Should i buy a 7.3 powerstroke

The 7. More than a quarter century after the first one was produced you can still find thousands of 7. Sure they lacked the horsepower and torque the modern hp and 1, lb-ft behemoths do, but it was a different time and the 7.

Have a different opinion? Let us know in the comments or enter the verbal fray on Facebook! When the 7. While that kind of power matched or beat what Dodge and GM were offering at the time, you were still looking at mph times of 14 seconds empty.

Robust, iron parts, conservative power and low engine speed are the key ingredients for any diesel engine lasting forever—and if a 7. A big reason why the 7. Aside from the use of a catalytic converter down stream in the exhaust system, the 7. By comparison, the exhaust gas recirculation EGR system that had to be employed on its successor, the 6. Though a bit labyrinthine, the oil-activated fuel injection system used on the 7.

The HEUI system short for hydraulically actuated, electronically controlled, unit injector on the 7. From there, the pressurized oil acts on an intensifier piston, compressing the fuel below it and resulting in injection pressures as high as 21, psi in-cylinder.

CAT would also make use of HEUI technology on several of its own engines some of which were the , C7 and C9 , all of which saw good success in terms of durability. The HEUI injectors used in the 7. Even when split-shot injectors were introduced on the 7. Properly maintained 7. Even though early 7. Adding to the 7. An untouched or slightly modded 7. Even modified versions will run for years or decades without lifting a head. We know of several 7. Had these engines been fitted with head studs a popular addition in the aftermarket, which makes the stock 7.

While the generally accepted threshold for boost on a 7. Virtually nothing is exotic about the large bore, 7. Everyone knows the horror stories of the 6. There are many reliability concerns with this engine, including EGR problems and blown head gaskets. Fortunately, most of the engines that have had problems have been repaired with updated components. Look for a truck that has been well maintained, the 6. If an owner can provide maintenance records don't be afraid to strike a deal.

Once the initial hiccups are worked out, the 6. Ford backed the 6. Avoid a truck that is using coolant, oil, or that displays starting issues unless you can pick it up cheap. Be sure to take the truck on a test drive that allows it to reach normal operating temperature. The 6. Be prepared to learn the ins and outs of the 6.

EGR valves clog often, become familiar with how to clean one. The biggest complaint about the 6. This was an industry wide problem, with the root cause being the introduction of the DPF aftertreatment system. It is difficult to estimate the fuel economy you can expect considering that owners report figures all over the board. A reasonable expectation would be mpg city and mpg highway. Aside from that, the engines are relatively reliable, with only a few common issues.

They feature an industry first twin turbocharger system that offers crisp throttle response and minimal turbo lag. The engine itself is strong a medium duty design , and the cylinder head design eliminates head gasket failure problems associated with the 6. The engine uses a common rail injection system and a single sequential turbocharger to generate hp and lb-ft with minimal turbo lag. It builds torque quickly off idle and the torque curve is relatively flat..

The trucks currently do not have any major reliability concerns, and fuel economy is respectable. The engine does require the use of DEF urea injection as part of its emissions control system. Nicknamed the "OBS" for "old body style", the A diesel owner's dream, the trucks are rugged, dependable, and are powered by the 7. Additionally, they are exempt from emissions testing in states that require it, keeping the demand for these trucks high amongst the younger crowd.

F models were equipped with Ford's TTB twin-traction beam IFS, while the F models were equipped with a solid front axle the solid axle being favorable.