help buying a ford diesel

[daveyburt]

Hi Everyone,

I'm in the market for a 2000 era ford diesel. -From 98-02 i guess, maybe 03.

My living situation doesn't allow me to plug 'er in on cold nights. I'm in Central Massachusetts...

How are the glow systems during these years?

I know there are no certainties with the weather and temp but, are these things fairly reliable starting?

Also, knowing every vehicle has it's issues, any insight to known problems in these model years would be great.

I'm looking at f2 or 350s.

Thanks for anything you could offer!

-dave

[screamin7.3]

They're very reliable starting, my company trucks (99, 01, 03, 05, 07) don't get plugged in most of the time. When it's really cold i'll cycle the glow plugs twice, which helps.

[daveyburt]

thanks screamin!

I also may have found an 02 for about the same money and less miles

good to know about the starting. running a cord across the street may not work out well.


appreciated!!

[dieseldan2005]

These are very good reliable trucks. When you are looking, check for oil in the valley of the motor. Its very easy to spot with a flashlight. These engines are prone to leaking oil from a number of points on top. Most are very easily fixed, but some require more advanced work. Don't shy away from one if it has a wet valley, but just try to identify the leak and post it on here so we can tell ya if its a big prob or not. Also just check to see if the steering is tight and make sure the trans shifts good. Another important thing is to see if you can notice if the truck has ever had a chip on it before. You can do this by looking at the PCM which is located behind the e-brake pedal. Its a black box looking thing, sometimes if its had a chip there will be a hole cut in the back of the black cover. Chips aren't bad, but if the truck has stock exhaust and no gauges it could mean trouble in the future. Also i live in central MN and i plug mine in when it gets below 20 F. Its just easier on it and you get faster heat. Sorry to ramble, i just want to inform you! Good luck with your search.

[daveyburt]

WOW!
Thanks Dieseldan!

Great info!!

I think I found an 02 7.3 w/100K. Spoke to the man tonite and it's box stock, no nothin as far as mods!


-just what i was looking for.

He's gone thru the front end mostly, ball joints, shocks, bearings, and he thinks tie rods too (i guess it was a few years ago). He's the second owner. he bought it with 22k from a dealership. It's got a plow but he said he only used it on his driveway. He's done oiling/greasing himself. He gave me a pretty thorough run down...

-sounds promising.

thanks for the "oil in the valley" bit. I'll be on the lookout and bring a camera just in case.

I'm glad you saw my thread!! I'm looking at it tomorrow!

[dieseldan2005]

Good luck tomorrow with it! You can't beat a low mileage 7.3. Let us know what you find out. Sounds like he went through the front end pretty thorough. I had to put ball joints in mine too. Its another common thing, but hey sounds like most of it was already done. Just really pay attention to how that trans shifts even if he ONLY plowed his driveway. People say that all the time, when they really plowed for side cash in the winter. You'll be able to tell if its been abused. Well hope i was able to help you out.

[daveyburt]

will do!

yea, i thought the same thing about 'only his driveway'. but a little light work is better than heavily.
i'll be under that thing seriously poking/tugging around.

do these things normally have a firm or soft shift?

thanks again for the help....yes you were VERY helpful!

Thanks!

[HVAC SuperTech]

they will have a soft, quick shift, pay attention to the tach, and see if it jumps up during a shift. that will tell you if its slippin.

[daveyburt]

perfect....thanks!!

[dieseldan2005]

Yeah what HVAC said. Check for slippage. Mine seems to shift kinda light going into 3rd. I have heard that it is common. The other gears shift a little more firm. There is a valve body upgrade kit that is supposed to help with that.