Trade or Fix ?
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: KC Metro Area
Trade or Fix ?
My '03 SD 7.3L Powerstroke has 265000 miles. A mechanic I trust tells me all the ball joints, hub seals, inner axle seals, drag link and outer tie rod are in critical condition and need replacing. In addition I have an oil leak at the rear main seal and another possibly at the right head. My main concern is the engine. It's been costly, but I change the oil about every 5,000. I'm upside down about 4,000 and repairs will be about 1,850. I'm not real concerned about the front end , but I don't want to spend the money and then have major engine problems in 6 months. Anybody out there have any insight into the durability of the PowerStroke once oil leaks show up? I gotta decide whether to trade 'er of fix'er quick. I love the truck, but hate throwing good money after bad.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: IOWA
That's a HECK of a lot of miles for an '03!!!! What do you do for a living??
I'm assuming you've had it since new, and as long as you have done regular maintenance when needed, I don't see why the engine wouldn't last another 200,000mi. But every engine is different, some last 500+ others don't make it past 300.
I don't think getting a leak means things are going bad. That is a lot of miles for a "new" engine, gaskets and seals will wear over time or many miles, and need replacing. I'd say you'd probably be better off fixing your leaks and front end than trading it off, and truck will be like new again. If the motor still feels strong, no need to trade it off.
PS, I like your signature!
I'm assuming you've had it since new, and as long as you have done regular maintenance when needed, I don't see why the engine wouldn't last another 200,000mi. But every engine is different, some last 500+ others don't make it past 300.
I don't think getting a leak means things are going bad. That is a lot of miles for a "new" engine, gaskets and seals will wear over time or many miles, and need replacing. I'd say you'd probably be better off fixing your leaks and front end than trading it off, and truck will be like new again. If the motor still feels strong, no need to trade it off.
PS, I like your signature!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Albuquerque NM
The powerstroke is no different than any other engine that has an oil leak as long as you don’t run the engine with out oil it will be fine but as for your drive way it can be a mess. Can you do any of these repairs your self? I have 99 F350 with 370,000 mile on her and I have had to do my fair share of work on her and I would not dream of trading her in because as much miles as she has on her, first they would not give me what I want and second I can’t see me racking up the same amount of miles and be in the same spot of loosing money again. I say fix it and run it till it falls apart.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: KC Metro Area
That's all I needed to hear! I drive for a living. I run hotshots locally and all over the country. I'm not much of a mechanic. I can do basic stuff like brakes, replacing hubs, etc. I've considered taking some courses in mechanics, just to save money down the road. The engine is strong and still sounds great, so I feel good about just fixin her and drivin' on. Thanks guys.
