7.3 v. 6.0

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Jun 7, 2010 | 08:40 PM

northernsnooker

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From: Ft. Myers FL

7.3 v. 6.0

I have been thinking about buying an Excursion for a few months now. I have been close to pulling the trigger, but not quite yet. Originally, i was looking for a 2002-2003 with the 7.3 PS Diesel. Lately i have been looking for a 2004-2005 with the 6.0. It seems the 2004 and 2005 6.0 have less problems if properly maintained than the earlier 6.0 engines. Obviously, It would be nice to get a 2005 rather than a 2002. 5 years of wear and tear rather than 8.

Is there any significant difference between the 2004-2005 6.0 and 2002-2003 7.3 in terms of power, fuel economy and reliability?

Thanks.

Jun 7, 2010 | 08:52 PM

BLK94F150

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Joined: Sep 2002

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From: None of your business

7.3 in those years was 250HP and 525ft/lbs. I may be slightly off on the torque. 6.0 was 325 and 560. The biggest difference is in the transmission. 7.3 had the old 4R100 4 speed and the 6.0 has the 5R110 Torqshift 5 speed which is a much better unit. Unfortunately the 6.0 is less reliable than the 7.3. The newer 04s and 05s were better than the 03s. Fuel economy is a little better with the 7.3, but it's not bad on the 6.0. The 6.0 also revs faster and higher and I feel like it's a sportier engine.

IMO I would search out on 05 with the 6.0 if you can and take a chance on the engine (get an Oasis and all that) for the rest of the package that you get with the 6.0.

Mike

Jun 8, 2010 | 07:05 AM

nyvp

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I have an 03 with 130k with no problems what so ever. if you look at the price diff between them your looking at about 5k. I bought my 03 eddie bauer for 12k vs a lot of the 05's were 16-18k some with low mileage are asking for 25-30k. Also it has a lot to do with the care and maintenance as well.

Jun 22, 2010 | 06:04 PM

northernsnooker

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Joined: Apr 2005

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From: Ft. Myers FL

I think I have found one to consider.

Used 2005 Ford Excursion Eddie Bauer Powerstroke Diesel For Sale | Sanford FL

It has a few more miles than I would like... 101,000 miles.

I have never owned a diesel, what things should i be concerned with this year of a truck?

The carfax seems Okay. The VIN is 1FMNU44P25EA05814. The truck is about 250 miles from me, but I will be sure to find a local dealer to get an Oasis report.

Can I get an Oasis report without taking it to a dealership? Can i just call my local dealer with the VIN?

How are the 2wd Ex's with regard to traction and mileage. I assume the 2wd will get better mileage than the 4wd. My F-150 is 4wd so I really don't need a 4wd Ex.

I hope to go look at it this weekend.

Thanks for any input.

Jun 23, 2010 | 07:51 AM

EddieEX10

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Joined: May 2009

Posts: 403

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From: MI

The 6.0 forums on this site will provide you with most or all of the most common issues with the 6.0. Some of the most common issues with the 6.0 are:

EGR valve / EGR cooler
Oil cooler

The EGR system seems to create havoc on these motors. Soot buildup on the valve and VGT turbo cause problems. There are many aftermarket EGR delete kits available.

The list I provided is definately the short list. I focused there because I've had to address those issues myself on my 6.0 at 115,000 miles. Check out the forum and you will find lots more info.

BTW, I had actually planned to address the EGR when I purchased my vehicle so I was not upset when the system failed and the work had to be done.

I like the 6.0. It's my first diesel and it's got lot's of power, sounds cool, and gets good fuel economy for a vehicle this size.

Good luck with you purchase!

Jun 23, 2010 | 09:05 PM

katiesdad7

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Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 980

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From: Stuart, FL

Don't let the 6.0 scare you. It did have a lot of issues but now that we have the cleaner diesel fuel most of them have gone bye-bye. I have the 6.0 and love it. I did have some issues with it early on. It had a gasket on one of the pipes going to the turbo go and sprayed a little oil on the underside of the hood. Then the turbo went. When the turbo went it drove just fine but the "check engine" light came on. I took it to the dealer and picked it up the same day. They said they replaced the turbo because of the code.

I think my problems were from not driving the thing. It only had 15k on it and was 3 years old when the turbo went. Over the last couple years I started driving it more, it now has 33k, and all is well.

Jun 23, 2010 | 09:24 PM

hwybee22

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Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 1,522

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From: Liberty, NC

Both have their issues, but if you keep up on the maintenance and take care of their issues before you're bitten by them. You will be fine. With the 6.0, you drive it like you stole it after it has warmed up.