2003 F250 Crew Purchase - Questions

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Aug 9, 2011 | 02:10 PM

1978Crew

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From: Central Texas

2003 F250 Crew Purchase - Questions

New to this section.

Looking at a 2003 F250 Diesel purchase. Has 150K miles. Owner says it needs an oil cooler and new injector on #3 or #6 - not sure.

What should I be looking out for?

Aug 9, 2011 | 02:18 PM

Rancho Suspension

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Isn't 03 a transition year on the engine?
I know I have a 7.3 and they launched the 6.0 that year as well.
7.3 is the way to go IMO.

Aug 9, 2011 | 02:23 PM

miller_feed

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From: Grand Lake, La.

Sounds like a 6.0 to me. We don't have much trouble with our oil cooler on the 7.3.

Aug 9, 2011 | 02:24 PM

Shake-N-Bake

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From: Mesa AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1978Crew

New to this section.

Looking at a 2003 F250 Diesel purchase. Has 150K miles. Owner says it needs an oil cooler and new injector on #3 or #6 - not sure.

What should I be looking out for?

You should look for the size of the engine. 7.3 will have the alternator on the driver's side. 6.0 on the passenger side. If 7.3 liter, then you can see this thread for lot of good info.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html

If it's a 6.0 liter then you should be looking for detailed service records and have the truck inspected by someone qualified who knows the 6.0 engines very well.

Aug 9, 2011 | 02:45 PM

Rancho Suspension

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Quote:

Originally Posted by miller_feed

Sounds like a 6.0 to me. We don't have much trouble with our oil cooler on the 7.3.

Agree. My 03 has been a solid truck for sure.
GPR and an alternator only repairs so far, probably just jinxed myself.

Aug 9, 2011 | 10:36 PM

A/Ox4

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Joined: Aug 2009

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From: Missouri

The official switch is
2003 - 7.3
2003.25 - 6.0

Not that that changes anything. Just putting all the cards on the table.

Aug 10, 2011 | 11:26 AM

SteveH-CO

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 1,800

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From: Southern Colorado

Those are problems that could have very expensive consequences - I'd either skip that truck, or get a complete estimate beforehand.

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Aug 10, 2011 | 05:04 PM

3000 FPS

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From: S CAL

The early 6.0L diesels from ford were the worst years for that engine. I would pass this one up if I were you. Also those repairs for the injectors and oil cooler are very expensive and when there is an oil cooler bad it usually means the egr cooler is in its way out also. In 2005 there were many corrections and improvements made to this engine. From 2005 to 2007 are the years to look for in a 6.0L diesel if that is what you want.

Aug 10, 2011 | 05:08 PM

#10

Shake-N-Bake

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From: Mesa AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1978Crew

Probably should be looking for another truck.
I don't mean to sound like I am bashing but a strange 6.0 with oil cooler issues should be avoided in my opinion. There are some good ones out there but it doesn't sound like the one you found is in that category.

Maybe someone who is more familiar with the 6.0 will chime in and confirm but I think a bad oil cooler on these engines is usually caused by some other problem.