Need some diesel help.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Welcome to FTE. First I always take the top off the air filter and inspect the tube going back to the turbo for signs of dirt or dust. The inside of that plastic tube should be clean. After that checks out, read this thread. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html
And don't be shy about asking questions if you see something you're unsure of, or if anything in that link doesn't make sense.
And don't be shy about asking questions if you see something you're unsure of, or if anything in that link doesn't make sense.
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
Welcome to FTE.
Chris has a good link for you to use while searching for a truck. I know you can't do everything in that link, but do as much as you can while looking. I would get the newest with the less miles I could afford. These engines are great.
Chris has a good link for you to use while searching for a truck. I know you can't do everything in that link, but do as much as you can while looking. I would get the newest with the less miles I could afford. These engines are great.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,092
Likes: 145
From: San Diego, CA
Also, especially since all the trucks you are interested in are 6-10 years old, I recommend a 3rd party mechanic do an inspection. It costs about $90 to have done but this way you will not be blindsided down the road with major repairs (i.e. 2 months after you buy it the tranny dies). Find a good mechanic that knows the Powerstroke 7.3L and have them go over it. I had it done and was able to get some things fixed by the dealer before I took delivery. Even though it is almost $100 (especially if you don't buy it), the report makes a great place to haggle price (based on what it says) and to find out it the truck is trouble.
There's a lot of hidden costs with an older truck that you may not be able to see when it's shiny and on the lot (ball joints, oil leaks, etc.), and it's important to know what you are getting into. I painfully walked away from several potential trucks based on a mechanic report. It hurt to leave, but I ended up with the truck I have now.
Stick with it and you'll find yourself a gem. You picked a great truck and engine to get so you're bound to come across the one for you. Best of luck!
There's a lot of hidden costs with an older truck that you may not be able to see when it's shiny and on the lot (ball joints, oil leaks, etc.), and it's important to know what you are getting into. I painfully walked away from several potential trucks based on a mechanic report. It hurt to leave, but I ended up with the truck I have now.
Stick with it and you'll find yourself a gem. You picked a great truck and engine to get so you're bound to come across the one for you. Best of luck!
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Payson, UT
Do your homework, ask a lot of questions and look very closely at the truck. I even called and talked to the mechanic at the dealership where the original owner of my truck had his work done. My truck is a '01 F350 and had 58k on it when I bought it last spring.
Since I purchased it I have replaced the GPR, water pump, alternator and fuel pump. I guess the bottom line is, be prepared to work on a used vehicle no matter how good it looks. You can still get a lemon if you buy new! Good luck with your search.
Even with all I have stated above, I am very happy with my 'new' truck
Since I purchased it I have replaced the GPR, water pump, alternator and fuel pump. I guess the bottom line is, be prepared to work on a used vehicle no matter how good it looks. You can still get a lemon if you buy new! Good luck with your search.
Even with all I have stated above, I am very happy with my 'new' truck
