[jacksbenthinkin]

Hey powerstroke community, I have my eyes set on a 97 crew cab 4x4 long bed with the 7.3 in vermillion red that has 171k miles. I was wondering if y'all have any advice/opinions on the following: Seller is asking $21,000. Is this a fair price considering current market demand for these trucks? And given: the transmission was replaced at 140k miles, bearings have been replaced, brakes replaced, new tires, some suspensions components replaced, air bags installed in rear suspension, spotless interior, some rust in the undercarriage but seems to be rust free on body, been fairly well maintained mechanically for the 8 years the previous owner has had it. Main issues I see immediately are cosmetic (all clear coat is fading around the vehicle and there is a good gash on the right rear panel from backing into something). Title is clean. What are some hot spots I should check for mechanical problems when I go check out the vehicle at this mileage? I want a good laundry list to check off before I decide it's not going to be needing immediate repairs. (Anticipating restorative costs but want to be able to spread this out after initial purchase).

 

[Vice_II]

Check for EBPV (exhaust back pressure valve) leaks and turbo pedestal o ring leaks. Most OBS 7.3s I have purchased have leaked from the pedestal. Also check for leaks around the windshield if you can. If it is raining you will know because it will drip down the interior pillar plastic. Had a few that did that as well. Are you able to share any photos of the truck you are looking at?

Welcome to the forum.

 

[jacksbenthinkin]

Check for EBPV (exhaust back pressure valve) leaks and turbo pedestal o ring leaks. Most OBS 7.3s I have purchased have leaked from the pedestal. Also check for leaks around the windshield if you can. If it is raining you will know because it will drip down the interior pillar plastic. Had a few that did that as well. Are you able to share any photos of the truck you are looking at?

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks man! I like the cracked out Nicholas Cage pfp. I appreciate the pointers on where to look for issues. Trying to get some pictures under the hood, but here are some of interior/exterior/undercarriage

 

[Vice_II]

Nice looking truck! I would check the gaskets on the clearance lights too if you buy it.

 

[jacksbenthinkin]

Nice looking truck! I would check the gaskets on the clearance lights too if you buy it.

Thanks! Been watching repair videos for the turbo pedestal oil leaks... looks real fun to get it out. Will I be able to see pretty easily into the valley if I pop the engine cover off to identify that type of leak? thanks.

 

[Vice_II]

You can see down in there with a flashlight yes. If it is really bad it will be coming down the backside of the engine too. I would recommend giving this a read if you have time:

1994 - 1999 7.3L Power Stroke Turbocharger Removal & Installation Procedures

Step by step procedures on how to remove and reinstall the turbocharger on a 1994 to early 1999 7.3L Power Stroke diesel. Included in this comprehensive guide is a parts list and all the tips, tricks, and tools necessary to remove the turbo from an OBS or early Super Duty pickup equipped with a...

www.powerstrokehub.com

I made myself one of those wrenches and it helped so much.

 

[greenskeeper]

location is everything when trying to determine fair value

 

[Bobthebiker]

From a professional standpoint, will the seller let you have a mechanic inspect it to give a thorough evaluation of what may be an impending expense to fix? Most shops including my employer offer a bronze or gold inspection which effectively is a very in depth checklist where we evaluate everything imaginable, ac and heat temperature, what isn't working?, What needs attention, what looks ok. We literally go over the entire vehicle end to end and check everything, make detailed notes for our clients, even explain in person what we find.

I personally like seeing pre purchase inspections. It's solid peace of mind, and a STRONG negotiating point knowing your truck will need xyz and haggling for that.

 

[Spirit]

If it’s a detailed inspection, such as your shop offers, that’s great. Too many “pre-purchase inspections” turn out to be a get acquainted meeting with your new mechanic.

 

[jacksbenthinkin]

From a professional standpoint, will the seller let you have a mechanic inspect it to give a thorough evaluation of what may be an impending expense to fix? Most shops including my employer offer a bronze or gold inspection which effectively is a very in depth checklist where we evaluate everything imaginable, ac and heat temperature, what isn't working?, What needs attention, what looks ok. We literally go over the entire vehicle end to end and check everything, make detailed notes for our clients, even explain in person what we find.

I personally like seeing pre purchase inspections. It's solid peace of mind, and a STRONG negotiating point knowing your truck will need xyz and haggling for that.

I appreciate the notion, yeah I would love to have a good diesel mechanic look it over beforehand. The problem mostly is that the seller is located too far from me to set up a week day meet up when shops are open. So I am trying to collect as many reference points beforehand. These trucks disappear super quickly especially under 200k miles in the area I live in. Meeting next weekend, so I reckon I will be back on the forum pretty quickly to look at any issues I need to resolve.

 

[Bobthebiker]

If it’s a detailed inspection, such as your shop offers, that’s great. Too many “pre-purchase inspections” turn out to be a get acquainted meeting with your new mechanic.

Sady this is entirely too true many times. I save the discussing anything with the potential buyer until I've given a thorough examination, and made my inspection. Then we can discuss whether the potential buyer feels it is a good deal, or if I see red flags that would mean big money. At that point I like to leave the final choice to the potential buyer, after making sure they can understand the potential costly repairs that may be necessary, or are coming and if it is something where it will easily cost $2000+ I'll absolutely make it known it is likely a bad decision unless you have substantial disposable income. Usually this is reserved for kids buying sporty cars and anyone buying Euro junk.

I"m a rare mechanic because I'm VERY straightforward with my customers. If I see minor things wrong, I just fix them, make notes, and tell them I took care of it, but if the vehicle has some severe impending problem, I will explain the problem and why the customer should consider his/her options in regards to repair vs replacement vehicle depending on cost effectiveness, sentimental value, etc

I appreciate the notion, yeah I would love to have a good diesel mechanic look it over beforehand. The problem mostly is that the seller is located too far from me to set up a week day meet up when shops are open. So I am trying to collect as many reference points beforehand. These trucks disappear super quickly especially under 200k miles in the area I live in. Meeting next weekend, so I reckon I will be back on the forum pretty quickly to look at any issues I need to resolve.

I can absolutely understand this. Even here, the even decent diesels sell pretty quick if they're in somewhat good shape. It can definitely be difficult to find the opportunity to simply get a mechanic to inspect it before you buy.

 

[jacksbenthinkin]

Sady this is entirely too true many times. I save the discussing anything with the potential buyer until I've given a thorough examination, and made my inspection. Then we can discuss whether the potential buyer feels it is a good deal, or if I see red flags that would mean big money. At that point I like to leave the final choice to the potential buyer, after making sure they can understand the potential costly repairs that may be necessary, or are coming and if it is something where it will easily cost $2000+ I'll absolutely make it known it is likely a bad decision unless you have substantial disposable income. Usually this is reserved for kids buying sporty cars and anyone buying Euro junk.

I"m a rare mechanic because I'm VERY straightforward with my customers. If I see minor things wrong, I just fix them, make notes, and tell them I took care of it, but if the vehicle has some severe impending problem, I will explain the problem and why the customer should consider his/her options in regards to repair vs replacement vehicle depending on cost effectiveness, sentimental value, etc


I can absolutely understand this. Even here, the even decent diesels sell pretty quick if they're in somewhat good shape. It can definitely be difficult to find the opportunity to simply get a mechanic to inspect it before you buy.

Mostly I am anticipating a decent amount of steering linkage to be needing replacing and will be looking into the common turbo pedestal leak identified earlier. Will be able to test drive at highway speeds so I should be able to gather pretty quickly the condition of ball joints, tie rods, control arms etc. Will use that as leverage if possible. Wish me luck