I have been studying and keeping up on biodiesel for almost a year now and think I'll finally get a diesel pickup this fall and begin. I would like to build a quality processor and make enough biodiesel for myself and sell the rest, if possible. With my job, I can drive up to 600 miles/week. I live in Iowa, so colder temperatures are to be considered.

I just basically want to gather some opinions on which route I should take. Should I:

A: Get a cheaper, non-turbo Ford diesel pickup? Early 90s? 80s?
B: Get a 94-97 7.3 powerstroke?
C: Take out a loan and get a newer 7.3?
D: Take out a loan and get a 6.0?

My pickup would probably be a crew cab and definitely 4WD automatic.

I just want to hear from people who have experience with any of these motors.

I want something that will be the easiest to work with and require the least amount of maintenance. I work long hours and don't have time to toy around with it all of the time. I want something that has been tested and found reliable.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric

B.

Or, C. But I never buy with a loan, so B.

SERIOUSLY NOT D. Those things are JUNK, according to people who rack up lots of miles and compare them to the 7.3.

I almost ended up with a 7.3, but the deal I got on the dodge I could not pass up. So far, it has been pretty good.

Yeah, well I never thought I'd take out a loan on a vehicle ever either, but I need a reliable vehicle for work and the pickup I have now hasn't started twice and I've had to put over $1000 in the front end, new shocks, and blah blah blah... I'm tired of it and I'm just considering taking out a loan on a <$15k pickup and being done with it.

Oh, and my pickup now doesn't have heat or AC.... that would be a nice luxury.

So what do you know about the 7.3 non-turbo?

So do you have any first-hand experience with the 7.3 or 6.0, or are you just going off what you've heard?

quote:

So do you have any first-hand experience with the 7.3 or 6.0, or are you just going off what you've heard?

Stuff I have heard from a very reliable source. Not just beer chat.

A guy I know runs a towing business. He puts millions of miles on these things. He has a fleet of 7.3 turbos (99-2002) with 4-500k that have never had the head off. Now he has several 6.0s and all have had the head off and IP issues in less than 100k.

I suggest you search for a guy named spencnaz. He has lots of experience with the fords. He has probably commented on your questions before if you look in the search. Try a PM. I think he is pretty friendly.

The 7.3, in my opinion, is the 5 cylinder Mercedes equivalent in the truck world. Super tolerant of out of spec fuel (ask me how I know), and in stock form, overbuilt and underpowered.(Longevity) I have several friends who have added 4" exhaust and tuners, and holy cr@p!!!

I also have a buddy with an '04 6.0. He's had nothing but issues with the fuel system.

quote:

Stuff I have heard from a very reliable source. Not just beer chat.

Thanks for clarifying. That kind of extra information helps me know how seriously to take the advice.

I just realized that I said "First Vehicle".... I meant first biodiesel vehicle. I'm on my 6th vehicle at age 21.

Sounds like the 7.3 is a no-brainer. Are the later ones the better motor?

Any idea about the brand new 6.4 liter?

Thanks for the input binuya

Well, my pickup gave me all sorts of problems today.... I need another vehicle, asap.

Be careful with too much debt...
$15K for a loan is quite a chunk.

If you are buying an "almost new" vehicle, read the discussion on 2007 and newer vehicles.

There is an excellent summary on this page:
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/ev...9605551/m/2721003282

There are a number of "half-pint" pickups from the early to mid-80's that get much better fuel mileage than the vehicles you're describing.

VW Caddy
Ford Ranger Diesel
Mazda Diesel
Toyota Diesel

Eric,

In re-reading this thread, I realized I missed some key points in your original post. The points which raised a bit of concern was regarding your desire to have a vehicle which requires minimal maintanence and ease of service. While I realize these are subjective issues, I felt it was important for you to be aware of some things about the 7.3 powerstroke, especially if you might choose to spend $9,000-$15,000 on one.

First, as obvious as it is, you're buying a vehicle which is at least 6 years old. At 80,000-130,000 miles, ancillary systems begin needing attention or replacement.(i.e. water pump, ball joints, brake rotors, front wheel bearings, etc.) On the superduty, these parts are quite a bit more expensive than on a gasser. Keep in mind this is a nearly 4 ton vehicle.(e.g. front hub bearings are only sold as a unit at $200+ each)

Oil changes require 15 quarts. Very important to stay on top of proper intervals as your engine oil is what activates the injectors.

Constant monitoring of your air filtration system is key to preventing dusting your turbo, or worse, scoring your cylinder walls.

I know there's much more to pay attention to, but I hope you get the point.

I'm not trying to discourage you, but thought it wise to point these things out, as I would hate to see someone get themselves into monthly payments, and then get saddled with some unforeseen, but required and expensive maintanence.

The great thing is, as long as all the required maintanence is kept up, these are fine rigs which will live a long life.

See, now that's the thing I was looking for. I've never owned a diesel vehicle. I've worked with em and driven em, but never had to maintain one. I need to know THOSE kinds of things. I know that maintenance will be more expensive, that's a given. I just don't want to screw it up. The monthly payments do not bother me - I'd gladly trade my cheap POS pickup I have now for something reliable.

When I'm looking for one, what are some common problems to look out for? I found a 2001 7.3 ext cab 4x4 automatic nearby that I plan to look at soon. It has 110k miles.

I appreciate all of the advice, and you can bet that if I do get a pickup in the future, I'll be asking more of these types of questions.. actually, I should research it more now I guess... duh.

Thanks again

Keelec -

I've owned a 94 Dakota and 92 Ranger before... I'm 6'4. I loved the Ranger, but it was just too small inside. Great pickup besides that.

I will definitely check out that other discussion... thanks.

Plus, for work I carry all sorts of crap around... I just need the space.

quote:

If you are buying an "almost new" vehicle, read the discussion on 2007 and newer vehicles.

Actually, I take that back... I'm not going to check that out... I plan to stay with the 7.3, and spend no more than 15k.

I considered the cash for clunkers deal... go all out, right? No. Haven't even had my pickup a year, and the clunker has to be licensed for a full year.

quote:

Originally posted by Eric B.:
See, now that's the thing I was looking for. I've never owned a diesel vehicle. I've worked with em and driven em, but never had to maintain one. I need to know THOSE kinds of things. I know that maintenance will be more expensive, that's a given. I just don't want to screw it up. The monthly payments do not bother me - I'd gladly trade my cheap POS pickup I have now for something reliable.

When I'm looking for one, what are some common problems to look out for? I found a 2001 7.3 ext cab 4x4 automatic nearby that I plan to look at soon. It has 110k miles.

I appreciate all of the advice, and you can bet that if I do get a pickup in the future, I'll be asking more of these types of questions.. actually, I should research it more now I guess... duh.

Thanks again

If you go with a 7.3, which it sounds as if you're headed in that direction, besides all the normal used car checks, pull the intake hose from the filter, take a flashlight and look down the tube. A light misting of oil is ok. Swipe your finger to feel if any noticeable grit has made its way in. Then focus the light on the turbo vanes. If you see any signs of dusting (like it's been sandblasted), chips broken off some vanes, then I say move on. This is a hard indicator of lack of maintanence.

By the way, on some 2001 models, the auto transmission had a mechanical diode installed which is known to give out. Basically meaning you have to spring for a transmission rebuild. ($3,000-$5,000 from a reputable, good builder) I can't remember the build dates but there's, IIRC, a nine month spread between July of 2000 and March of 2001 (don't quote me on this though), where these trannys went into the production line. I am one of the unfortunate ones. But they do say it's pretty hit and miss. Besides, I'm currently not towing anything over #9,000. (BTW, feels like nothing)

A great place to do further research is a great forum: Ford Truck Enthusiasts, go to the 1995.5-2003 7.3 diesel discussion boards. Amazing source for everything you need to know. Many experts participate with deep knowledge on these rigs.

Good luck.

andrew I have to disagree with your statement that the 6.0 is junk. They are very quirky and finicky but not junk. Once you know the engines quirks and how to keep an eye out for them, they are very reliable trucks. I would still take the 7.3 over the 6.0 though for someone just getting into diesels

quote:

andrew I have to disagree with your statement that the 6.0 is junk.

Sorry - Did I say that? What I mean to say is my friend with the tow truck business says they are junk. I have never owned one. He'd take his back if he could. But they have custom tow bodies. He figures he has spent more in repairs on the 6.0 in the first 3 years of use than he has on any of his 7.3's in 10 years.

Thats probably why the fleets are having more problems..they never get to know the truck as they have different drivers in them everyday. Just a thought.

6.0L's are not junk. They have most of the issues worked out of them. If you own one your best bet is to delete the EGR and head stud it. Your problems will be solved.

I've been fairly happy with my older IDI 7.3. I've had the typical problems of an older vehicle. If I had to do it over again I'd buy another IDI but look for one that was better maintained. From my experience and from what others have said they are very tolerant of alternate fuels. I'm running blends in mine. I replaced the mechanical lift pump with an electric for easier filter changes. I have to fix the power wires to the glow plugs and it had a worn IP but I didn't know it until it finally broke all the way. The new pump makes it seem like a new truck. I've run up to 80% WVO with no heat and up to 50% WMO. No issues that can be traced directly back to the fuels. Little things like bad seal on the steering gear, broken taillight, broken back door latch, etc. all typical of a well used older vehicle.