High mile engine worries?
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 32
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From: Mass
High mile engine worries?
I bought a 2000 F350 SRW super cab long bed about a month ago. The truck is in great shape but has 186,000miles on it. The motor still runs fine and the tranny still works good. It doesn't leak oil or use up antifreeze. The only problem is an exhaust manifold leak on the drivers side.
I'm going to be taking a trip across the country this spring and am wondering if I should worry about the truck. I will be towing a small trailer with 3 motorcycles. If something were to happen with the high miles will it suddenly happen or will things get progressively worse? I don't want to get trapped across the country with a broken truck. Should I put in a new motor before I attempt the trip? Also, other than being annoying, will the leaking exhaust manifold cause any harm?
Thanks and great site!!
Mark
I'm going to be taking a trip across the country this spring and am wondering if I should worry about the truck. I will be towing a small trailer with 3 motorcycles. If something were to happen with the high miles will it suddenly happen or will things get progressively worse? I don't want to get trapped across the country with a broken truck. Should I put in a new motor before I attempt the trip? Also, other than being annoying, will the leaking exhaust manifold cause any harm?
Thanks and great site!!
Mark
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 541
Likes: 0
From: Paducah KY
I would worry if I took a vehicle with miles like that across the country. I'd slap a new engine in there.
An exhaust manifold leak won't hurt anything.
Ya gonna hit the dunes in Glamis, St. Anthony, or Coos Bay? St. Anthony is the best.
An exhaust manifold leak won't hurt anything.
Ya gonna hit the dunes in Glamis, St. Anthony, or Coos Bay? St. Anthony is the best.
Last edited by warmdye; Jan 5, 2005 at 03:17 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 8
From: NE Texas
The best advice from anyone is to get the maintenance records - they tell a whole lot different story about your truck.
If that's not available you might have a parlay with the previous owner and ask him about the troubles he had, what was replaced, when, etc.
My father had a 5.4 in a 150 that he took on many trips across Texas, Arkansas and up into Missouri. I asked if it ever bothered him taking it that far with over 200K miles and he said, "Well, I can sit in this truck, eat a cracker and have nothing on my mind or my stomach either one". He was confident in that engine...but he knew the maintenance schedules and followed them faithfully.
If that's not available you might have a parlay with the previous owner and ask him about the troubles he had, what was replaced, when, etc.
My father had a 5.4 in a 150 that he took on many trips across Texas, Arkansas and up into Missouri. I asked if it ever bothered him taking it that far with over 200K miles and he said, "Well, I can sit in this truck, eat a cracker and have nothing on my mind or my stomach either one". He was confident in that engine...but he knew the maintenance schedules and followed them faithfully.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
i would contact ford ask for a oasis report fix the leak and be done with it it don't see why its so wrong to take a truck with that mileage cross country and change the oil and fluids a new engine would cost at least 7,500.00
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 203
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186,000 miles aren't really that many. I have a buddy that drives his 1992 Crown Vic daily and commutes 400 miles to his job every week. This 'Vic has 265,000 on the 4.6L. I have seen the Mod's with 300,000 +.
I drive a 1998 Kenworth that has 917,000 miles and the CAT has never been rebuilt. (I know... but I just thought I would throw it out there)
I drive a 1998 Kenworth that has 917,000 miles and the CAT has never been rebuilt. (I know... but I just thought I would throw it out there)
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 0
From: Medford USA!
Which motor is in your truck? Boy, my 2000 V10 only has 37,000+ miles on it. It's still an infant 
If you have a diesel, that motor is just broken in, not broken. A V10 with that mileage properly cared for is fine too. I would worry more about nickel and dime parts failing, along with alternator, water pump, etc. Those things always seem to wear out about that time in a trucks life, no matter which motor you have.
If you have a diesel, that motor is just broken in, not broken. A V10 with that mileage properly cared for is fine too. I would worry more about nickel and dime parts failing, along with alternator, water pump, etc. Those things always seem to wear out about that time in a trucks life, no matter which motor you have.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
Milage isn't always the best indicator of the health of any engine. Maintenance will determine how long that engine will last, as well as a little luck.
I've rebuilt a v6 engine with only 115K on the clock because the oil wasn't changed and it froze a lifter. I've rebuilt another v6 at 125K because the valves were burnt, again because of improper maintenance.
I had a Firebird in my college days that I took immaculate care of. I had a lead foot with that car, but the maintenance was always first. I did a huge burnout as the odometer rolled over 150K, showing off to my friend that my car still ran as good as new, and it did. I never once hesitated to drive that car anywhere. I sold it with almost 170K on the clock, due to speeding tickets and skyrocketing insurance
. A year later, the next owner told me the car still ran great and had no problems with it.
If your truck doesn't smoke, has good compression, doesn't burn oil, and starts up every time, I wouldn't worry about it as long as the maintenance has been done. Just watch for the first signs of problems like unusual noises, smoke, etc.
I've rebuilt a v6 engine with only 115K on the clock because the oil wasn't changed and it froze a lifter. I've rebuilt another v6 at 125K because the valves were burnt, again because of improper maintenance.
I had a Firebird in my college days that I took immaculate care of. I had a lead foot with that car, but the maintenance was always first. I did a huge burnout as the odometer rolled over 150K, showing off to my friend that my car still ran as good as new, and it did. I never once hesitated to drive that car anywhere. I sold it with almost 170K on the clock, due to speeding tickets and skyrocketing insurance
. A year later, the next owner told me the car still ran great and had no problems with it.If your truck doesn't smoke, has good compression, doesn't burn oil, and starts up every time, I wouldn't worry about it as long as the maintenance has been done. Just watch for the first signs of problems like unusual noises, smoke, etc.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 149
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From: Lowell, MA
I suspect if you have that many miles, they are mostly highway miles. I also suspect that since the truck is running fine, that maintenance was performed in a timely fashion. I have heard the argument that it is better to buy a vehicle with lot of highway miles than a low milage around towner. The reason being that the most engine wear takes place right after it is started until it warms up. A highway driven vehicle will have far fewer start-ups for obvious reasons and with care remain in good shape much longer.
99 F-350 Lariat V-10 CC LB SRW
99 F-350 Lariat V-10 CC LB SRW