I know this is a question that just begs "it depends", but how many miles can I reasonably expect to get out of a completely stock 6.8 in an Excursion (2v 2000 model) with all, and I do mean all, maintenance kept up to date and never towing anything heavier than a couple of jet skis? Will this engine go 200k, 300k?

I'll cross 100k this summer on a cross country trip. I've spent hours going over everything possible and I have to admit that I'm impressed with how tight, clean, and totally leak free this engine and transmission is. I have three other vehicles that have over 100k miles on them that don't drip on the floor, but they show signs of seeping oil etc. This 6.8 just looks amazingly new for it's age.

I've generally had exceptionally good service out of my vehicles because I'm a maintenance nut, but some things just spring up. I have a 1998 Dodge Durango I bought new (which isn't a vehicle that is particularly well known to be trouble free) and it's first problem was when the water pump went out at 160,000 miles. I mention that because it always seems as if something could always let go on older vehicles with a few miles on them. Still, I don't feel the need to pull the water pump off the Expedition. I changed the belt and it felt tight and spun freely without any odd feel. Any other things I should check that may not be listed in the owners manual for maintenance? I literally hit each and every item listed in the manual.

But, back to my question; how many miles can I expect to get out of my 6.8 when it's used as a people hauler and not much more?

 

300k should be no problem at all - I have 140k+ on my 01 and still going strong.

 

Proper maintenence is KEY. 300-400K should be no problem

 

A good test of the seal on the water pump (and bearings) is as you spin it, when it comes to a stop, it rebounds slightly.

Or, push it in one direction, not enough to actually move it, and let go, it should rebound a small amount. The seal is giving a small amount when you rotate it, and when you let go, the seal pulls the shaft back slightly.

Not only is it a good test for the seal, it's a good test for the bearings - if they are free enough to allow the seal to move the shaft, they are certainly in good shape. As long as they are not loose

Anyway...