Short Tripping a 7.3 worth it?
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Short Tripping a 7.3 worth it?
I'm new to the forums and know some about diesels. I am getting a truck in july and it's either going to be a 99-02 with the 7.3 or same years with the V-10. I plan on buying a 16ft enclosed trailer in the next year also. Just want some input if it's worth me getting a diesel. I love the power, sound and everything about the 7.3. But I will drive it to work everyday which is only 5.3 miles each way. Would this wear out the diesel quick? I would let it warm up and everything but just curious if I really need it. I really want it. any advice would be helpful.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: North of Greenville
WELCOME to FTE!!!
Nearly my situation exaclty, but I'm running 9 miles to and from work, and I make some 80-100 mile runs 4-8x per month to some regional clients, so she gets to stretch her legs a bit almost every week. I don't warm her up, just get in and go, but I always hit NOT about halfway to work on the short 4 mile interstate portion of my trip.
No, you don't need to get the diesel, the gasser will be more ideal for this daily driver trip.
Yes, will love the diesel more and you won't like the V10 as much because it's too quiet and sucks gas so hard that the barometric pressure is always lower around the vehicle, especially at highway speeds. I'm running around 8mpg (city) on my 2003 V10 Ex right now, but have only had it for two weeks. Comparably, I'm getting around 14 city and 17-20 hwy on my 7.3L PSD.
My spin right now is "go diesel". It may not be the ideal, but I personally am happier with the diesel and know that even if my day-tripping takes a little life off of it, it's still more fun to have, much more economical on fuel, and has tremendous potential for modifications for improved performance and mileage.
No, you don't need to get the diesel, the gasser will be more ideal for this daily driver trip.
Yes, will love the diesel more and you won't like the V10 as much because it's too quiet and sucks gas so hard that the barometric pressure is always lower around the vehicle, especially at highway speeds. I'm running around 8mpg (city) on my 2003 V10 Ex right now, but have only had it for two weeks. Comparably, I'm getting around 14 city and 17-20 hwy on my 7.3L PSD.
My spin right now is "go diesel". It may not be the ideal, but I personally am happier with the diesel and know that even if my day-tripping takes a little life off of it, it's still more fun to have, much more economical on fuel, and has tremendous potential for modifications for improved performance and mileage.
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thanks, diesel would be exceptionally nice when pulling a trailer, the more power and better mileage. and resale would be higher, (not really ever planning on selling it though)
Last edited by honda400ex_treme; May 7, 2007 at 09:27 AM.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: North of Greenville
Originally Posted by honda400ex_treme
... not really ever planning on selling it though
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Hamilton, MT
If you can find a good mint condition 7.3L PSD GET IT! you will love it, but in all reality the V10 might be more practical for the short trips back and forth to work, but I think the PSD is more enjoyable to drive and the power is great.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Eastern Washington State
Go With The Diesel!!!
Also, with the diesel you'll have the option of using biodiesel...born in the USA!! With gas, you don't know where it's coming from, and more likely than not, the price of petro will continue going up in coming years, while bioD should get cheaper in the long run, as plants get estabished and the market for BD settles in.
And, with bioD, you have the option of making it yourself, if you have the space and inclination.
You can be off the petro grid all together, if you want. SO NICE TO HAVE THAT CHOICE AND OPTION!! Can't do that running gas and you have NO choice.
And, with bioD, you have the option of making it yourself, if you have the space and inclination.
You can be off the petro grid all together, if you want. SO NICE TO HAVE THAT CHOICE AND OPTION!! Can't do that running gas and you have NO choice.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
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You likely won't get either engine fully warmed up in 5.3 miles. Short trips are tough on any engine. This is actually one type of operating conditions listed in the owners manual as "severe duty" or something like that, and it just suggests that you need to change the oil more often than you would operating under more normal conditions.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Ryan is right about the severe service classification for short trips.
That means change your oil a lot.
The diesel hold 15 quarts.
Small price to pay for the big grin every time you drive one of these beasts.
That means change your oil a lot.
The diesel hold 15 quarts.
Small price to pay for the big grin every time you drive one of these beasts.
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Fleet Mechanic
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I have an '02 7.3 that I drive 9 miles each way to work and back. In the morning, I start it up and let it run for about 3-5 minutes, then I get in and take surface streets about three miles before I jump on the freeway. It is usually fully up to temp before I jump on the freeway.
Isn't there something about the 7.3's that is designed to make them warm up faster? And do the 6.0's have that, too? I know that using the procedure I just described, my heater is blowing slightly warm air before I get to the end of my block.
Also, I pull a 16 foot enclosed cargo trailer on the weekends, with probably about 1500 lbs of gear in it. Not much of a load for these trucks, I know, but it really is effortless compared to my old gas truck.
Isn't there something about the 7.3's that is designed to make them warm up faster? And do the 6.0's have that, too? I know that using the procedure I just described, my heater is blowing slightly warm air before I get to the end of my block.
Also, I pull a 16 foot enclosed cargo trailer on the weekends, with probably about 1500 lbs of gear in it. Not much of a load for these trucks, I know, but it really is effortless compared to my old gas truck.
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That would be the exhaust backpressure valve located in the exhaust housing in the turbo. It makes a annoying whooshing sound when it starts. I do not know the parameters that make it turn on exactly. IDK about the 6blows.