I just purchased a 2002 F250 CC 4 x 4 with the 7.3 turbo diesel and auto. I have owned several Ford trucks through the years, but this is my first diesel. There are a lot of threads and posts on this engine, but what are some of the things I should be looking for? The truck only has 76,000 miles and the camshaft position sensor was replaced 5,000 miles ago. Anything else?

 

Engine wise.... how are the filters? The fuel filter is on top of the engine, and oil filter is in the typical underneath location, drivers side of the engine block to the rear. Do yourself a big favor and stick to Motorcraft FL-1995 oil filters, and either Motorcraft or Racor (OEM brand) fuel filters.

Is the factory airbox still in place or some aftermarket setup? If it's K&N, get rid of it. There is a tendency (especially the panel filters for the factory airbox) for them to not seal well and allow dirt directly to the turbo. Obviously, that's very bad. First mod if it's the factory airbox: the "6637" or "Kwik filter" mod. SUPER easy and well worth it. It's probably cheaper in the long run too.

Since we're talking turbos, pull the hose off the side of the turbo. Inspect the compressor wheel. The blades should be straight and reasonably "sharp". It's not a knife, but shouldn't be rounded down & worn.

Boots. There are 6 of them. 2 at the intercooler up front. Follow the piping from the IC (intercooler) up towards the top of the engine. 2 more boots connect the IC pipes to the intake spider. 2 more boots are underneath that spider and connect the spider to the intake plenums. Cracks/splits means they need replacing NOW. Firm rubber feel is good, squishy means replace them SOON.

How does the tranny fluid look & smell? Good? When was it last changed? If you don't know, then do it now. Same for the engine oil & filter, and the fuel filter. If you can afford it, use synthetic oil. Rotella 5W40 fully synthetic will make winter starting much easier.

There is a forum for the 7.3 diesels where you can get TONS of info, help, ideas, and whatever else you might need. I'll ask the moderators to move this thread to that forum.

Welcome to the 7.3 brotherhood!!

 

Nope....solid engine. As long as you have the updated CPS you're in great shape.

You should visit the 7.3L engine forum and soak up some wisdom on how to make your transmission survive as long as your engine.

 

With only 76,000 miles on it, there shouldn't be any issues at this point.

As for the CPS, the new style comes with its own set of problems. Most people prefer the older style CPS.

 

Thanks for all the good feedback. I do not know which design of CPS they used, but since it was performed at a FORD dealership I would guess it is the lastest version. Papadelogan mentioned a 6637 or kwik filter mod, what is this? I will try a search to find more about this. Again thanks, great site! FORD truck forever...

 

Thread moved to the 7.3 forum

 

Back off the caffeine brother, this is the 7.3 forum.

 

I would say otherwise... from what I've seen the higher mileage engines typically have less problems with oil leaks and blown o-rings than the ones that have lower miles.

 

Seems like the more you run them, the better they get. Also - if you do a lot of around town driving or have been too easy on it for awhile... find a long freeway on ramp or two... or put a load behind it. These trucks need to be run once in awhile to keep everything running nice. :-) I'm not suggesting being abusive, but they don't seem to run quite as well when they're babied.

Good advice from Papadelogan too.

 

He's a Mod, and the one the moved it here...

EDIT: And they have you on the right track. Replace all the filters & fluids if you don't know when they were done last. Then nose around looking at some of the mods that can be done to really make it a mean-machine.

 

Thanks for all the info. Yes this truck has been babied for quite awhile, but it is going to get a work out now. All the fluids have been changed. Going on a 200 mile trip today for a major checkout/run. Then in a few weeks it will be pulling a 32' Jayco Eagle TT to Albuquerque.

 

The 6637 filter or "kwik" named after Dan is a less expensive alternative to aftermarket cold air intakes that filters very well and is easy on the pocket book.

Riffraff Diesel: RDP 6637 Filter Kit