FordExcursions.com Forums
iflyheli
 |
|
• Abilene, TX, USA |
|
• Registered on 6/17/2004 |
|
• 10 posts |
|
|
|
 Posted:8/26/2004 16:24 |
|
|
Hi everyone,
I've been looking at '02 or early '03 with the 7.3L for reliability. At first, I completely disreguarded the 6.0 because of reading many complaints. If you bought an early 6.0 you either got a good one or a VERY bad one. It dosn't look like much in between.
Lately, I've found a few '03 Limited 6.0's for a good price (I think) and was wondering what you guys think of taking that risk. These have 25000-35000 miles on them. Has Ford figured out how to fix these problems? Here's the big question. What are the odds that a truck with that many miles is a lemon? Did most of these problems manifest themselves early in the trucks life?
Thanx in advance for the advice,
Jay |
|
Gen-X
 |
|
• Toronto, XX, Canada |
|
• Registered on 1/19/2004 |
|
• 344 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
|
|
 Posted:8/26/2004 18:59 |
|
|
| Quote: | Hi everyone,
I've been looking at '02 or early '03 with the 7.3L for reliability. At first, I completely disreguarded the 6.0 because of reading many complaints. If you bought an early 6.0 you either got a good one or a VERY bad one. It dosn't look like much in between.
Lately, I've found a few '03 Limited 6.0's for a good price (I think) and was wondering what you guys think of taking that risk. These have 25000-35000 miles on them. Has Ford figured out how to fix these problems? Here's the big question. What are the odds that a truck with that many miles is a lemon? Did most of these problems manifest themselves early in the trucks life?
Thanx in advance for the advice,
Jay |
Jay,
Welcome to FordExcursions.com. I have an early 2003 6.0L and have had my share of problems. The 7.3L is rock solid and a good choice. To answer your question, If I where going to buy an early 03 I would do the following:
1. Make sure the build date is april 03 or later. That was a major mile stone for most problems.
2. Make sure you get an extend warranty into the deal before you purchase it.
3. Look under the truck and check for oil on the bell house of the tranny. Like this:
If it looks like this, it's either the rear main seal or upper oil pan or both. I would pass on this truck. Mine truck was 2 weeks in the shop for the rear main and 3 more for the upper oil pan(they had to remove the whole engine. Like below
Also, the little orange plug at the bottom of the tranny (in the first picture) is a hint they the tranny was taken out or had some work done.
4. Drive the truck and listen for a drone (large hmmmmm) sound at 1800rpm. This can be fixed and make sure they
do that for you. It's TSB 04-9-04 .
5. Make sure the truck's ECU (Engine Control Unit) has flash verson: 3U7A-12A650-FXC.
In California is version 3U7A-12A650-FYC.
I'm happy to say today the truck is perfect. Lots of power!
If you have any other questions let me know.
cheers 
|
|
iflyheli
|
|
• Abilene, TX, USA |
|
• Registered on 6/17/2004 |
|
• 10 posts |
|
|
|
 Posted:8/27/2004 11:49 |
|
|
Hi Gen-X,
Thanks for the great response. When I first saw the pic of your engine missing it made my heart sink. Almost like a transplant operation in progress.
| Quote: | | 1. Make sure the build date is april 03 or later. That was a major mile stone for most problems. |
Is the build date listed on the driver's door? If the build date is earlier than this and it has all the FSB's and the ECU flash (as you listed), would it be ok or should I keep looking for something else?
| Quote: | | 3. Look under the truck and check for oil on the bell house of the tranny. |
Thanks for the Trany pic. The orange plug is a good tip. I'll do a search on the oil topic. I know I've seen it a lot. Do you think a dealer would clean this up before showing the truck? Could they try to slip this past the customer?
| Quote: | | 4. Drive the truck and listen for a drone (large hmmmmm) sound at 1800rpm. This can be fixed and make sure they do that for you. It's TSB 04-9-04 . |
What is this noise from? Does Ford charge for doing a TSB?
| Quote: | | 5. Make sure the truck's ECU (Engine Control Unit) has flash verson: 3U7A-12A650-FXC. |
I'll assume this is the latest flash.
I've been searching the net for my future X and I know I'll have to drive several hours to get it. I want to do everything I can to make sure I get a good one. It won't be easy to take it back for service. Oh! One more thing. How do I find out if the X has had all it's shots... uh, all it's TSB's done I mean. Is there a way to research this without trusting the current seller? (Can I find the ECU ver this way as well?)
Thanks for all your help,
Jay
|
|
Charles Jackson
 |
|
• Raleigh, NC, USA |
|
• Registered on 12/23/2003 |
|
• 71 posts |
|
|
|
|
Posted:8/27/2004 14:02 |
|
|
Iflyheli,
Just for some perspective, I purchased an '01 last December with 35,000 miles on it. Of course it has the 7.3 - and what a dream that engine is!
I went through the same decision-making process as you...and when I came upon this '01 for about $26,000 I jumped on it. I don't care about the old style grill, etc...in fact I still like it better than the new ones.
The 7.3 may be a little more noisy - a little less powerful...but their track record is unquestionable.
The only trouble I've had with mine was recently the waterpump crapped out...but it was fixed under warranty, so I'm as happy as ever...albeit a few problems with the service department turn-around time...typical stuff.
SO - do yourself a favor and consider going back to '01 timeframe. I've seen a few nice '01s on the market, and in my humble opinion, they represent one HELL of a value - dollar for dollar.
Also, what kind of flying do you do? I've been a private pilot for 24 years and own a 1961 Beech Bonanza (N35)..a sweet ole V-tail.
Good luck!
'01 X Limited w/PSD - STOCK all the way..and plan to stay that way. Pockets turned inside out with 4 kids! |
|
iflyheli
|
|
• Abilene, TX, USA |
|
• Registered on 6/17/2004 |
|
• 10 posts |
|
|
|
|
Posted:8/27/2004 14:54 |
|
|
Hi Charles,
Before this I've been leaning towards an '02 or '03 with the 7.3. I've recently found some reasonable prices on the '03 with the 6.0 and I'm second guessing myself. Since the '05 models are now available, that should drive all other prices down a little and a '03 could be a possibility. I'm not one to make an emotional decision so I'm doing my homework. When I walk onto a lot, I want to know the issues and use that to my advantage.
If your X is a limited then you got a good deal. An '01 with 35,000 miles for $26,000 is a sweet deal.
| Quote: | | Also, what kind of flying do you do? I've been a private pilot for 24 years and own a 1961 Beech Bonanza (N35)..a sweet ole V-tail. |
I fly R/C heli's & planes. Not exactly the real thing but dead stick landings take on a lot less stress.  (I suppose my username is a little deceptive here but that's what I use on other forms and I have trouble remembering what ID goes with which forms I'm on.) I have thought about learning to fly a glider though. No engine noises just the wind whistling past. A friend of mine (a real pilot) did this and said it was great fun. You really have to feel the aircraft. BTW that Bonanza is a good looking airplane. I love the look of V-tails.
Oops. I think I just hijacked my own thread. 
Jay
|
|
Gen-X
|
|
• Toronto, XX, Canada |
|
• Registered on 1/19/2004 |
|
• 344 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
|
|
|
Posted:8/28/2004 06:46 |
|
|
Hey Jay,
Sorry for the late response, I drove to TO late night to vistit family..
Q1: Is the build date listed on the driver's door? If the build date is earlier than this and it has all the FSB's and the ECU flash (as you listed), would it be ok or should I keep looking for something else?
A1: Correct the build date is on the drive side door. . it will say build April 2003 or something ike that. I would also ask the deal what the build date is. This way you can see if they are lieing to you.
Q2: Thanks for the Trany pic. The orange plug is a good tip. I'll do a search on the oil topic. I know I've seen it a lot. Do you think a dealer would clean this up before showing the truck? Could they try to slip this past the customer?
A2: Here is a web site will all the details on the 03 and 04 problems.:
http://6literpowerstroke.flatratetech.com/
Q3: What is this noise from? Does Ford charge for doing a TSB?
A3: The noise is from the turbo bracket and the firing pattern of the PSD. It resonates and create a large humming sound. No mech problems just hard to listen to on long trips. The TSB is a technical service bulliten. If the truck still has warranty the TSB are covered. It not a recall, For will only do a TSB if you complain about it.
Q4: I've been searching the net for my future X and I know I'll have to drive several hours to get it. I want to do everything I can to make sure I get a good one. It won't be easy to take it back for service. Oh! One more thing. How do I find out if the X has had all it's shots... uh, all it's TSB's done I mean. Is there a way to research this without trusting the current seller? (Can I find the ECU ver this way as well?)
A4: The ECU number should be under the hood by the rad. If not, before you buy it have them hook it up to their computer and download the lastest ECU version. When Ford download the ECU thier should put a stick under the hood by the rad.
If your planning on adding lots of mods I would get a 7.3L, The 7.3 is very de-tuned and can handle the extra "bang". The 6.0L is tune already and asking for more might get you into trouble.
For me, I would get either an 05 (ungly gill) or an 7.3L with the torgshift tranny in it. For d made this combo for a bit while the 6.0L was being released.
Good luck!
|
|
Gen-X
|
|
• Toronto, XX, Canada |
|
• Registered on 1/19/2004 |
|
• 344 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
|
|
|
Posted:8/28/2004 07:14 |
|
|
Jay ,
If you want to chat about this real-time, send me an Email with your number and I'll cover the phone costs and give you a call.
Cheers
|
|
iflyheli
|
|
• Abilene, TX, USA |
|
• Registered on 6/17/2004 |
|
• 10 posts |
|
|
|
|
Posted:8/30/2004 13:45 |
|
|
"For me, I would get either an 05 (ungly gill) or an 7.3L with the torgshift tranny in it. For d made this combo for a bit while the 6.0L was being released."
How would I know if it had a 7.3L with this tranny?
Thanks a bunch. email sent.
Jay |
|
Kirk Anderson
 |
|
• San Anderson, TX, USA |
|
• Registered on 11/4/2003 |
|
• 15 posts |
|
|
|
|
Posted:9/1/2004 21:33 |
|
|
| Quote: | Hi everyone,
I've been looking at '02 or early '03 with the 7.3L for reliability. At first, I completely disreguarded the 6.0 because of reading many complaints. If you bought an early 6.0 you either got a good one or a VERY bad one. It dosn't look like much in between.
Lately, I've found a few '03 Limited 6.0's for a good price (I think) and was wondering what you guys think of taking that risk. These have 25000-35000 miles on them. Has Ford figured out how to fix these problems? Here's the big question. What are the odds that a truck with that many miles is a lemon? Did most of these problems manifest themselves early in the trucks life?
Thanx in advance for the advice,
Jay |
Jay,
I've got an early '03 (11/02) and mine has had it's share of problems. It ran great until Ford started "flashing" my computer. It's not really bad. It does run like a stripped ape. The problem is the milage and the black smoke. For the first 15k, I got 17.5 city and 19 hwy. The I took it in for the latest and greatest "flash". The milage is down to 15.5 city and 16.5 hwy. And now it smokes on acceleration. It's not horrible, but it is more than it should. It just pisses me off that a $52,000 truck is not perfect. What pisses me off even more is knowing that it was perfect and the engineers at Ford changed it . The dealer tells me that there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. |
|
Orf
 |
|
• Pittsburgh, PA, USA |
|
• Registered on 8/29/2003 |
|
• 143 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
|
|
|
Posted:9/2/2004 09:06 |
|
|
|
I agree with your assessment of the computer reflashes. I was averaging 15.5 mpg overall, and after my reflashes I'm down to a 14.2 mpg average. |
|
|
|
