Ive just signed a contract to shuttle tourists around Chile and Argentina for 5 months of the year. Could be lucrative but...... gas costs $3.75 gallon. OUCH!
Ive found a 98 and a 2000 E-350 (originally V-10) for nothin' but both have no motor. Tanny is good. Question: could i get Ford to install the new 6.0 Diesel in these vans? Is it compatible? Diesel cost $2.00 gallon where i am headed so huuuuuge difference. What would you do????

 

I'd try to find a 6.0 in a wrecked van that runs, they only started this year puttin in the vans, so it may be tough.

 

Trying to install a 6.0 PSD in an older van will be financial and emotional suicide. If you truly want a diesel van, buy one. The 7.3 is a good motor, besides the 6.0 hp rating for the E-series is way down, around what the 7.3 PSD was. No room for the intercooler with the new 6.0. Buy a running 7.3 or even the 6.9 diesel, you'll be millions of dollars ahead, Ken

 

Hi again,
ive had big problems with the 7.3 in the past (the newest being a year 2000. Have they improved since?). The main thing being that noone within 3000 miles of where i work could diagnose/fix it. Even though most people own diesels down here the Ford PSD is a newcomer and a troublesome one at that. Ive convinced myself that dollar for dollar the V-10 wins over the 7.3when you compare fuel, maint, purchase price, etc (and even with diesel fully one third less than gas where i work). I once had to fly a Ford diesel mechanic down to Mexico to fix one!! But fuel costs in the V-10 are extremely high and very close to putting me under. But i have been waiting for the day a new diesel comes to save the day. Ive read some positive things about the 6.0, but maybe its just wishfull thinking. I am seriously considering moving over to the new Dodge Sprinter which has a sweet mercedez diesel in it.
Aq

 

Hi aq and welcome to the forum
If you're having a hard time finding someone to work on a 7.3 you sure dont want a 6.0.
The 6.0 is harder to work on, takes more and different special tools etc.
How about taking an older IDI (non PowerStroke) 7.3 or a 6.9 like Ken said, and installing it in one of your vans? They dont have any special electronics and are very simple compared to a newer engine and usually last just about forever with proper maintenance.

 

I was jacked about the new Freightliner/Mercedes/Dodge Sprinter vans at first. I still like them but the max tow rating is 5.000 pounds. It has the 2.7 liter MB diesel which would get great mileage, but won't tow what I need to tow. With even 5K of trailer that little 6 cylinder just don't cut it, there's several tests of them in the car rags, check them out. I think they're funky enough to be cool looking, and they're huge inside.

I've had the 7.3 PSD, the IDI 7.3 and the 6.9, other than some of the cavitation erosion problems I've heard of if you're not vigilant with adding the coolant additives, what problems are there in the Cornbinder diesels ? I know fuel costs seem high for the V-10, factor in $6,000 less purchase price, that will pay for lots of gas. So will oil changes of 12 quarts and a $15 oil filter/fuel filter-water separator along with less wear and tear on tires and front end parts. Real life fuel mileage for even the new fuel efficient 6.0 PSD is 16, so even though your fuel costs are much less than most of us, it's still going to take away to recoup your initial investment. I'm not trying to talk you out of, or into either, just pointing out some differences, Ken

 

upon further research im seeing some not so good things about the 6.0.
I think i will stick to the V-10 for this year and keep my eyes open. Ive driven the sprinter and its definetely not for big towing. The body also feels a little "tinny" and inside space is not great. Not as solid as the E-350. But, yes its very fuel efficient.
Always on the search for the perfect beast
Aq