7.3 Powerstroke: Everything You Need to Know

Article: dustrunnersaut...
Things like the six head bolts per cylinder, long lasting injectors, super simple internal design, strong bottom end components, and fixed geometry turbos really just make the 7.3L the simplest and arguably the most reliable powerstroke ever built.
After the 7.3L failed to keep up with increasingly emissions standards, Ford and Navistar moved the 6.0L Powerstroke which was a pretty problematic engine which we covered in depth in our 6.0l vs 7.3l powerstroke video.
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[@Stank-b8w]

Like i say, my friends 6.7 Ford is impressive in the speedometer department, my 7.3 is impressive in the odometer department.

[@Remingtonrestoration]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 💯

[@williamboyce7568]

Own a 99 7.3 with 268k on it. At 160k I teamed up with Gale Banks Engineering and Diesel Power Magazine to write an article on comparing a fully Gale Banks Six Pack kitted 7.3 to a new 6.0 at the time. We threw everything Gale made for the 7.3 and dyno'd it after the install of the 4" SS exhaust, inter cooler, bigger cooler pipes, chip upgrade, tyranny shift body and GB torque converter. Pulled 375 hp and 585 lb. of torque. Blew away the 6.0 in our 0-60 and 40-60 tow tests with a 10,000 lb. Boat behind each...!!! The truck is still in my driveway... "The Baja Beast" and was featured for 2 years on my Amazon Prime TV series.. DESTINATION BAJA SUR ... Towing the Baja Bandido all over the peninsula.

[@Jon_Flys_RC]

HA! Gale Banks products for the 7.3 were the most over hyped, over priced under-delivering garbage you could put in your truck. Not to mention he’s an arrogant jack@ss who can’t stand to say anything nice about anyone. you could have gotten the same output for less or twice the output for what you spent.

[@danbartstow9829]

Yes! Yes and yes! I have a 99 f350 diesel 4 door long bed lifted with 38” tires and a tuner in racing mode 6 speed manual transmission and I smoke or say goodbye to any Cummings truck! And the more weight that I have in the bed the better…..

[@erikcrouch7881]

I inherited my late father's 7.3 2001 F250 Super Duty.. My mother and I argue about almost everything, but the FIRST thing we agreed on was that that truck was worth spending as much money as a used vehicle restoring and rebuilding the entire thing. Ford left an absolute gem in the toilet on this one

[@georgezimmerman3334]

Gay

[@gungadingo]

@@georgezimmerman3334is that your first name or the middle name?

[@tbone4646]

Best, most reliable diesel I've ever owned. Just keeps running.

[@Natd0gsef]

The damn thing just never dies it doesn't like the cold though but that's all diesels in general

[@westernstartruck2528]

@@Natd0gsef good maint is the key good oil filter i use 1995 motorcraft only good fuel and air filter and this think run near forever

[@khaledbouhadda3065]

How many miles u have on it ?

[@westfloridalife2701]

285k on mine 1997

[@genogeno6643]

670k on my 96

[@jaredkel]

680k on mine and I drive it every day. Going for over a million, easy.

[@genogeno6643]

What is she at now? I'm at 670k

[@jaredkel]

@@genogeno6643 just over 700k and rebuilding

[@genogeno6643]

@@jaredkel Nice. My buddy has a lower mile 03 he said he would put in mine when the time comes.

[@fireplaceninja]

@@jaredkelwhat about now?!

[@Austin.8150]

​@@fireplaceninjalmfao

[@billwarbrick9116]

Can’t tow that much?? My 2002 towed over 35 000 lbs! But nice try

[@billwarbrick9116]

Lua Dipa they’re getting up there in years. But ours has almost 500 000 kilometres on her now and still runs like new

[@victorvillela1828]

I’ve seen it tow trees, double wides, and tractors stuck in the mud

[@billwarbrick9116]

Victor Villela ours pulled a semi fully loaded out of the ditch

[@jameshubbard7720]

They call the 7.3 a dinosaur, but honestly I ask them, so what exactly can out pull a dinosaur 😂?

[@billwarbrick9116]

benchmstr yes it did. 7000 lb trailer And a approximately 29000 lb bobcat zoom boom. It may have been up to 1500 lbs more

[@franciscovera828]

Both my 5.9 Cummins and my powerstroke7.3 have over 500k miles

[@freddyflintstoned913]

Neither built by a car company.

[@billwarbrick9116]

Our 7.3 is just over 490 still runs and drives like new

[@dougsfan9984]

@@billwarbrick9116 stock engine?

[@dougsfan9984]

Both stock engine that never been apart?

[@billwarbrick9116]

@@dougsfan9984 yup. The engine is bone stock

[@dylanlaughlin6715]

Just turned 451,000 in my '99

[@jakelavoie4147]

380 on my 01

[@JRotten]

310k on my 01 Love that old truck.

[@kennycopeland282]

396 on my 01

[@jameshubbard7720]

455,000 on my 2001 F350 dually, maintenance is religious on oil, fuel and air. No smoke out the tailpipe, I use it everyday, 10 hrs a day, and most of all---I drive it like I stole it!! Got to love the 7.3.

[@hackatak]

355k on my 1999, all original on engine and transmission!

[@22goDpeehs]

263,000 on my 2002 7.3 BEAST. She's my personal gem and we'll be buried together when my time's up. She growls like a Lion & whistles like the angels in heaven! 🇺🇸'merica!🇺🇸

[@marrag1]

this is a very beautiful comment lol

[@ivancedillo8]

This comment is like poetic, No I’m not a liberal

[@ghostrider-tj7du]

I just bought an 01 F350 7.3 club cab lariat and it's bone stock in mint condition but i want to put a tuner on it and wake it up some. I don't do alot of pulling but when i do it's either a 32 ft stock trailer loaded with cows or a tag-a-long with a backhoe. What kind of tuner would you 7.3 experienced guys recommend

[@catchfishhunthogs104]

@@ghostrider-tj7du php hydra 100% you will not regret it. You can buy any tune and just download it right on no need to send to company to get it burned

[@Apenation1]

We have to leave this comment at 69 likes. Nice!

[@scottcollins4975]

One of my life’s goals is to always have at least one 7.3. My current ‘02 F-350 has 287,000 and runs like new. Great motors

[@bradmurchison2770]

My '03 F-350 is at 320k. Just had the engine overhauled and I plan on getting many more miles out of it.

[@robbiefrentz9427]

I’ve got a 1996 F350. And it’s a beast have 135k miles on it i love it

[@rci30]

I have. '02 7.3L. Got stolen by thugs to steal atms. Insurance toted it bc of minor subframe damage. I bought it back n fixed it. Will stay in my fleet of cars. 391.5k miles 4x4 crew cab

[@Porter92]

@@bradmurchison2770 had one up till 375k computer went out but other then that. Not a damn issue

[@jonmoister9897]

I have 193 on it. Got blow by from dipstick and oil cap.

[@jimmotormedic]

The days of simplicity and rugadness are gone. I remember the first powerstroke I saw back in early 95. It scared me to death. I didn't think I would ever be able to to work on them, they looked so complicated. Now I can't wait when one comes in for repair. I never understood why everyone needs a thousand horse power to pull a trailer. I remember when the avarage hp on a semi engine was 350 and about 900 lbs of torque. We got a lot done with those numbers over the years at a reasonable cost of ownership. Give me a 7.3 or 12 valve Cummins in anything up to 30 thousand pounds and that would be enough for me

[@Nostradamus_Order33]

It was done with gearing and two speed rear ends. Now to trap idiots in the show room it is a numbers game. Horse power and torque bla bla bla

[@domusdebellum3042]

agreed. havent hooked to a trailer my 12v hasnt walked away with, even with a virgin p-pump

[@billwarbrick9116]

jim k ours is about to turn 500k and it been pulling since 180k. Often as much as 40 thousand pounds, just goes to show you don’t need a fancy new truck to haul things.

[@SonOfJesusChrist777]

What speed limit do I drive pulling 30,000 pounds?

[@SonOfJesusChrist777]

@Someone Junior Hahaha thats a good one. I need to know exactly what speed though?

[@logansalt8924]

I own a two 7.3 diesel trucks I will never go back to gas

[@odingnarles]

If it’s gas let it pass

[@michaelbenoit248]

I have a 7.3 & if you have the $ to fix them they’re great, until you need injectors & then they suck. I’m selling the truck cuz I bought a 93 idi cuz of how cheap it is to fix.

[@mikehaslett3738]

I do love my 6.0s. But today’s tech and aftermarket can make those old 7.3s run with the new stuff. Can’t beat the sound of single shot injectors

[@billwarbrick9116]

If you put about $8,500 into them they’re not all that bad. (The 6.0) the biggest problem I’ve had with them is the head gasket which is a real pain to do.

[@narmale]

pfft, split shot hybrids are pretty sweet too at 300/200 >:D

[@aceinternational4788]

Fuck da 6.0

[@KB-bf7qi]

@@billwarbrick9116 If you get rid of the torque to yield head bots and replace them with studs. They become pretty reliable.

[@jonmoister9897]

Hey buddy what is the key to a 6.0

[@markbroad119]

Just got me a 7.3. 95' straight pipe 3 down pipe to 4" from fire wall out. 277,000 miles going strong. 280,000 now with 6 position tuner

[@BarnStangz]

Love my 7.3 or, 7 tree as I call it. I make sure to keep the oil changed and it runs like a Swiss watch. 192K on it and it just keeps going and going... Every time I pull the dip stick to check things out, the oil looks beautiful. It's one of the few diesels I know that have that clean of oil, very impressive I think!

[@thomasc.2562]

Haven't changed the oil in mine for probably 20k miles. It leaks enough that I just keep adding oil too it. Its pretty nice honestly 😂

[@jacobdevereux207]

I know this is about the powerstroke but I once knew a guy that got 435,000 miles out of a 89' 7.3 idi with oil changes every 20,000 to 30,000 miles.

[@Nostradamus_Order33]

@@thomasc.2562 tighten to oil pan bolts.

[@ineedapharmists]

@@thomasc.2562 Hey bro, just change your oil filter every once in a while. Not many people have a 2 stroke diesels

[@thomasc.2562]

@Christopher Weaver yea man changed it recently. Gotta do it quick enough so it doesn't leak all out 😂

[@keegzorr1140]

My 2002 7.3 has 361k on it and it still runs like new.

[@bikelifeel2187]

What do you think one with this amount of miles or worth I found one with round same miles

[@Thumpr110]

@@bikelifeel2187 that depends wholly on the condition of the truck and how well the motor was maintained.

[@jondavidbristow9819]

I drive a 2000 7.3 everyday for concrete construction and have 403k on it and never have any problems

[@johnnyinthehellcat4092]

Just bought a 4 door 01 7.3 srw for my concrete buisness and to plow for this winter!!

[@jeffreyjcisler8714]

That's not true the 7.3 L diesel I have I have a couple of grades on it but I pull 18000 pounds all day long at 20 miles per gallon best diesel engine ever

[@thomasc.2562]

20mpg on a 7.3??? What diesel are you putting in there 😂. Mine gets like 12

[@starmaster191]

15 mpg is the best you're gonna get lol

[@roguepowersports3576]

Lol better than my v10 that I pull a skidsteer on a heavy ass trailer thats around 17k lbs total. About 3k over the factory rating for the truck. I average about 8 mpg but my v10 only requires oil and fuel. Not as powerful as the diesels but a fuck ton more reliable. I dont need to plug my truck in when its cold.

[@fastfordman1965]

@@roguepowersports3576 are you saying that your V10 gas engine is more reliable than the diesel?

[@roguepowersports3576]

@@fastfordman1965 no sir not at all. I was stating that he gets better mileage than my v10 and that I average about 8 mpg. As for reliability compared to the 7.3 the v10 isn't even the same realm. Would I say the v10 is more reliable than the 6.0 or 6.2 absolutely those 2 were nothing but issues. Also I was saying that mine just requires fuel and fluids and require less maintenance in my experience. I probably could have worded what I was trying to get at better than I did in my original comment. I'm a diehard Ford guy and by your username I would think you are a Ford guy too lol. So I hope that clears up what I was kinda trying to say. Have a good one my friend.

[@nathankoroush7918]

It didn't die because of new emissions, it got the axe because it was to loud. Best sounding engine of all time.

[@Willyd2758]

You got that right

[@jasonspellich2440]

Injectors can quiet it down. EPA standards killed them.

[@nathankoroush7918]

@@jasonspellich2440 Wrong. It was killed for being 2 loud.

[@jasonspellich2440]

@@nathankoroush7918 ok...

[@nathankoroush7918]

@@jasonspellich2440 The 7.3 L DI PowerStroke was in production until the last quarter of model year 2002 when it was replaced by the 6.0 L in 2003 because of its inability to meet California noise regulations, not the commonly believed emissions standards as it beats the current 6.7 L Ford PowerStroke. Manufacturer: Navistar International (1994-2010); Ford Motor Company

[@mikelpeak7339]

One problem with the 7.3 is the nut that holds the oil dipstick in. It gets loose and o-ring backs off. They sell really good after market replacement parts for them. 02 best truck I’ve ever owed.

[@charlietate5514]

Although the stock version of the 7.3 is underpowered, thanks to its lack of emissions controls, the aftermarket is absolutely stacked with all kinds of horsepower goodies for it.

[@welderdude1]

Yup. Chipped mine and I have an extra 140hp on tap.

[@billb1411]

I had a 1996 7.3 ford f 350 great motor I had it 22 years 210k miles. started leaking oil everywhere sold it in 2018 could have went another 100k. The biggest problems 2 injector drive modules 4 glow plug relays 2 sets of glow plugs. 2 timing sensors 2 vacuum pumps. The turbo exhaust pipe was restricted.Replaced with SS 3 inch. The leaks, oil pan rusted out. mech fuel pump vent , turbo pedestal oil seal, exhaust studs rust/break off Best year was 7.3 2001 with inter-coolers

[@Charliebrown-sq9vv]

I have a 2001 with only 56k miles .

[@YENKOGT]

I got 2 5.9 Cummins a 95 and a 03, both 4x4 and manual transmission ( the 95 was swaped to manual, the automatic passed away) , and I got 2 7.3 one 99 and one 2000, only the 99 it's 4x4, both automatic transmission , yeah the 5.9 feels invincible, more space etc etc even better mpg, both engines the 7.3 and the 5.9 are good on torque , but... This is why I prefer the 7.3... because is surrounded by a better truck, a Ford, I love 3 makers Dodge Ford and chevy , but Ford vs Dodge in those years, Ford made a better truck, better brakes , better transmission , better dash(Dodges dash sucks) more comfortable... You get a better truck , if the 5.9 Cummins is the "10 point truck engine" the Dodge truck is just a 7, I hate how they brake, the front suspension is better on the Ford, let's say a 7.3 is a "8 point truck engine" for Shure a Ford truck it's a 9 point truck.... Even with the 7.3 flaws.. I work with my trucks , I tow with them, I use the daily to work, to go on a weekend, I depend on them, I take care of them because if I don't do it...it gets expensive to repair them, I only make upgrades to make them better for what I used them, no Barbie lifts , lady rims or queen tyres...just Work trucks, I upgrade lighting , better filters, better cooling , oil change on time, this is why I don't have more recent years, because I work on them, this year's are simple, maintainable, reliable, and posible to work on them and solve problems...

[@dieselfuel9794]

7.3 or 5.9 both good engines. And manual on they two engine are stronger than the autos Both have there pros and cons. I’m not a dodge fan but the Cummins is a good engine but I will say all Cummins and powerstroke and Duramax has there own issues No ones waisting no one lol and As I say. Maintenance across the board makes a huge difference in reliability oil changes and all the fluids and filters. Batteries and the engine and transmission last longer

[@tylerwombatt6478]

I can agree. I have a 01 24v and my dash is non existent. And shit breaks wayyyyy to often

[@billwarbrick9116]

I mean a little known fact about the older ford pickups (and maybe the new ones I’m not sure) have a six inch steel pipe in the door. It saved my dads life one day. It bent the truck like a banana and she still drove home. Now that’s a good truck right there

[@garbizzi6868]

Also i just bought a 2000 7.3 excursion this week for $4500. And ALMOST mint , i dont think i would ever get a deal like this again!

[@estebandelatrinidad9241]

Three weeks ago I bought my 7.3 power stroke 2001 with only 98t thousand miles.it’s a gem

[@rbnhd1976]

I'm so jelly bro nice for you though!

[@rdeanbenson2214]

Nice

[@mattfoley4128]

Nice catch

[@mikevictor5945]

My 95 only goes to 400k then starts over at 200k ford never put a 5 in the first digest of odometer. So who knows what's out their

[@jasonmiller6371]

Love my 2001 F250 7.3L! It does everything I have asked it to do. I will sacrifice extra power of the newer diesel motors for the reliability it has given me for that last 21 years of service!

[@RCSTILE]

Go to thoroughbred diesel and buy an ignition chip. I put one in my 97 and it turned into a different engine instantly.

[@diesel_livin8465]

they only had cats in california

[@eliakers4580]

I’m going to look at a ‘99 7.3 today with 287k miles. Pretty hype

[@AlbuquerqueImaging]

200K right around the corner on my '93 I swear by this motor. the manual transmission had a better starter

[@oldretireddude]

The non-California '99 .5 7.3 with 6spd didn't have a catalytic convertor.

[@dillydilly7722]

My 7.3 is owned and operated in the state of CA with a straight pipe, nothing they can do about it since it was factory without one.

[@philbiagi721]

My 01 350 doesn't have a catalytic converter, it didn't have one from the factory, or so I was told. It has always passed emissions.

[@thomasbarlow4223]

Got 306k miles on my 2001 7.3 e450 shuttle bus. Makes good power and sounds so good. Love it.

[@ronwilson330]

Have that as a small box truck. Got it at 78 k.. now 101k . The body will crumble before the engine will for sure.

[@pascallt2386]

7.3 is actually more emission friendly than a 6.7. Noise regulations issues is the reason why Ford dropped it.

[@BuckingHorse-Bull]

"noise regulations" Ford dropped it because it did not break down. You cant pay the Parts & Service departments with engines that dont break.

[@BarnStangz]

@@BuckingHorse-Bull 100% this for sure. These new trucks have all kinds of shit that will fail, mostly emissions for the most part.

[@feron450]

@@BuckingHorse-Bull well the engine doesn’t die but the sensors and hpop do die great engines don’t get my wrong but the electronics that allow it to even start aren’t as legendary as the engine itself haha

[@ictdpowerstroke4591]

@@BarnStangz PLEASE READ CARFULY AND UNDERSTAND WHAT IM SAYING. The new and old 6.7s are bs,,like this guy said they dropped the 7.3 cuz it fairly broke down,,,,the 6.7s began showing there issues 2 years after production,,the 6.4s however are less expensive to fix than a 6.7 and is over all a cheaper and more reliable truck,,however the 6.0 was and is the most unreliable but don’t get me wrong,,they have few major issues but a handful of little issues,,over all out of the 6.0 ,6.4 and 6.7 the 6.7 is the least profitable and possible to be the worst choice of reliability,,the 7.3 is more reliable but it’s also a under powered engine,,that’s why it’s not prone to failure,,but who gives a damn they will last minimum of 325k miles with little to no fixes,,overall the 7.3 is more reliable,,as far as the best power stroke go’s the 7.3L 1st place ,,6.4L 2nd 6.0L 3rd and arguably the worst the 6.7L,,,I’m just trying to tell the truth,,,if you want to agree reply,,if you want to argue don’t say anything,,God bless

[@BarnStangz]

@@ictdpowerstroke4591 Yeah, I hear what you are saying... And trust me, I believe that ALL truck mfgs out there want to make a decent product, but not one that will continue to last and last... That isn't profitable for them. The 7.3 PS is one of the best engines ever made IMO. There are LOTS of examples out there in excess of half a million miles (or more) and continue to run very well. I think these new diesels could be great, if they didn't have all the emission stuff on them. One of these days I'd like to get a newer truck, but I don't think it's going to be a diesel, that's for sure.

[@brenthass5876]

Good engine considering it is a V8 Diesel which they quit putting in big trucks and farm tractors for a reason has a great following but can't really be compared to a 12 valve Cummins

[@davidb4175]

There are some known problems with the 7.3 which were not mentioned, mostly related to age. The oil pan rusts in humid climates. The oil cooler often leaks oil due to the gaskets failing. Replacement gaskets are made of different rubber and do not harden. The last problem is much more involved. The fuel injector cups are sheet brass and crack or develop microscopic holes. This is a problem on all diesels that use brass cups. Experts feel it is exposure to extended life antifreeze which degrades the brass, as earlier diesels that used regular antifreeze do not have the problem. When the cups fail, fuel is forced into the cooling system. The reservoir fills, the cap gasket fails and fuel leaks out of the reservoir. Replacing the cups and injector gaskets is a 2 day job for a decent diesel mechanic. Aftermarket stainless steel cups are available and most large trucks now use stainless cups. There is no consensus on whether or not the fuel damages cooling system components (besides the cap gasket). It does not damage the reservoir. Despite this, the 7.3 still has a record for reliability. It will be interesting to see how Ford's new diesel pans out. It is only 7% heavier than the 7.3, but it has almost twice the torque and HP.

[@zucinnied]

I didnt change the cups on mine. But i did replace the injector orings in just a few hours. The cups are right there as your doing it. Wouldnt take much more to do them as long as you have the remover tool

[@davidb4175]

@@zucinnied Though you sound like a skilled mechanic, you'll find that changing injectors takes 3 times as long in a van. One or two need to be dismantled before removal. When the cups are bad, in order to pull them, the cooling system needs to be drained. The area where the cups fit needs to be cleaned meticulously and then the new cups can be installed. The worst part is if fuel leaked into the cooling system. This is usually what prompts the cup replacement in the first place. All rubber components in the cooling system need to be changed, including the water pump (the seals are rubber), and the whole system needs to be flushed with soap thoroughly multiple times to remove any fuel that remains.

[@CoSavy]

​@@davidb4175thank you sir!

[@veraciouspatriot4297]

Awesome vid-proud owner of my second 7.3

[@RiggyRonnie]

I drive a 7.3 daily. Freaking awesome motor in a freaking awesome truck. It's an 01 f250 lifted black lariat 4x4 with 6.0 front end and 2016 king ranch wheels. Though I'd have to be unbiased in my decision to acknowledge the 12v Cummins as the best pickup truck diesel though the Chrysler pickup it's in isn't the best. My 7.3 is bone stock with a tune and I think that's the best way to have it.

[@ordinarygamer1353]

That’s probably what I’m going to do as well! At most just exhaust intake and a slight fuel economy/power tune but nothing else !

[@rauldemoura2417]

My 01 F-350, is hands down, the BEST decision I have ever made. Yeah, it’s a “Dinosaur “, but it’s all MINE! It’s NEVER squatted, or “balked” at anything I have ever hooked up to pull. Best interstate heavy hauler MADE! (made by international Harvester/Navistar, with Ford stamped all over it.

[@Dustrunnersauto]

If you guys enjoyed the video, please SMASH THAT LIKE BUTTON. It helps the channel out a huge amount and helps KZbin put the video in front of more people. Thanks for watching 😬 Thanks to Just Diesel for their footage - kzbin.info/door/GbJ78hUTsUR_JX55G6HaHgfeatured

[@paulherzmann6237]

Damn… a turbo’d 7.3 PowerStroke is underpowered??! Try living with a naturally Aspirated 6.2…. You’re a Hero if you do that shit

[@JoseLopez-sh4xg]

Thank you for the information. I love my 96 f350 7.3 powerstroke. My T REX!

[@graysonsgarage5157]

I had both a 7.3 (2001 F250) and a 6.0 (2004 F350) when I was in high school, and I believe both trucks have their ups and downs. The 6.0 surely had engine problems not too long after I got it (spoilers and not big surprise, blown head gasket from failed EGR cooler), but after a costly repair and top end rebuild (new gaskets and head studs along with new oil cooler and EGR bypass), it has been a great engine ever since aside from the few electrical issues that developed along the way (most of them being charging related). Now for the 7.3 I've never had ANY issues out of the engine, in fact most of the issues I had with that truck were mostly related to the transmission (mine was an automatic, that's why); the torque converter failed when pulling a big trailer and eventually took the transmission with it, so after a full rebuild and new billet torque converter, I got the truck back and it drove great (although looking back I wish I had the valve body modified since it did have an issue with hard shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear). Both trucks have their flaws and I'm sure others will have different horror stories than I've had, but I do love both trucks, I love the 6.0 mostly for its power (even though a chip on a 7.3 can always fix that, but I would make sure the auto trans is built or you have a better clutch on the manual trucks), but I love the 7.3 for its reliability and overall longevity.

[@billwarbrick9116]

Grayson Reichert ours other than air bags is a bone stock 7.3 and it’s about to turn 500k

[@Lonewolf23-26]

@@billwarbrick9116 good maintenance the key for these motors for sure. My dad had 4 from 95-2002 and all of them had about 600k when he sold them for new. I bought a used 01 7.3 but it was obviously poorly maintained so it’s needed almost constant repairs with just 191k on it.

[@MichaelSmith-em7pv]

Got a 97 F250HD with 390K ,It's just runs like a thoroughbred, Plan upgrading all critical components soon, Gonna run it till the wheels fall off !

[@billwarbrick9116]

Michael Smith then you could be driving it for a very long time! They’re almost invincible. That’s what our daily driving pickup is.

[@djntqd]

My 99.5 7.3 had no catalytic converter from the factory.

[@lonniefleming4034]

Drove EMS ambulances with 7.3 diesels. Best engines ever. Very dependable. So I purchased 2001 F250 supercrew 4x4 7.3. This engine has the cleanest engine oil ever. Missed an oil change, and at 15,000 miles my oil change guy was amazed when he pulled out the dip stick that he could easily read the printing on it through the oil

[@pilot3016]

3 years ago..bought a very nice 248,000 mile 2001 7.3.. I just had installed 8 new OEM injectors and gasket wiring harness for $3,600. What a difference. Seriously getting 18.4 mpg on coastal curvy highway and town driving. (North Coast of Calif). Love, "The Beast". Pulling my Grand Design 35 ft. 5th wheel home. (310 GK)

[@DUNEATV]

Love my 99 Crew cab 4x4 7.3L ZF6!

[@superc4308]

I have one in a 1991 international thing purrs like a kitten

[@jontest5718]

My uncles company had multiple 7.3s that went 300k miles with nothing more than maintenance and an injector here or there. Towing and occasional snow plowing. Company had 6.0s, 6.4s, and 6.7s. The 6.0s and 6.4a are long gone. There’s still a 7.3 or two in the yard still in service. I just drove one this weekend. 290k miles, rotted, but still towing and plowing and earning its keep. I own a 7.3 as well. 246k miles and rotted out, but starts in zero degree weather unplugged.

[@billwarbrick9116]

Jon Test those truck are invincible. That’s why you don’t see any for sale. All we used up to 2017 where 7.3’s then (as much as I hate to say this) we got a Duramax. It crapped out before it even made 100,000. We just bought a new 6.7. But we still have the ol 7.3 with 500,000 just around the corner. But she’s still running like new

[@fuzzymuzzle9752]

I don't know if I'd call a heui injector very simple.

[@jaws2858]

Have a 2001 with 240k and modest modifications most notably the Brian’s Truck Shop transmission and GTP38 ball bearing turbo. Turners and all that sure but those 2 mentioned before have made my truck! All my friends have had many trucks in the last 19 years, faster? Sure. More luxurious? Sure. But mine still pulls everything everywhere 2 decades later and I haven’t had a payment in a long, long time! And theirs are long gone. Long live the 7.3. Oh, one more thing. Mine was factory without a catalytic converter.

[@billwarbrick9116]

Jaws 285 people rag on how slow it is, that’s fine but our slow truck will be pulling your faster one home

[@richardgeeding1275]

I have a 2000 F350 with 217000 miles and pull a 13500 lb. fifth wheel all over the country. The original 4R100 gave up the ghost at 190,000 miles and I had Brians rebuild my trans. I only live 45 miles from his shop and was able to limp in. He is a genius with the 4R100. I have a 6.0L trans cooler and now I can't get my trans to ever reach over 185 degrees even on 100 degree days. It normally runs around 170 degrees when towing.

[@twentythirddimension714]

Underpowered? You goin sit there an tell me, you own a 7.3. An dont have no T4 kit. Massive injectors. Bed plate, filled block. Shifter do? Shifter donts? (ZF6) dual feed fuel. Dual Hpop.... Studs an push rods with beefy springs.... Come'on man what you doin.

[@8__D]

You must lack knowledge of Diesel engines

[@rayisland23]

Been towing with my 1995 F350 Power Stroke for years with minor issues. I have had many offers for the motor. I love my old F350 just don't like the price of diesel fuel these days.

[@ItzCharlemagne]

I swear if you say reliable one more time I’m going to scream 😂😂

[@jameshubbard7720]

Reliable

[@brucedressel4523]

You mad little feller ?

[@orion1588]

Reliable

[@ProctorsGamble]

надёжный сайт

[@barbaricbarbosa]

Why do people cringe when they hear reliable ? Is it corny or something ?

[@SamofCR]

Why do you keep saying "slow and under powered"? I haven't found anything I can't pull and I have surprised the hell out a few 1500 Chevys with 350s. She's not called White Lightning for nothing.

[@RSCRedScreenChaser]

Love it, I have a saying “it’ll pull the world with the right hitch”.

[@billwarbrick9116]

RSC-RedScreen Chaser ours has pulled fully loaded big rigs out of the ditch in the middle of winter without chains.

[@daves913]

My 2016 6.7 power stroke has 481000 miles, and still going strong 💪🏿.

[@jimvoegel5930]

What do you do with your truck that you drive that much in such a short time?

[@daves913]

Jim Voegel deliver RV’s, Travel trailer’s and Fifthwheel’s, all over US, and Canda.

[@secretsquirrel8010]

I just rolled 115000 on my 2011 F350. Glad to hear it’s going to last me a life time. I’m seriously considering a new 2020 with the 10 speed tranny though.

[@billwarbrick9116]

We just got the 2019 6.7, call me crazy but I still like the ol’ 7.3 better

[@kyboy5]

Post a video or your lying

[@andrewjacobson556]

Its a great truck my 96 has all the power i need!!

[@billwarbrick9116]

Actually all 3500 and f350’s of the modern day are automatics

[@TexanUSMC8089]

The bottom line is; if you need to pull a trailer with more weight than a 7.3 can pull...you don't need more power, you need a bigger truck. There's a lot more to pulling a trailer than a powerful engine. At some point, you'll need to stop. Instead of an F250 or F350, you might look into a medium-duty truck like an F550 or F650. Being able to control a trailer is more important than just being able to move it. A lot of F650's came with an Allison trans and a Cummins engine or Cat engine. 19.5 or larger wheels and air brakes.

[@huckelberryauditor5583]

My 2003 7.3 was so powerful it would pull the dark out of the night.

[@kieran8720]

Huckelberry Auditor sticks turb tune and exhaust?

[@huckelberryauditor5583]

Kieran bone stock.

[@RSCRedScreenChaser]

Bought my 02 F350 is n 01, has 240k, besides regular maintenance water pump & alternator is all I’ve ever replaced. Not one oil spot under it either. I can’t complain.

[@wessims3563]

The automatic transmission behind my 7.3 had never been removed when I sold it at 213,000 miles. That's plenty reliable for me.

[@billwarbrick9116]

Personally I think a standard would’ve done you way better but that’s just me

[@davidmoore8741]

Lol I blew my trans at 168000, alum planetary gears just chewed themself apart

[@strattuner]

trick to running a good engine to the max life of it,is buy oil in 55 gallon drums,and change it often,overhauls done right are 6500,drums of oil are cheaper,we have 2-- 7.3s turbocharged and one 7.3 IDI i guess they are going to run forever,oil and filters and down the road you go,putting new parts in place of good parts is nuts

[@pjnovak861]

Good job very accurate and good informative content I've had 5 7.3 trucks in my life and am looking for another.

[@charliecharlie9787]

Just drove me pops 2001 aF250 7.3 with 55k miles back from bullhead az. I might buy it . It's chiped .

[@mikeziegler7008]

I bought one of the 1st 7.3 Powerstrokes back in 94. I paid about 25K for it and 4 years later it was STILL worth 25K! That vehicle remains the best rig I ever owned. That said, it had it's drawbacks. It had a huge oil capacity and the high pressure system broke it down quickly. You did NOT delay oil changes under any circumstances. Also, my rig went through glow plug relays on a semi annual basis. But they were relatively cheap and easy to replace. Engine aside, Ford did some fairly chickenshit things in those days. For example, the clutch slave/master cylinders installed as NEW on my truck, were unavailable as replacement parts. This is because they had already been discontinued TWO YEARS BEFORE my truck was even built! In a nutshell, Ford was installing components onto their new rigs that were ALREADY known to be faulty prior to the build. Thanks for that Ford. I could go on. Even after that, I am still a Ford guy....I now own a 3.5 Eco twin turbo. But I don't trust any of the manufactures. In the end, I sure do miss my 69 F-250 4x4

[@davidallen5976]

My 2000 f350 has the 6 speed and no cat. Original CA truck 🤷‍♂️

[@thomasbooth9079]

Yep, got a 2000 f350, 6 speed, no cat as well.

[@carlpeterson9254]

My 2000 f250 California auto came with no catt.

[@Hannibalate]

My 2002 F250 California auto - no cat

[@terrancesimpson2508]

I’m just now gonna buy a 2002 f250 with the 7.3 power stroke diesel my first diesel truck was just trying to get some info on the 7.3 diesel thank u some good info

[@1400harley]

556000km and still going strong.. in my 01 250

[@hithummah]

this guy: 7.3 Powerstroke is best diesel engine ever Isuzu: well, I guess we don't exist

[@Dustrunnersauto]

😂

[@KANSASIOUX]

Mines 173000 now and a beast. Love it.

[@MikeyR92]

7.3 did not have a catalytic converter in automatic, I’ve read some people who had the manual trans have had a catalytic converter but autos don’t I have an auto myself.

[@LODIECHODIE]

My 6.0L is a joke, the 7.3L is a MONSTER!!!!!

[@Qwerkinter1]

Well 10k after and my 6.0 is unbeatable

[@MoparMadness93]

Find someone worth a shit who knows about those motors and it’ll be reliable after they go through it

[@robertleftwich1122]

I’m looking for any small items to add or take of mu 2002 Excursion Limited, only 85,000 miles, white with gold under neath, gold or tan leather inside, one owner with oil changes every 4,000 using Delo 400, still has original 10 ply Firestone tires which I was holding off buy because the truck is for Sale, I will pay for chosen tires of the new buyer and I have 1 new tire and I bought one new matching aluminum spare rim. It’s been garaged anytime it has been home ( like 99.9% of its time). Stopped here to save this much history. It’s been here in Utah, I bought it to pull our 33’ x 10’ wide Searay Boat, to pull it to & from Lake Powell. Im 78 years old now and no longer have a boat, and with major surgeries in my past, it leaves me needing to sell this beautiful, giant SUV . I just installed 2 new Batteries and have always kept stringent maintenance on fluids and filters. Are there any issues that may need checked, cleaned or add-ons to make it more desirable and better to sell . What about items to check and clean that I may have overlooked ?

[@diymechanictv1233]

Nicely done, sir.

[@mexifreak2996]

My 97 7.3 ha pulled about 20 tons no problem and hauls about 9 daily super reliable almost 400,000 Miles on it

[@billwarbrick9116]

Mexifreak 299 ours has 500k and pulls at least 15,000 pounds daily

[@NH2112]

I prefer the 7.3l IDI, it’s much simpler, easier to repair in the field, and with a turbo (not the factory one with squashed down pipe) you can make decent power. Even my NA engines never failed to move what I needed to move. I just had to run them at 3K rpm in 3rd gear on steeper hills. I don’t mind slowing down on hills, the Petes, KWs, and Western Stars I work on do.

[@654Crossman]

I own an 88 with the 7.3l International, and a 96 with the 7.3l power stroke. I like the turbo on my power stroke, but my IDI is solid. Not fast, but it feels like it could haul a train. Amazing engines and easy to work on. My 96 4.0 jeep is just as easy to work on and even cheaper. Has as many miles as both my diesels. I'm a sucker for 90s engineering.

[@NH2112]

@@654Crossman I have an 06 Wrangler with the 4.0l and while there’s more electronics in it it’s still a pretty simple engine to work on. I need to get myself another 7.3l IDI OBS F350.

[@garbizzi6868]

He said reliable × 1 million times and he dam sure meant it ! 😆 ive had 6 different year 7.3 s and they are stupid reliable i never worried about where i was going

[@droid7778]

Automatics didn't have a cat in 2000-2003....manual trans did cuz of lugging.

[@NoName-tz5ji]

My early 99 did and it came with an automatic.

[@hrafnagu9243]

Yeah, theyre under powered compared to today's diesels, but holy fuck, do you really need 900ft/lbs of torque that often? 500ft/lbs is plenty for probably 90% of people.

[@ThomasDTY]

352,000 on my 6.4 and it’s still in good shape, deleted with 600 hp tuner it’s whole life.

[@kennycopeland282]

Thats awesome, I got rid of my 09 , I did everything I was supposed to do to make it reliable, but worried about it all the time, so traded for a 6.7. I miss that truck only had 132000 on it

[@knuckleuprambo]

Call bs

[@bch5513]

knuckleuprambo hey. He could be the unicorn...

[@JC-dr8ev]

Thomas Daugherty If that’s true you should do a video on it. That’s more than double the average life of a 6.4

[@jimmotormedic]

I'm glad you are getting some miles out of the 6.4, I have seen them just throw a rod out the side of the block for no reason. No tune or mods excellent care and maintenance. I have yet to see a 7.3 blow up yet. I've heard of it but never seen it. Had a guy with a 12 valve that had been sitting for a couple of years start it up and something stuck in the pump and the engine ran away. It didn't throw a rod but the valves started floating and pistons contacted valves and believe it or not the cam broke. It blew heater hoses off when it let go. Couldn't blame that on the engine

[@jeffreyjcisler8714]

The nice thing I can say about my 7.3 L diesel engine is I'll never have to buy another truck again cuz that's a million mile truck all day. And that said that's more miles that you'll get off a Cummins or dud A Max

[@kyboy5]

Million miles twenty transmissions, oh and a Duramax loaded can smoke a 7.3 empty.

[@lanelyons9303]

@@kyboy5 have you tried releasing the 7.3's parking brake?

[@ViewMyChannelROFL]

So much good info!

[@MrEliasdl]

Ford Knows damn well they'd go out of business if they brought back that 7.3L Powerstroke motor and mated it to a stout modern 6 to 10 speed transmission. That motor was the last true to form simple and reliable diesel Ford used.

[@strattuner]

ever see a new crank out of the box for a 7.3 IH,my god its a work of art,solid steel and machine work flawless

[@doug3805]

01 F350 7.3 with Edge Tuner and no cat with the 5" exhaust. 207,000 miles. Had it a little over two years. Keep it in safe tow mode and it moves on down the road.

[@billwarbrick9116]

Doug ours used to have one but we took it out because the old truck is going on 500k now but still goes great

[@kenxiong6830]

7.3 DI all day!

[@dozer1642]

Saying the 7.3 is the most reliable power stroke is hardly a compliment.

[@domusdebellum3042]

@benchmstr if you ignore the fact Cummins makes diesel engines.

[@hermenegildogaleana3680]

international harvester 444

[@freddyflintstoned913]

Not a Ford.

[@belenladd5923]

I’m looking at either a 03 7.3 or an LBZ. It’s for a flatbed camper build. So there will be around 3500lbs on the chassis. I’d like to choose the most reliable option for this scenario. I’ll take any opinions.

[@brendonmasters]

Love my 69 idi things a slugggg

[@dieselfuel9794]

Classic 6.9 diesel

[@dieselfuel9794]

Classic 6.9 diesel

[@dieselfuel9794]

Classic 6.9 diesel

[@peteJoseph-x3h]

‘02 f250 with 7.3, 6 speed , I love it. It does have a penchant for oil leaks and failed cam position sensors but an easy fix

[@henrijonas9063]

HEY FORD!! GIVE THIS GUY A JOB! LOL

[@Brett_Nebraska]

The two primary trucks I'm currently looking at are 2014 Toyota tundra 1794 with the 5.7 v8 and the 1997 obs ford f-250 with the 7.3 diesel. To be honest I know ZERO about diesels, like literally nothing haha. But I'm needing a truck to haul a single horse trailer ( about 5k lbs give or take). The obs Ford's I'm looking at are rust free Texas or west coast and 20-25k dollars with about 200k miles. The v8 Toyotas are 2014 years with about 130k miles and in the 20-26k Price range. I'll primarily be using it to haul livestock feed in the bed or haul a single horse trailer. I'm also located in Nebraska very cold winters and will be using the truck alott in the winter. Any suggestions on which you'd recommend in this specific situation?

[@hunterlong1266]

The 7.3 is reliable just expect to replace all your sensors every 10 to 100k 😂

[@graysonsgarage5157]

Not to mention getting ready to rebuild or replace your factory automatic transmission.

[@sandchar]

Im willing to for a OBS Ford 🤤

[@dieselfuel9794]

Knock on wood. I haven’t had any transmission issues But I know there knowing to go bad lol eh well it is what it is

[@freddyflintstoned913]

Not to mention your overhead fuel monitoring computer.

[@dieselfuel9794]

Johnny Rebb I haven’t had any issues so far. And I have 800,000 km

[@bradchirdaris2190]

I think any 7.3 that’s had regular oil change’s it’s whole life and left mostly stock will go 1,000,000km with no major engine work

[@freddyhollingsworth5945]

Most of our older School buses are still running super strong and they are the amazing "7.3" T444E.. Some have over 500,000 miles of stop and go pedal to the metal take offs and have never been opened up to be worked on... The 10-15 year newer diesel busses are/have already been sold for scrap or sent to auction due to major engine failure after failure.

[@FazedFlurries]

I have a 2003 F250 Crew Cab with a rare 7.3 single turbo and it's if not the best diesel I owned besides the 12 value Cummins that I still own

[@eduardomenchaca1916]

Yeah they’re underpowered.. but with a new turbo and injectors you’re looking at like 600 hp and 1000 lbs ft of torque. Not to mention it will be a fraction of the cost of a 6.7 and more reliable.

[@marklott8235]

I just put 30 grand into my 7.3 making close to 800 hp was it worth it yea lol especially no emissions

[@CustomCustomz]

Best diesel engine? No. Best powerstroke engine? Yes

[@toddsantora4399]

405,000 on my 1996. All original motor! I added a wicked wheel to the turbo and a very mild chip. Still runs great!