Ford E-350 w/7.3 Turbo Diesel

GotOldEarly · Oct 12, 2018

My mind is wandering over potentially purchasing a used van. Been looking at some Ford E-350 with the 7.3 Turbo Diesel. Figured maybe they would handle the miles better. My questions are: (1) what years should be avoided? (2) what years are solid? (3) Should I avoid all of them and look for a gas powered instead. If (3), then what make, model, and drivetrain have a reputation of reliablility?

Captrick · Oct 12, 2018

IMO the 7.3 was the best diesel Ford ever made! They are 300K mile motors with minimal maintenance, that being said you need to look at everything on the van, suspension, brakes, trans, etc. dielsels have good and bad points. MPG is better than a gasser but maintenance costs are much higher.
The diesel motor will last much longer than a gasser IF it is maintained. Oil changes are expensive even if you do it yourself, if your are mechanically inclined and have tools to work on it yourself. its the way to go. If your going to be paying for the service work, it will get expensieve.

GotOldEarly · Oct 12, 2018

Captrick said:
IMO the 7.3 was the best diesel Ford ever made! They are 300K mile motors with minimal maintenance, that being said you need to look at everything on the van, suspension, brakes, trans, etc. dielsels have good and bad points. MPG is better than a gasser but maintenance costs are much higher.
The diesel motor will last much longer than a gasser IF it is maintained. Oil changes are expensive even if you do it yourself, if your are mechanically inclined and have tools to work on it yourself. its the way to go. If your going to be paying for the service work, it will get expensieve.

Thanks Captrick, I have done my share of mechanical work over the years so I am not afraid to try and tackle the usual maintenance stuff. I have not done anything mechanical on a Diesel but did develop a respect for their durability while driving 18 wheelers for near 10 years. My biggest holdback at tackling the mechanicals these days is that I am not the able young maverick anymore. Age and some health difficulties does make some task very difficult. Any potential purchase will be after a through inspection by a certified mechanic.

highdesertranger · Oct 12, 2018

I mostly agree with Captrick. I have a F-250 with the 7.3. I service it every 5k cost about 150 bucks but I use top of the line filters. I don't consider that expensive. my 454 gasser cost about 120 bucks every 5k. sure I could use junk oil and filters and cut that down but I don't. if you keep the 7.3 serviced it will run and run. highdesertranger

GotOldEarly · Oct 12, 2018

highdesertranger said:
I mostly agree with Captrick. I have a F-250 with the 7.3. I service it every 5k cost about 150 bucks but I use top of the line filters. I don't consider that expensive. my 454 gasser cost about 120 bucks every 5k. sure I could use junk oil and filters and cut that down but I don't. if you keep the 7.3 serviced it will run and run. highdesertranger

I follow your mindset. If I am going to do it, I will use (within reason) the best products so I can rest easy that what I did is solid. Firm believer in full synthetic products. I split my share of bike blocks and the difference is amazing.