Hi,
Im new here and Im looking for a ford diesel. I have found a local truck that is a 93' f350, crew cab, 4x4, with a diesel. The truck has a 5 speed trans. The truck has a stock turbo on the 7.3l and 260k miles and also a 4in. flowmaster exhaust system. The current owner says that its runs strong and smooth.
My question is how many miles do these motors and truck platforms go? Is 260k miles to many or will it last to 350k like most diesels?
Thanks

 

It depends, the 7.3 has a cavitation issue and can die as early as 150k if the coolant isn't adequate. One member just temporarily retired his truck to rebuild everything around it with 377k on the odometer. Going 500k+ isn't out of the question if you maintain it.

 

as long as you maintain them, the motor will likely outlast the owner lol

 

Ok I will ask the seller how the truck was matiainted.
What are some things that will go wrong with a truck of this age and mileage? And how much do they cost if it were to break?

 

Ask him what SCA's are ... If he doesn't know, RUN!

That's really the only thing to be leery of, if the coolant system has not been properly maintained it causes expensive issues.

If you can, get to it before it's started for the first time of the day, seeing it started for the first time of the day can speak volumes, does it start quick and easy, does it run smoothly as soon as it starts, whats the smoke look like if any, does it knock or anything like that.

Typically every 100k or so it's a good idea to replace the Injection Pump and Injectors, currently ~$600, Thats not saying they will go bad then, they've lasted several times that, they just degrade slowly over time and it's hard to feel it until you get new ones and the fuel mileage increases and it's got more go...

Glow Plugs ... ~$10 each, Infrequently.

Injector Return Lines like to leak if you touch them, maybe not fuel but air thus causing hard starts.

But like has been said, they have been known to last 500k+.

-Enjoy
fh : )_~

 

I dont even know wat SCA's are.....can to explain? haha

 

SCA = Supplemental Coolant Additive

Some reading on Cavitation, The reasons for SCA's, it'll explain a lot: Cavitation Article

-Enjoy
fh : )_~

 

Thanks for this great post - I've owned my truck for just a short time, but I had never heard of cavitaion in diesel engines...

After reading the link - I went and checked the coolant in my truck - looked clean and green..... Luckily, my mom always had the truck well maintained.... but I am going out to buy some test strips tomorrow...

Thanks again..

 

My 377k mile 7.3 is still running as great as it did off the assembly line. The body is rotted to hell, witch is why the truck is parked at the moment, awaiting a body swap.

Only thing I plan on doing to the engine is cleaning it up and changing all the seals and gaskets, oil is leaking from every one of the seals. lol

Simple regular maintenance and coolant additives will go far in a 7.3!

I am the original owner of the truck though. Bought brand new in 1990.