Ford 7.3 vs. 6.0 discussion.

[Pskhaat]

Normally I would go ask this on a Ford-specific site, but I think I might get a better wholistic answer from a more rounded-out crowd here.

I've asked before about some info on the 6.0, but there is a lot of misinformation out there comparing it the (legendary?) 7.3.

Would someone have interest/time to give some salient pros/cons between the two engine options?

Thx,

 

[howell_jd]

I have a 6.0L PSD in my 2005 F-550. I can't make any comments about any of the 7.3L diesels available from Ford but wonder if there is a particular 7.3L you are interested in comparing. I believe there is a 7.3L IDI, 7.3L DI, and the 7.3L PSD too. Probably the closest comparison would be PSD to PSD but I don't know if that is what you are asking. My experience with diesels is primarily with military diesels...most of which weren't electronic and therefore were "easier" to diagnose - although when you hook an OBD computer up to an electronic engine and the engine tells you what is wrong with it that is about as easy a diagnosis as you can get...fixing is a WHOLE other story of course.
Jonathan

 

[Pskhaat]

Yes, I believe the Ford F250 for instance in 2002 was the PSD7.3, yes?

 

[SunTzuNephew]

Yes, I believe the Ford F250 for instance in 2002 was the PSD7.3, yes?

Yes. I have a 2002 Excursion and 2000 F250 with the 7.3. Great engine.

The 6.0? May be the second worst diesel ever made, after GM 'converted' the short-block 350 to diesel for street cars....I've never heard anything good about it, it's not strong enough to reliably take any kind of tuning (Banks, etc), and it seems to have a propensity for fairly expensive repairs (like turbos).

I wouldn't get a 6.0 at all, unless I could also get the Ford Factory extended warranty...and even then, I'd try and hold out for a newer, 6.4 engine if I couldnt get the 7.3. OTOH the new 6.7 seems pretty good SO FAR.

 

[1leg]

Here is what i know real world. all trucks bought and driven by middleaged men to tow toy haulers.
Four guys at work all bought diesel truck about the same time.
1 Bought new, 7.3 f250, He search long a hard to find it as most of the trucks were the new 6.0. Still driving and towing with it today, Zero issues,

2 bought the 6.0 f250s,1 sold truck after 100000 miles, 2 engines 4 or more turbos.
the other still owns his, at least 1 engine and 2 trubos. Bought jeep as a daily driver to keep the miles down.

The last guy (me) bought a dodge cummins and made the stupid mistake of selling it at 40000 miles. only issue was that its electric fuel pump went out dodge fixed it under warrenty with an improved design.

 

[Pskhaat]

Uh oh, I reposted

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39402

 

[EMrider]

Check this out.

I found it very helpful. Lots of questions answered in detail by someone who really knows what they are talking about.

http://powerstrokehelp.com/6liter/6vs7/1of6.asp

 

[Martyn]

The 7.3 is legendary with many engines going 750K miles.

The high points are:
The engine will run for ever (if it doesn't blow up like my other one did ) part of the secret seems to be to change the oil every 3K as it's the life blood of the engine and injectors.

For a big engine it has relatively good fuel consumption, depending on how you drive it. Get a Scangauge.

We have a crew cab and it's cavernous.

The low points are:
The injection system, it relies on a high pressure oil system to open the injections.
The automatic transmission fails somewhere above 125K it's just a matter of when.

The 7.3's are getting to be expensive because no one wants a 6.0 or 6.4, expect to pay $$$ for one.

 

[haven]

Diesel Power Magazine has a useful article titled, "Every 6.0L Problem Solved."

http://dieselpower.automotive.com/112060/0907dp-6-0l-ford-power-stroke-engine/index.htmlhttp://dieselpower.automotive.com/112060/0907dp-6-0l-ford-power-stroke-engine/index.html

 

[UHAULER]

I just watched all 6 videos, very informative. I feel sorry for my brother who owns an 03 f250. He has had numerous problems that were covered under warranty but now it is off warranty and All I see are $$$$$ to have anything repaired.

I'll just stick to my gutless 7.3 IDI for now and stay in the slow lane

 

[Pskhaat]

Without bias, I gotta say after reading a BUNCH lately on a consideration of a FORD I am skewed in my LandCruiser world. I know it is apples & oranges, but I just wouldn't hesitate a second to drive any of my LCs around the world tomorrow, yet here one of the primary Ford experts insists that the automatic transmission is fantastic and should easy go 150-200k miles ... huh?

(not meant to be political, just a rendition of my own confused face)


And that if you want 500k out of the truck "it's just one of those things" and expect to put another engine in it. I see big $ as floaters in my eyes...

 

[pacificwildfire]

I personally had a 6.0 and ran it 100,000 miles, but in that I didnt have one problem with it.

 

[Pskhaat]

My Ford Probe has well over 200k with a single issue naught. In its 14 years with me only didn't start due to vapor lock one time in horribly hot weather. It has been a dream car. Are FORD folks just more apt to expect lower time before failure?