Worn Out Trucks
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Senior User
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Worn Out Trucks
At work we run two 7.3L F-350's. Ones a 2000, and the other 2002. The trucks are pulling trailers every day, mainly a 30' or 38' gooseneck. They have around 130,000 miles and 150,000 miles, respectively.
The transmission just feels worn out. When pulling the empty 30' trailer, the truck could barely climb a small hill in Low gear. Also, the trucks must be kept in 4th at highway speeds, just to maintain speed. Is there anything that can be done to save these trucks, or are they a lost cause?
Also, how often should the rear diff. fluid be changed under these conditions?
Thanks.
The transmission just feels worn out. When pulling the empty 30' trailer, the truck could barely climb a small hill in Low gear. Also, the trucks must be kept in 4th at highway speeds, just to maintain speed. Is there anything that can be done to save these trucks, or are they a lost cause?
Also, how often should the rear diff. fluid be changed under these conditions?
Thanks.
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Senior User
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Sorry, they have a manual tranny.
The maintenance hasnt been done regularly for about 6 months to a year. On the last oil change, the 02 was changed around 20,000 miles over the recommended mileage, and was 2 gallons low.
The engines seem to be ok, but the truck just doesnt have much power at all anymore.
I'm thinking its the tranny, because the truck has to be in granny to go up just about any hill.
The maintenance hasnt been done regularly for about 6 months to a year. On the last oil change, the 02 was changed around 20,000 miles over the recommended mileage, and was 2 gallons low.
The engines seem to be ok, but the truck just doesnt have much power at all anymore.
I'm thinking its the tranny, because the truck has to be in granny to go up just about any hill.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Shreveport, La.
Sounds like general fatigue from abuse. Are the filters kept clean.
Suggest starting by having some diagnostics run on the engines, see if codes come up.
From your description in earlier posts it sounds like clutch slippage is a possibility.
Suggest starting by having some diagnostics run on the engines, see if codes come up.
From your description in earlier posts it sounds like clutch slippage is a possibility.
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Two F-350s... probably, what, $35K each? Pulling some damned expensive trailers. And the oil gets changed 20K overdue and is 2 bloody gallons low?
I'm surprised they even run. How can you allow such expensive vehicles (probably critical to your business, too) to be abused like that?
I hate to think what an oil analysis from Blackstone or others would reveal. I'd say it's time to consider purchasing some new trucks... along with assigning someone the responsibility of maintaining them.
I'm surprised they even run. How can you allow such expensive vehicles (probably critical to your business, too) to be abused like that?
I hate to think what an oil analysis from Blackstone or others would reveal. I'd say it's time to consider purchasing some new trucks... along with assigning someone the responsibility of maintaining them.
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From: Phenix City, AL
Just a tip, but with all our military vehilces, you have to do an inspection prior to dispatch and use.
The keys are maintained in the office, if someone wants to use a vehicle, they get the keys, check the mileage, do some checks on the vehicle and turn it in BEFORE the vehicle leaves.
Make the users of the vehicle responsible for checking it before they use it and have someone overall repsonsible for overwatching it. Make them fill a quick little form that says they check the oil, trans, fuel, tires, lights, seatbelts, etc. Then if it blows because something was jacked up, you have recourse and a record to show.
I know if I was the owner of those trucks, I'd be friggin furious.
The keys are maintained in the office, if someone wants to use a vehicle, they get the keys, check the mileage, do some checks on the vehicle and turn it in BEFORE the vehicle leaves.
Make the users of the vehicle responsible for checking it before they use it and have someone overall repsonsible for overwatching it. Make them fill a quick little form that says they check the oil, trans, fuel, tires, lights, seatbelts, etc. Then if it blows because something was jacked up, you have recourse and a record to show.
I know if I was the owner of those trucks, I'd be friggin furious.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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Not worn out but in need of some TLC.
Oil and filters more often. Intake and turbo should be inspected for leaks. Rear end should have been service at 100,000. Trans oil should have been replace at 100,000 if not sooner. Replace your crank sensor if it has not been. The list is long........
Oil and filters more often. Intake and turbo should be inspected for leaks. Rear end should have been service at 100,000. Trans oil should have been replace at 100,000 if not sooner. Replace your crank sensor if it has not been. The list is long........
Posting Guru
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Originally Posted by BFR250SD
Just a tip, but with all our military vehilces, you have to do an inspection prior to dispatch and use.
We also log mileage in/out on each run and keep a chart with mileage for next service (oil, fuel filter, transmission, etc.)
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I appreciate all the help. The person that has been in charge of vehicle maintenance is no longer in charge of it, since the two gallons low incident. I'm now in charge of it, and I'm just trying to get these vehicles back on the right track. I inspect the trucks once a week, if not more, and write down the mileage, and keep track of the oil changes, etc...
What all should have been done to the trucks in 150,000 miles? I've also noticed that even after an oil change, the oil in the trucks is black as night. Is this normal (never owned a diesel before)?
Thanks.
What all should have been done to the trucks in 150,000 miles? I've also noticed that even after an oil change, the oil in the trucks is black as night. Is this normal (never owned a diesel before)?
Thanks.
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Change the oil, but get a sample of the used oil and send it to Blackstone for analysis (along with an explanation of what's up)
Change the coolant (I doubt the SCASs were properly added)
Change the transmission fluid
Change the differential fluid
If it has fluid in it, change it.
I suspect that, if the engine won't pull grades any more, the compression is shot and you're looking at a rebuild or replace situation.
Change the coolant (I doubt the SCASs were properly added)
Change the transmission fluid
Change the differential fluid
If it has fluid in it, change it.
I suspect that, if the engine won't pull grades any more, the compression is shot and you're looking at a rebuild or replace situation.
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Thanks for the replies.
Again, should the oil in a diesel be jet black right after a change?
I'll prolly have the trucks taken to the shop for a tune-up next week. I just have to convince my boss that having the trucks hooked to 30'-38' heavily loaded trailers everyday is not what you would call "normal." It shouldnt be too hard to convince him that paying fora tune-up and fluid change is better than dropping $35K for a new truck.
What all is usually included in a tune-up for a diesel? Or is it basically the same as a gasser?
I really hope I can save these trucks. I just cant believe that those previously in charge of maintenance would let the trucks get so out of shape. The fact that these trucks have made it this long under these cruel, abusive conditions is just another testament to what "Built Ford Tough" is all about.
Thanks,
R. Simpson
FORD owner for life!!
Again, should the oil in a diesel be jet black right after a change?
I'll prolly have the trucks taken to the shop for a tune-up next week. I just have to convince my boss that having the trucks hooked to 30'-38' heavily loaded trailers everyday is not what you would call "normal." It shouldnt be too hard to convince him that paying fora tune-up and fluid change is better than dropping $35K for a new truck.
What all is usually included in a tune-up for a diesel? Or is it basically the same as a gasser?
I really hope I can save these trucks. I just cant believe that those previously in charge of maintenance would let the trucks get so out of shape. The fact that these trucks have made it this long under these cruel, abusive conditions is just another testament to what "Built Ford Tough" is all about.
Thanks,
R. Simpson
FORD owner for life!!