what to look for on a 7.3 E350?

[Eric3187]

so i have stumbled across a 2002 EB Cargo E350, 213k miles, the body looks to be a 9 out of 10 (minor dings from a shopping cart is what it looks like)
i have not seen the inside yet, but thats no concern of mine since it will be converted to a liveable interior.
what should i look for on the 7.3? while i know these motors are built to last and fairly indestructable, what problems/issues should i keep an eye out for?
the price of the van is almost 3k less than what i have my current truck listed at, so if i sold my truck for asking price, i could have 3k to address any issues that need fixing if needed.

aside from checking fluid levels, condition and overall running/driving, what should i be looking for.
if there are common issues with the 7.3 in a van, are they simple fixes(I.E no body removal needed)

Thanks! and hopefully i can post a build thread soon.

 

[Bbasso]

Check antifreeze for fuel.
Any rust.
Front sway bar bushings.
Anything aftermarket- usually installed like crap.
Lift off the dog house and inspect.

 

[Bbasso]

Let me guess which one you have your eye on. ..
The nice white one with the bullet hole wheels in the setting sun pics?

I've been watching that one's price come down ever so slightly. But still out of my range.

 

[bknudtsen]

Leaks at the fuel bowl. Most need all the O-rings replaced. Glow plugs and associated relays.

 

[Eric3187]

Let me guess which one you have your eye on. ..
The nice white one with the bullet hole wheels in the setting sun pics?

I've been watching that one's price come down ever so slightly. But still out of my range.

ha yup, that would be the one. Hopefully taking a look at it tomorrow for visual inspection, but sadly i cannot do anything until my current truck sells.

 

[Eric3187]

Leaks at the fuel bowl. Most need all the O-rings replaced. Glow plugs and associated relays.

is this a costly repair, or fairly cheap/easy? is the van driveable if its leaking until able to be fixed?

 

[cjken]

Mine was drivable, but you could smell fuel and it marked its territory everywhere it went.
I got my o-rings from diesel o-rings.com. I don't remember the cost but it was fairly inexpensive. Most apparently leak at the drain valve. I changed out my fuel pump while I was in there.

 

[steelheadbum]

1) Check and double check the 4R100!

2) check for extensive "blowby"

And then enjoy the heck out of it!

Buck


The Redneck Mexican
2002 E350 7.3 PSD 4x4 8inch lift pop top conversion....

 

[jason77]

might it be the one in stafford?

 

[Eric3187]

might it be the one in stafford?

yup, thats the one! have you looked at it? if so, honest thoughts about it?

i was going to look at it today but got tied up on a job and did not want to bother anyone on the holidays.

 

[Bbasso]

1) Check and double check the 4R100!

2) check for extensive "blowby"

And then enjoy the heck out of it!

Buck


The Redneck Mexican
2002 E350 7.3 PSD 4x4 8inch lift pop top conversion....

How does a buyer check the blowby?

 

[Eric3187]

How does a buyer check the blowby?

had to google it myself, this seemed to be the easiest way.

[Pull the dipstick, place a 3/8" x 6' clear plastic tube over the dipstick tube such that it seals tightly - crank the engine, let it idle, place the other end of the tube in a pail of water - if engine is ok it can bubble a little - if it bubbles and froths like a bunch of piranha on a kitten, yer lookin' at some blowby......... ] (from dieseltrucksource.com)

 

[Bbasso]

Oh....

 

[jason77]

I called the guy about it a while back. It's been listed at $5600 for a couple of months. To me, it looks like it has some bondo on the passenger quarter panel, but can't verify. I've had a broken phone since I talked to the guy, so I don't have any pics of it on the new phone. It seems like a hell of a deal, though. Can't imagine why it hasn't sold yet.