my factual info on how diesel engines have run to 10,000,000 miles, fixed suppers for the owner, and ran on just fumes for hundreds of miles! Just kidding. We have some real characters around my home town. Seriously, check the ranchers and farmers out though. Combine crews are really good sources too.

On serious side, I know several farmers and ranchers that have treated their diesel engines hard for over 200K. They are all Cummins though. Surely Intl can run like that too for a wide variety of users.

 

2000 F-250 7.3 getting ready to turn 230,000 Just drove Like A regular Truck Try to Stay on Top of everything. Hope to make it to 1/2 a million.. I Gotta... Ted in Austin

 

I also think if you work the suspension very hard (heavey loads and off road driving) that you will wear out the body before the engine. These things love the open road.

 

The internals on a diesel engine are good up to about 500,000 miles if properly maintained. What you would have to worry about most is all of the parts bolted external or supplying the engine. Many fleet trucks don't experience rebuilds before the 500,000 mile mark. The thing about the rest of the truck is that it will probably fall apart around the engine or be so "loose" if you will, that it would be a nuisance to drive if not unsafe too. I have a friend that drives a different brand of diesel and it is a 2001 I think. He has 342,000 on it with an automatic trans. He goes through 4 to 6 sets of tires a year and has only ever put a water pump on it. He drives all over the US monthly towing a trailer that weighs about 6500lbs. He has been doing it for 20 plus years and says he will drive the truck until it starts to nickel and dime him. It is not uncommon for him to get 450,000 to 500,000 miles out of a truck and they are usually still running well enough to drive. It is usually something else on the truck that causes him to trade it off. If that brand can do it I believe the fords can do it as well if not better. I plan on keeping my truck until about 250,000 to 300,000 miles but I replace things if they look like they may be a problem not just the ones that are broken. My 2cents.

 

You have to remember, we do not have the same diesel that 18 wheelers have. Our internals are not as beefy and much much lighter in weight overall. Having said this, yes, our diesels will last much longer than any gasser. 500k? very possible but more likely in the 1/4 million range w/o much maintenance ...

 

I have 200K and still kicking....

 

204K here.