An Idioits guide to the Ford Powerstroke 7.3 

I’ve owned my 2001 F250 since brand new. Driven this truck 22 years. Has never left me on the side of the highway. The 7.3 TD is the greatest overall diesel engine ever produced by any manufacturer imho. Great video.

I have 2000 F350 DRW 4x4 crew cab.7.3 ..I purchased it new. It was a 20 year plan with 500 K. Currently 453K. I run Amsoil 15W -40 Full synthetic Diesel Marine oil and the Amsoil oil filter. I have changed the oil 9 times 50K interval. I changed the oil filter every 25K. It has been tested at almost every oil change. The results have been consistent with very nothing bad and the oil has always been in the spec. Ford oil recommendations are 5K oil intervals. That becomes 90 oil changes...that is over 2 weeks of my life, 10 xs the amount of waste oil / filters. I did the cups and injectors at 385K. I had 1 cup leaking and 3 injectors failing. Decided to them all. At that time I learned about draining the injection pump at oil changes from Powerstroke Help. I have replaced the FIRST trany at 165K, 2nd trany 110 K, 3rd trany at 170k.... I have been changing ceramic brake pads every Approximately 30K...Napa Lifetime warranty...oh yeah. I did all the rotors at 198K. Replaced with Ford rotos....did another set at 202K. We have 2 other 7.3 in a F350 single cab. Excursion with 385K. I have no reservation saying it IS the best motor ever in a Pick Up / Excursion... The game plan is to re-body these vehicles. New trucks are unreasonable to purchase bad bad financial move. Thanks for tips. Knowledge is good.

Our 99 has 450k with original turbo. Only things we've replaced are the camshaft sensor and icp sensors. Solid solid engines

R.I.P. Ron... learned alot from that man as well.

I laughed so hard in the beginning when he said “hows it get fuel in there, osmosis?”

The part about the key made me chuckle. I had an ancient 02 F350 armored truck I used in Iraq running security with a busted lock cylinder. Once my buddies found out I'd have to search for my truck nearly daily because they'd move it while I was asleep lmao

Thanks for doing this vid. I love my 7.3 L 2003. But I don't have much diesel knowledge and when I have a problem I am stuck usually. This helps me understand things better. And it was good to hear you confirm on the cam position sensor that I need right now I should not use any other than OEM ones. I had seen reviews when looking for parts had 3 of 4 failing, so I am doing the OEM. Thanks for the time and the tips!

Thanks for the vid. I’m a new diesel owner and chose the 7.3L based on reputation. This helped me understand what some the components are, and what hey do.

My 2000 7.3 with 312,000 miles get between 17 and 20 mpg regularly. I use the cruise control as much as I can and have a mainly highway drive about 35 minutes to work every day so that helps but it's better than I thought it was going to be

You just taught me quite alot about these! Thank you for dumbing it down without treating viewers like idiots

Just bought my first 7.3 and watched every bit of this and found it so helpful! Thanks for taking the time to make this to help others !!

Well, I'm here to tell you, how long an engine lasts depends on the way you treat it. I figured this out working on large boat engines, years ago. The ones that, when something major goes wrong you have to take the boat apart to pull the engines out to work on them. I've had 2- 7.3L's. The first early model (Preturbo's) I put a couple hundred thousand on, and it had around 125K when I got it. Changed the oil regularly, and used a good filter. Only thing I ever had to do to it was replace glow plugs and the seals on the injector fuel rails. For some reason they didn't like the heat. This was a 350 dully and I pulled a 10K dump trailer a lot. The second one was a '99F250 SD. Picked it up with 75K on it. First owner used it to pull her horse trailer on the weekends to events. This truck has been amazing, engine wise. Gone through a couple transmissions, but I'm pretty hard on them. The engine, however has only needed bolt on extras. A couple alternators, starters, AC compressors, one water pump, steering box (the weakest link, in my opinion), a set of Valve cover gaskets, a few sensors, an IDM, and just recently the radiator. I've changed the oil every 5K miles, normally with a filter change @ 3K. Most of the time it has run Synthetic or semi. Rotella, since they came out with it. My truck has over 400K on it (probably another 50-100 in idle equivalent) and I just replaced the injectors, because I didn't want them to go out on me while on a towing trip. They looked and seemed to perform perfectly. Still all sharp and loud, if you did the sound test. Started on the first rotation, every time. Got great gas mileage; 14ish around town & flat land towing; and 17-19 Hwy @72mph. My Blackstone oil tests have been excellent every 50-100K. They saw very little wear, said don't change what your doing. I have been using Archoil oil and gas additives, regularly. This truck has been amazing. I've had to rebuild my other older gas engines every 125k or so. I'll let you know when it hits a million miles.

335,000 miles on a 1999 F350 4x4 Dually Long Bed, Crew Cab, 4:10 gears. Oil changed every 5k miles. Did Glow Plugs once. I add Power Service fuel treatment to every tank. Original injectors and it can be slow to start in winter here in northern New England - from this video maybe it's overdue for injectors!! Thanks for the video!

Thank you for your honest 7.3 advice. I find many 7.3 owners have trouble being open and realistic about these engines. They act like these never break or have any issues like other engines.

Diesel too complicated and too expensive for you? Just buy the same truck with a 5.4 but you'll need two 5.4 engines to get the same lifetime mileage from a regular 7.3

Just got an '03 Excursion as my first diesel and these videos have been pretty great so far. Appreciate it.

I just came across your channel and this video. It was very good and based on my experience, very accurate. I have a 7.3 Excursion with almost 300k. I have owned it for almost twenty years. Fuel economy has varied of course between 14.5 and 18.5 depending, depending, etc. Our experience has been great. Yes, we have spent money on repairs, changed the hubs to manual, new steering box, oil pan, etc, etc. I mention this only as a testimony that you can share with your customers trying to decide about repairing an old 7.3 vehicle vs. buying a new rig. Put the money into the 7.3! $75k and up for a new crew cab is ridiculous. Again, great and very accurate video.

The best I’ve ever gotten from my 2001 F-250 is 21 mpg and it was not like I was Hyper-mile-ing around 200k miles then and 62-63 mph up and down some hills and city traffic on the NE sunrise side of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. 4x4 Crew Cab Short bed. I had a fresh oil change and new air filter. 1600 - 1700 rpm seems to be my sweet spot. Steven you are great 👍 many people do not understand how difficult it is to shoot Video and do narration, not from a script or teleprompter. You Sir, Rock!!! Keep up the great work. Oh and International DT 444, I don’t remember what DT is for but back in my much younger years I did. There was also the DT 466 I believe!!! And these engines started out as Navistar Diesel V-8’s Now don’t get mad about this next one ... the Durimax is actually an Izuzu built in Indianapolis, and elsewhere. Have a great weekend say hi to Jason of the Good of the Land ... I haven’t seen him in a while... had to cut down on my screen time a bit it was warming up and outside was getting better then Thursday afternoon a cold snap and some snow hit us again ... ah Pure Michigan... if you don’t like the weather wait 10 minutes... if you complain about it then it will get worse before it gets better... shhh 🤫 😎👍🤞

I'm having a blast watching your channel. Your teaching style makes it easy to learn. I just purchased my first diesel truck '02 f350 7.3 two days ago so really enjoy learning about this engine. Also, your funny as heck intro had me rolling. The auto 4wd switch does not lock the hubs so have to manually lock to engage. I appreciate you pointing out the location of the pump that controls the switch and air conditioner. The ac works fine. Would be great to learn the diagnostics to isolate the issue needing repair if your needing ideas for a video project. Heck I would watch it. I'll check out Ron's content too. Thanks for the tips bud.

Just bought my first diesel, 01 F250 7.3, and this first 100 miles is great. Night & day difference between this and the 5.4 Triton truck I have. I'll keep them both and use them both to pull my camper, but the little 5.4 works alot harder at it. Love them both though

Dude finally someone said it.. every 7.3 owner tells me I should be getting 16-18 mpg.. I get 10mpg I tell them I have a 6” lift with 35s. They say I’m wrong and it doesn’t matter my tire size.

I kept pretty good records for over a decade and my 1994 f250 turbo 4wd got 18 mpg most of the time. Pulling a loaded steel 4 four horse trailer it would drop to 16 or 17 mpg. Everyone has a different experience with diesel pickups.

Stephen, hey thanks a lot for the 7.3 basic 101 class. I'm not a mechanic, but I have a 1997 Bricknose 7.3 . I love it...I want to learn about the 7.3 and I want to try to do my own mechanics on the engine. This video is fantastic . I did subscribe , I hope you have more DIY repairs that the non mechanic can watch and learn.😅😅

I just replaced 8 injectors rebuilt hipop rebuilt turbo. Then the transmission started slipping. It’s going in the shop tomorrow It got 430,000 out of it. I’m hoping that it’s solid after this. I got the truck at 210,000. Made a lot of money with the truck I love the truck. I hope it’s ok. I replaced the fuel filter in the tank.

Thank you for doing this/these type of videos. Got my first diesel. ‘96 f-250 xlt 4x4 utility truck 7.3 manual 5 speed. Only 3rd day with it and am in love. Replaced my 89 f-250. 96 has 323 thousand. More than I thought when buying but my excitement got me. No regrets. But man, feel like a virgin when I pop the hood.

Love the intro to this video There is such a shortage of mechanics who are competent and this scenario has become a highly occurring reality

Buying my first diesel and it's a 2002 Excursion 7.3 so I've been going through all your 7.3 videos. Great stuff. Subscribed.

Respect ✊🏼 for giving a shout out to diesel god Ron

Good stuff! Bought my 2002 in 2004 with 90,000 sight unseen on EBay Motors. Been a trouble free work truck for many years. Now with 225,000. Just replaced complete wiring harness (rat). Next will be fuel tank filter, ICP and IPR, EBP sensor since numbers aren't where they should be (7 mpg). Regarding theft deterrent: Years ago I put in a hidden kill switch wired to the fuel injector relay. When switched off, engine will crank but not run.

I started using Howes diesel treat in our semi truck in North Dakota. We were one of the very few who didn't have any fuel trouble plus gained 1/2 mile to the gallon fuel economy. That was accule miles driven to fuel. Didn't get extra fuel milage in my 01 7.3 but haven't had any fuel problems yet. Not saying Howes is any better than others but I stand by it.

I have an 02’ F350 crew long bed Bought it from my buddy who was original owner at 104k miles in 2014 It’s at 147k miles now. Love that truck! 6” BDS lift 35” tires AFE CAI Stainless 4” straight pipe Custom tunes and gauges and bunch of other new crap.

On the off chance you see this comment. I have a 98 7.3 dually, clean inside and out, looks like it came off the showroom floor. 138,000 miles and only used for towing. Anything I should look at or start watching? Only thing I've had to replace is the throttle assembly since both sensors went out.

Great video. I learned a couple new things. One thing I will say is I get 15/16 mpg with a very heavy foot, I dont tow anything anymore, though. Edit : Manual Transmission

That creeper is awesome I made a strap-on pad board from an old creeper and some steve erkel type suspenders for that problem and it gets in the way at times that one would be so much better.

The 7.3 IMO wasn't built for power but hauling they do last awhile I think one of the best diesel motors ever made

Not every parts guy is like this but quite a few are. Wow spot on.

452k on my early 99, no leaks starts right up. Bought it for 500 bucks when I got a new work truck.

Thank you for the lesson, I just bought my first diesel and don't know much about it until your video,thanks again

Bro I work at Oriellys and I felt that intro... def gotta say that’s more autozone tho are least in my town were the two out of the three

Mine has 205,989 miles on it and starts like s new truck. I really appreciate all your info. Thank you so much!!!

My 2002 7.3 had right over a million on the clock when i got rid of it a few months ago. Original motor and trans.

You could also wire in a hidden killswitch to the ECM relay. saves you the trouble of having to remove it constantly.

I "rescued" a 99 F250 4WD with a 155k miles 7.3L from sitting for about 9 years. It ran great for about 4 months, but now it lost power under load. Since it's my first diesel, I have A LOT to learn unless I just want to fork over a few paychecks to the local repair shop for something I might be able to fix/replace myself. I'm really hoping it's something other than bad/clogged injectors. Their cost and placement make that a hefty repair bill. Thanks for making this video. I learned a few things.

I just inherited my Dad's '99 F350 7.3L XLT 4Dr 4x4 Long Bed, the interior is like new except for the power locks, they need replacing and I've got all the parts to do so, my Dad just never got around to it....never having owned or really driven a diesel aside from my ex's '85 Chevy stepside pile of GM junk, I'm really impressed with the pulling power of this motor, it pulls the hills at 75-80mph where I live like they're flat...I just have one question: what's up with the auto transmission? My Dad took extra great care of all his rigs, he also left me his 74 Bronco that's got a screamin 347 Ford small block stroker, lockers, all that stuff, and have all of the maintenance records for these rigs, and the trans in this truck has never been replaced nor needed to be worked on (it's got just over 245,000 miles on it)...are these transmissions weak, is it supposed to have a slight high pitch whine at all times, and shift so soft making it kinda slide into the next gear?

Excellent video dude! Bought my 99 ps new, u & Ron are helping keep her on the rd

I just bought that same exact truck for 12k with 219,000 miles on it absolutely in mint condition an older gentleman owned it took great care of it and parked it inside its whole life

on my late 99 dual cab 250 super duty I get anywhere between 19.5 and 15.55 and that's with a cap tools in it and a few other things! Banks 4" Stainless exhaust downpipes AFE intake! And Synthetic oil from day one yes I'm the original owner! No other crap like programmers ETC... towing and i hit the scale at 22,800 with boat attached and 3 axle trailer I got average of 13 mpg for 800 miles but could not really go over 65 and speed limit was 75 but I did not feel safe there. Rented a 2020 international 28' box truck with def it sucked down about 9 mpg and topped out about 65-70. So I love this older psd Besides some weird whine I cannot find around 70 and only when on throttle its almost perfect. The exhaust back pressure tube kind of sucks I have to clean it every 10k or 2 oil changes but its not the end of the world.

I have a 1999 7.3 lariat with 96k original miles, garage kept! Its pristine. Gets 15.2 mpg. Great truck .

Great info, thank-you! Nice overview of what components can leave you stranded somewhere.

Hey! Appreciate all the good info, looking at buying a 2003 7.3 and the more knowledge I have ahead of time will be a huge benefit in the buying process. Keep up the great work!

You rock man- love it. Great 7.3 engine info. Maybe cover shimming 7.3 injectors on older vehicles?

My 7.3 has a upgraded turbo, and has been tuned as well as a couple other minor upgrades. I get 17 to 18 on the highway, and around 14 to 15 in town. I don’t pay attention to the computer mileage readout. I run the numbers at fill up. That is on the 100 hp setting on my 6 position chip. Of course that is being light on the throttle most of the time! If I am heavy on the throttle it’s in the 12 mpg range.

I just got mine for business. Only thing I’m having is the overdrive issue 🤷🏽‍♂️ 3k for a 01 f350 7.3 lariat. Motor 100%, doing a oil change in the morning. Also, im looking over all the wiring from overdrive shifter, to transmission wiring & cleaning plugs. Changing out the speed sensor as well.

I changed the cam sensor the other day. It was pretty easy to install. Just a ratchet, 10mm and a 2 inch extension.

Thanks for all the info. Sounds like I should replace my injectors. I just did the glow plugs and it starts better now but still takes a minute.

I'm keeping an eye on an 01 Excursion 7.3 for sale nearby. 200k miles asking 11k obo. Just need to go see it and hear cold start. Helpful video. Thanks.

Very Helpful! I'm new to these trucks and trying to learn as much unbiased info as I can find

New 7.3 owner, very informative video, I'll checkout more, Thank You

New 7.3 Owner, 2000 F350, found video helpful! Thanks!

I have typically seen about 15-16 mpg from my 7.3l in the 120k miles Ive driven it. I definitely put fuel additives to help clean and lubricate in the fuel.

Excellent explanation of the diesel truck. Thanks bro

Great Video... Especially if a person like myself has Very Little Turbo Diesel experience. Thanks for Sharing

That intro is exactly how things go when I go to any parts store. As a matter of fact that's how it is anywhere I go nowadays

Afternoon from south texas,i watched my first video today and the reason was last Saturday my 2001 f250 7.3 with 203000 miles started loosin power and lopin i limped it home and yesterday i started it and it ran fine so today i wstched your video on thr f350 you bought,the icp wire has oil in it butyou mentioned the wire pigtail and unit needs replaceing I noticed that the wites are bare and i dont see no where to change pigtail,anyway i started it and it ran for 5 min and died and i wont start it turns over real nice and even, now you mentioned that if ghe tach doesnt move it can br the cam position sensor well my tach doesnt move. So ill get one from ford and im going to pull the tank remove the 2 filters,this truck has a bulldog unit on it but i dont abuse the truck. Thanks

Props to you for giving Ron a shout. A legend!

For real man thanks for all the great info, as a new to me f250 owner I’ve never had a turbo or Diesel engine. I’m a gas engine mechanic and not familiar with how much of it works in conjunction. But you brought it down to my level and I think I’ll try working on it myself in lieu of taking into ford dealers as in the past. I definitely have a turbo issue I’m currently trying to find but that’s the only problem left at 350k it is as smooth as a Lincoln to drive. I speak for a lot of me’s out there when i say thanks a ton for the video.

Mine starts great but the big problem is the glow plug timer is programmed to continuously cycle the plugs even after the engine fires. It also will keep them on longer then the light shows on the dash. It's an emissions thing designed to continue heating the fuel so it burns better when the engine is cold. This treatment destroys the glow plugs as any longer then 10 to 15 seconds at a time kills there lifespan. So once again mine starts great until it's burned out about 5 plugs. The cure is putting them on a switch that you can control how long they come on for. That said I'm now needing a 3rd set in 20 years. I haven't run the switch yet but planning now.

Thanks for the video. Just purchased a 2000 7.3,4x4, manual tranny and am trying to learn as much as possible. This really helped.

Great videos brother. Keep em coming. Also cudos on the Diesel Tech Ron plug. He is a Powerstoke icon. I learned so much from him.

The intro is great

Love the video man, you brought it down to nugget brain level for me and I appreciate that 👍

Yea i have 2 over 1/2 mil.. one i put the miles on from new

97 f250 hd. Almost rust free and running strong. Also no def or epa bs.

Cubic inches come out to 444. As a medium duty truck engine they’re the T444E. International did cool things back then and Ford got a solid diesel to put in their trucks.

Ah yes an “idioits” guide to the 7.3

I drive a 95 7.3 Powerstroke & it’s WAY simpler, one turbo, no intercooler, way less wires. I’ve got one harness, only going to the two sensors, injectors, & the IPR, it’s pretty naked. The last gen 7.3s are pretty nice but you can’t beat the simplicity of a last gen 7.3.

Hey i bought f250 7.3 with 190 thousand miles people i know is telling me need change transmission fluid other said not they did it and start having problems since they did need you though one this one will help me a lot I’m Maryland my truck running great not problem at all just try to see if i do it or not I’ll try my best to keep this truck other 10 years

I've been waiting for a video like this! Thank you! I'm also at a loss for what could possibly be wrong with my 2001 Excursion 7.3. Just replaced injectors (Motorcraft), and buzz test sounds great. Only code left is p1000 (drive test). Engine cranks but doesn't run. Found a grounded Bank 1 at injector 7, replaced manifold gaskets to the new all-in-one harness upgrade. New glow plugs. New fuel filter. ICP sensor is updated version, and no oil in the connector. I have fresh fuel in the fuel bowl (evidenced by drainage at yellow stop-cock valve), and a full fuel tank. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, and again thank you for this video.

My truck was stolen out of Miami. The same exact way you said. Got it back 11 days later.

Ive learnt that if u dont overfill the oil put gravel and salt in the tank and warm it up before ya do it fer dale should be fine

That's why if you look at where the block warmer is it's on the oil cooler change the weight of your oil in the winter the truck turns over much easier and the oil climbs to the top to the injectors much faster which open the injectors and start the truck

how is this guy gonna down play the 7.3 as much as he does when its one of the best engines

300k miles on an early 99. Original injectors and starts immediately. 100k plus miles pulling a 16k plus 5th wheel. Uses no oil.

The intro is every AutoZone worker ever. "Lemme consult the internet while you wait".

Respect the honesty regarding reliability at 25:17. Vs. Duramax, yes. International > Cummings

Just bought a 2002 F250 supercrew lariat 4x4 7.3 with 68K miles. Intend on keeping it until I die. Thanks for the info

my 99 7.3 only has about 250,000 starts and runs good. The pipe from EPS to manifold on pass side can get clogged, just replace a little hole often rusts thru.

awesome video. looking at a f350 today this brought a lot of things up to my attention

One of the best videos by far !!

Stephen Cox you and Chucky or the greatest of all time.

The 7.3 is a good engine, however routine maintenance is always important

very nice vid got one 2003 only problem i have is cruise controll changed brake switch brake switch and buttons on sterring wheel yes that would be hard vid but very usefull maybe you have one????????? yes i can not fix it and yes people say i need help in more ways then one but they dont hesitste to ask if they need help

Great information Thanks

You mentioned Chuck. Where is he now can find him. Would watch all his videos over again.

This intro is SO DAMN TRUE.....

my friend from Guatemala 🇬🇹 I, have one Trok super dury 7.3 loses power hope you help me with this problem bless you and you family bless America 🇺🇸 from NJ

Im familiar with the newer diesels. Ive fixed many of them. But never a 7.3. I assume they are too reliable? 😂 But I am here watching all 7.3 videos because I have a customer's wrecker that a previous mechanic fukd it up 47 different ways and it will not pulse the injectors. Tomorrow I am hoping to whip that 7.3 azz and force it to run so I can get paid before Xmas!!!🎉😂

WELCOME TO AUTOZONE !!!

my 2000 7,3 starts right up

in the beginning that is everybody that works at o reillys