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Common Problems

3K views 29 replies 8 participants last post by  cchase 
#1 ·
Hello all,

I am considering buying a f-350 7.3 around the years of 94-97. i had heard these motors had some problems that had an easy fix to a potentially engine lethal problems.

so, if someone can either direct me to a site that lists most, or can just ratle a few of the problems off of the top of theit head, that would be great.

:burnout
 
#3 ·
Sorry ya got lost in the shuffle. When I first got my 94 it had some problems with starting. You need a lot of oil pressure to start a diesel and my truck was'nt maintaining that pressure level. Happened like 3 times. The dealership finally got it figured out. Heard this happened to a bunch of other trucks too. But since then I have'nt heard a bad thing about the 94-97 7.3's.
 
#5 ·
there is a wire harness problem controlling the injectors on the drivers side. i have a 96er, this problem reared its head on me a couple years back. the mechanic said it was an easy fix. i used to work with someone who had a 2000 that had the same problem, he got it fixed easily also.
 
#6 ·
They've built up a pretty good reputation over the years as being reliable and strong. But as with anything else they need to be maintained well.
 
#9 ·
I know on my 01 7.3 that the cam position sensor is a common problem with an easy and cheap fix!
 
#11 ·
the under valve cover harnes makes the motor act like its missing because the injectors are basicly shorting out.

the cam position sensor fault makes it where the truck wont start.

the 7.3 engine internals are verry tought and relieble as with any 12 year old vehicle you are going to have a few problems due to age and normal wear and tear :)
 
#28 ·
If the valver cover gasket is shorting out would it throw a check engine light ? and would it cause all the injectors in the harness not to work or could it be possible to only cause 1 to not fire?
 
#14 ·
depends on the milage. any auto tranny over 150k is a ticking time bomb with any vehicle
the engines in thease things are good for 500k if they where taken care of but you will be looking into changing a few sensors here and there probly a couple injecotrs yada yada. it probly wont all go at once but look forward into putting some work into it the higher the milage the more your going to have to do.

I have a 96 with 160k and so far ive probly spent 400 bucks in parts. other than that i havent had any problems with it in the 30k miles i have put on it :)
 
#15 ·
of course im gonna replace the injectors. then i get enough money, ima replace all of them with high flow superduper smokers.

my theory, the more smoke the better.
 
#16 ·
more smoke isnt always better it actualy means theirs not enough air with your fuel and your wasting power but the first gen powerstrokes factory injectors blow any ways :)
 
#17 ·
i know i know, unburnt fuel blah blah blah, but you have to admit, its cool.

and you can soot people you dont like :cool:
 
#20 ·
:lol: I soot people all day long with stock injectors. the purpose of bigger injectors is for more power not smoke :roll1: do you already have a truck picked out? or are you still looking?
 
#23 ·
cool man - those older diesels are pretty cool...

the newer turbo diesels are a blast too! just stick within your budget and you'll be happy with whatever rig you get!
 
#24 ·
eh, think so. when did the turbos start coming into play on the ford diesels?

btw. if i could, i would buy a duramax. i was brought up chev. but for now, im gettin ford.

anyways. yep.
 
#25 ·
i think you could get the idi trucks with a turbo in the early 90's but you cant get any thing for them as far as aftermarkets concerned. first year of the powerstrokes was 94.5
the older diesels you are limited to haw far you can turn the injector pump up and thats it :( but the cheapest your gona find a powerstrokes about 7 grand. food for thought.
 
#26 ·
get a 94-97. Im happy as hell with mine. 97 155,000 miles. I dont beat the piss out of it but i ride some bumpy sand and rocky trails , so my 9500lb azz truck get shaky as all hell and nothing broken yet. lethal problems with the 7.3?? thats just b.s. find me a truck that hasnt had something go wrong with it.
 
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