Gary's got an '01 Ex 7.3 with 308k on it that he's going to be going through.

Thanks for joining us!

 

Thanks Steve. Yeah, I'm in the midst of determining if I want to go through my 01 Excursion bumber to bumper, or buy a 2011 F350. It has the Banks six-Gun Package, Big Hoss chip, exhaust, intercooler, trans command, Garrett 38R Turbo and huge K&N filter for good air flow to the turbo. The tranny and rear end showing no issues, but if I do this I may go through them as well.
I really love the versatility of the Excursion and the 7.3L has been amazing. Just hit 310k miles, and it's now showing me it's either time to put some serious money into it, or buy new. If Ford kept the Excursion line it would be a no brainer, I would just buy new and make sure this time I went to a 4x4. That's my only objection to going through my Excursion is that I want a 4x4. We'll, that and not knowing who I can rely on for service and support in SoCal if I do rebuild this thing. I'd need a great machine shop and someone with the skills to do the more detailed block and head work. While I have alot of tools I dont have what I would need for that scale of a project. Time is my other problem. So, if you guys can make any recommendations for reliable shops with top notch Ford diesel techs it would be appreciated.

 

I don't know where in SoCal you are, but I've got a couple of recommendations for top-notch shops;

DieselTech in San Jacinto: Welcome To DieselTech1.Com

OC Diesel Shop in Mission Viejo: OC Diesel Shop - Home of Bud

Can't go wrong with either of them.

 

Thanks again Steve. I think I have seen both of these shops in Diesel Power magazine, San Jacinto for sure. I am in Yucca Valley, so not to far from San Jacinto. I'll give these guys a call tomorrow.

 

Nice thing about either of those guys is they won't try to sell you on something you don't need. You may have a few more miles left in that 7.3.

 

Well the Excursion is in the shop! I ended up going to Diesel Tech in San Jacinto. Initial tests show good compression in all cylinders at 400psi except one thats at 390. The right (passenger) side injector wiring harness was coming apart which could explain the occasional dead cylinder.
So, with good compression at 310k miles I'm going to replace the wiring harness, injectors, HPOP, install a fuel pressure crossover rail, crankcase vent filter, clean the banks intercooler of any oil that may have gotten in over the past 8 years, and lastly install a new ram air box on the intake. This coupled with a new tuner and all that should be left is to freshen up the paint, a good cleaning on the interior and here we go for another 10 years or 300k, I hope.
If anyone can recommend a trustworthy paint shop that would be appreciated. The body is in great shape, it's black in color and the biggest issue is the clearcoat is cracking from one to many rub outs. I need a shop that uses quality product and knows how to give a black paint job depth.

 

That's got to be a relief to find out you've got that good of compression after 300k miles....good to hear Loren is taking care of you.