One off the Bucket List

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snofish

New member
One item on my bucket list is to own a diesel anything; well took the plunge; bought an '03 Excursion with a 7.3L, 138K last week; what a tank. It will handle my 4-place enclosed nicely.
Need some advice; never had a diesel before; wondering if those experienced could give me some pointers on things like warmup before driving, fuel additives, oil (I use Amsoil), etc. The rig will be parked outside and have access to plug-in, but since it will be driven sparingly, don't know that I want to have it plugged in 24/7.
I plan to keep this vehicle for a long time, so taking care of it is important. My understanding is it's been well cared for up 'til now. Thanks! Snofish
 
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dab102999

New member
7.3..haven't owned a ford but if I did it would be a 7.3. I would dump a can of additive in it every so often. Expessially if it ain't run all the time. As far as warm up I always let mine run for a couple of minutes before I move it. In the winter sometimes 10 or 15 so things get warm before I head to work. I would assume it is like a chevy as far as fuel filter goes and if it is change it and get a spair to have with you. Change that about every 15k or so. As far as plug in, it ain't gunna hurt to be plugged in all the time but if you ain't drivin it leave it unplugged and just plug it in the night before you want to take it somewhere. Oil if you use amsoil that is fine. I have always used rotilla and had good luck with it. Motor wise I think you are just now broke in good and ready to run for a long time but might want to find some ford sites or more specific diesel sites. I am sure there are other things to look for at around 100k, (ball joints and things of that nature)
 
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jim

New member
around here, south east mich. we have diesel supreme, if you have that available, run a tank of that every other tank
 
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skidoolis

New member
7.3 good power plant just make sure you keep the oil and fuel clean and use a good water separator cartridge of filter those diesels do not like water in the fuel also air cleaner the preventive maintenance is a little more cost wise but in long run the thing should last a long time
 
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snofish

New member
Great help guys. Thanks!
I notice when it is started cold, it really runs rough for a minute or so; is this normal?
Also, my son is urging me to by a chip; are they worth the expense knowing the rig will see only about 10k miles a year? About 10% of that towing.
 
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trailshredder

Member
I have the same thing...03 Excursion. It has 178k and runs as strong as it ever has. It also has the 7.3 engine...great engine. We haul a 24' enclosed and she pulls it like it is't even there. You should be very happy with this vehicle. I change the oil every 7,000 miles (15 quarts shell rotella) and the fuel filter every 3rd oil change. I have never had a problem..I hope yours will treat you as good as ours has treated us. Enjoy!! Honestly we don't plug ours in very often and it will fire right up but takes forever to heat up...so I would leave it unplugged then plug it in 24 hours before you plan on using it. That will give you the instant heat.
 
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mikexcr8

New member
they also get decent gas mileage as well. id say the biggest thing is to let it warm up in the morning and give a chance before driving it. my father in law as a 07 ford deisel. the saleman says there is no warm time needed for the new deisel. get in and drive no matter the temp. but recommend to plug in below -10 degrees out. but still no need for warm up when plugged in..... sad part is my father in law swears by what the salesman said.....

at 37000 miles(680 hours on engine, you do the math.) he now has replaced the turbo twice. hope you have great luck with your tow vechile
 
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little_swede

New member
Had a 7.3 and ran very strong. Loved to pull the 35' 5th wheel. In the mountains it was the happiest.
I changed the oil and filter at 3K and fuel filter at about 6K.
Check your radiator fluid with test strips. See your manual for testing. Very important at least every 6 months.
Get your fuel only at a station that sells a lot of fuel. Use a good additive especially in the winter.
The worst thing you can do is let it sit for weeks at a time. Drive it at least weekly for 10-15 miles. More if you can. You don't want that hairy stuff growing in your tank. And it will if not kept fresh.
The engine is built for 400,000 miles before anything major. Just do the maintenance and take care of it.
If you go online, you can find filter etc. much cheaper. Agree, on Rotella as that is what I used and had no problems.
Sorry I can't remember all the details on maintenance, but it has been 6 years since I sold mine.
 
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fredster

New member
Run a synthetic diesel oil. Valvoline "blue" 5W40 or Shell Rotella Synthetic are two great choices. It will definitely turn over easier on a -10 day with synthetic in the crankcase.

Always use an anti-gel additive in the winter months, every fill up. I have run several in the past and like the PowerService (white bottle). No gelling issues and started great every time. I also ran the 'summer' PowerService in the summer months (Silver bottle). These also boost the cetane rating which is the diesel equivalent of octane, as well as provide additional lubricity for the pump and injectors.

I agree with the other posters, buy your fuel from a high-volume store. Nothing plugs a fuel filter faster than dirty fuel.

One key to cold-weather starts is good batteries. If they're weak, they won't last long.

I always carried a spare fuel filter, wrench, gloves, etc., with me in my truck. Fortunately I never had to change it alongside the road.

Enjoy!
 
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doug_miller

New member
Snofish, one good money and HP saving piece of advice is to find straight #2 diesel as much as you can then use a winter additive in neg 20 temps. Blended fuel is way over used; its expensive and gets lower mileage with less power. I have never run blended fuel in my Dodge Cummins except for when I need to refill on the road and have no options.

To remain with #2, I own a storage tank. I wouldn't suggest doing that with just one diesel. Warm ups are important and continuous short trips in cold temps are harder on the diesel than on a gas engine. An on-road diesel takes in more contaminants through the fuel than in the air it breathes so as mentioned above, change fuel filters regularily.
 
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snofish

New member
All great help! Those that have the 7.3L, what kind of milage do you see pulling a 4-place enclosed or equivalent? Also, at what temp does the fuel present a gelling concern?
Thanks to all! Snofish
 
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