I don’t know much about the 7.3 diesel but I’m thinking about buying one this summer. I’m pretty certain it’s the model without the turbo and it has about 150,000 miles. Would this be a good buy??
Adding @7-3punchina3-4 and @USAFdozerpilot to the discussion
The 7.3 was certainly the best diesel with a Powerstroke badge. Between its rock solid reliability, relative simpleness (Later systems without IDI were a little tough to work on), and solid power make it still a great truck to this day. I have seen plenty of them with 500,000 miles and above. The early 2000's/90's ford bodies around them rust out, but the engines just keep purring along.
The model without the turbo is the IDI. It will be a bit of a dog in today's standards for heavy towing, just don't expect too much from it with its age and HP numbers.
Great engines, but either go through it with a fine toothed comb when you buy it or hire someone to do it for you. Just watch out for issues on the trucks surrounding those motors (rust, etc)
The 7.3 is hands down one of the best motors Navistar made. If it’s an automatic make sure the transmission is still good as that was a weak spot for those trucks. It’s not a terrible transmission. But they tend to get a rebuild at around the 200k mi mark for the most part. The injectors, from what I’ve witnessed, go 500k mi no problem if they’ve been maintained well. They are solid built trucks. And best thing NO DEF! 🙌. Use a good additive because when those trucks were built they were not running on the piss water diesel we are using currently. If you live in a cold climate make sure you use a quality anti gelling product, ALSO, keep up on the filter changes. ESPECIALLY the fuel filter. Super easy to change out. Other then that my old ranching buddy he’s got 730k mi on his and it’s beasting to this day. Most people and I mean the majority. Just keep rebuilding the transmissions and motors because the 7.3 just is a monster. Of course it all comes down to how the prior owner has maintained it. So get it checked or whatever you’re going to do and if all checks out it could be a great truck.
@manman if you do plan on towing heavy a consistently with this truck. I’d look at getting a deep pan for the transmission. I know people that also swear by putting a aftermarket rear diff cover but to me, just keep up on the fluid changes. If you’re towing a lot and heavy. Transmission change at 30k mi and 25k rear diff and no worries. Also, if you do live in a cold climate, PLUG that truck in. Otherwise that 7.3 will not turn over at all. Those things HATE cold. There’s a certain temp they don’t mind but if it’s cold, you better tell the boss you’re going to be late.
The 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel engine in the F-250/F-350 back in 1999-2003 was one of the best. Those trucks, as long as well maintained, can go hundreds of thousands of miles. If a mechanic checks it out and says it is OK, there can still be lots of life left. See below at 20:00 by Master Mechanic The Car Wizard:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7wDmoUm5VCI
Btw, you mentioned it was the model without the turbo - not sure what you mean. Those 7.3L’s were turbo Diesel engines.