2003 7.3 litre powerstroke

Desk Jockey

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We had a 2004 box truck with the power stroke engine. She would get up a go even when loaded with Prochem Performer and box full of drying equipment.

The down side is we replaced the computer on it at least 3-times. The last time she quit in a clients drive. We finished the job but had to have the truck towed and its was in the middle of a storm run.

It cost us enough I traded it in and bought a new Spartan box.

Goggle computer problems for that year and see if it was more than just us.
 

Cleanworks

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We had a 2004 box truck with the power stroke engine. She would get up a go even when loaded with Prochem Performer and box full of drying equipment.

The down side is we replaced the computer on it at least 3-times. The last time she quit in a clients drive. We finished the job but had to have the truck towed and its was in the middle of a storm run.

It cost us enough I traded it in and bought a new Spartan box.

Goggle computer problems for that year and see if it was more than just us.
So far, I haven't found any serious problems. Mainly the crank positioning sensor which is easily replaced, fuel filter housing cracks in the plastic lids, very minor things. I have spoken to several diesel mechanics an they rave about that engine. Of course they are a little biased. Van has a Cleanco Compact 47 and I know the owner who is very meticulous with his equipment. I am very tempted. Only issue is I will have to have it lowered like my last one to fit in my parkade.
 
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Desk Jockey

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So far, I haven't found any serious problems. Mainly the crank positioning sensor which is easily replaced, fuel filter housing cracks in the plastic lids, very minor things. I have spoken to several diesel mechanics an they rave about that engine. Of course they are a little biased. Van has a Cleanco Compact 47 and I know the owner who is very meticulous with his equipment. I am very tempted. Only issue is I will have to have it lowered like my last one to fit in my parkade.
It ran like a champ with plenty of power for cruising down the highway. Had it not had the computer issues we would have kept it.

I think the first time it was under warranty. The next 2 cost me $2,500.00 plus the loss of a truck in peak season. We nearly pulled the unit and temporarily put it in another box but instead limped by without it.
 

Cleanworks

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It ran like a champ with plenty of power for cruising down the highway. Had it not had the computer issues we would have kept it.

I think the first time it was under warranty. The next 2 cost me $2,500.00 plus the loss of a truck in peak season. We nearly pulled the unit and temporarily put it in another box but instead limped by without it.
I had a computer die on my old Dodge van as I was driving. You would think something going out repeatedly has another issue maybe. I am googling computer issues but haven't come across anything yet.
 
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Cleanworks

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The van only has 55,000 miles on it. One owner since new, always stored indoors. I am probably going to make an offer and sell my other Cleanco. I think this one could last until I retire.
 

BIG WOOD

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My '99 F250 had a 7.3 in it. The only thing that was a headache was the front wheel bearings went bad more times than I expected. Not a fun price.

Other than expensive oil changes (15quarts If I remember correctly) It is a solid engine and drivetrain.

Is that a 3/4ton or 1ton drivetrain?
 

Cleanworks

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My '99 F250 had a 7.3 in it. The only thing that was a headache was the front wheel bearings went bad more times than I expected. Not a fun price.

Other than expensive oil changes (15quarts If I remember correctly) It is a solid engine and drivetrain.

Is that a 3/4ton or 1ton drivetrain?
1 ton. I read a few problems with the front end because of the weight of the engine.
 
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BradFenstermaker
The 7.3 powerstroke is a strong reliable engine. That van has low miles but how many cleaning hours?

My 2000 F250 has 273,000 miles and going strong.

Chavez had a 6.0 motor. Two completely different motors.

Maintenance isn't that bad if your a DIY guy.

One thing you should consider is if your in a very cold winter area?

If you are that's ok but the glow plug system needs to be in tip top shape.

The glow plug system isn't that bad to replace/service.

Only negative I see is it being in a van. Will just be a bit tight when wrenching on it.

If you buy it I will share a forum with you. All the info you need to DIY and troubleshoot you will ever need.

One important thing to do before buying. After it's warmed up, take off oil fill cap.
Turn up side down and set it on fill tube. Keep hand close so you don't drop it.

This is done with the engine running!

If engine has bad blowby it will float that cap up in the air.

If it floats walk away!!!
 
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7.3 is a Navistar engine.. 6.0 was garbage.. 7.3 was a better engine but not by much.. Either way, anything done to the motor will most likely be a pita..

I’d keep the gasser Chevy.. if I were you, but glad I’m not.. 😭😭
 
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Cleanworks

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The 7.3 powerstroke is a strong reliable engine. That van has low miles but how many cleaning hours?

My 2000 F250 has 273,000 miles and going strong.

Chavez had a 6.0 motor. Two completely different motors.

Maintenance isn't that bad if your a DIY guy.

One thing you should consider is if your in a very cold winter area?

If you are that's ok but the glow plug system needs to be in tip top shape.

The glow plug system isn't that bad to replace/service.

Only negative I see is it being in a van. Will just be a bit tight when wrenching on it.

If you buy it I will share a forum with you. All the info you need to DIY and troubleshoot you will ever need.

One important thing to do before buying. After it's warmed up, take off oil fill cap.
Turn up side down and set it on fill tube. Keep hand close so you don't drop it.

This is done with the engine running!

If engine has bad blowby it will float that cap up in the air.

If it floats walk away!!!
Good to know, I really appreciate that. Our temperatures are usually mild in winter but this year we have had lows up 18 degreesf. I will talk to him tomorrow. Good info so far. The unit has 3800 hours, mostly in water damage. Waste tank and filters are reasonably clean. He does take good care of his stuff and it shows. Has an inch thick binder with all the maintenance records. Price will be between $12-$15,000. I am honing my negotiation skills.
 
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guessing you do know to factor in the pto hours as additional mileage right?

Ask him why he is selling it yet?
Gas engines are cheaper and easier to maintain IMO. My F250 tows my camper and makes dump runs.

Listen to your gut when you look at it. The ole gut rarely will steer you wrong.
 
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Cleanworks

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guessing you do know to factor in the pto hours as additional mileage right?

Ask him why he is selling it yet?
Gas engines are cheaper and easier to maintain IMO. My F250 tows my camper and makes dump runs.

Listen to your gut when you look at it. The ole gut rarely will steer you wrong.
He has only been doing local work the last few years, reason for the low mileage. He is phasing out the cleaning end of his company to focus on his new flooring install business. He will keep a portable for the odd job he gets and has my number for anything larger. I've known him for years. Very straightforward person.
 
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Good to know, I really appreciate that. Our temperatures are usually mild in winter but this year we have had lows up 18 degreesf. I will talk to him tomorrow. Good info so far. The unit has 3800 hours, mostly in water damage. Waste tank and filters are reasonably clean. He does take good care of his stuff and it shows. Has an inch thick binder with all the maintenance records. Price will be between $12-$15,000. I am honing my negotiation skills.
18F….
The new guys in the shop across the alley, (heavy duty mechanic Repair).
The foreman, Warren, drove through Alberta, and Saskatchewan this Christmas, visiting family…
The nicest day was -36 C… (-32.8 F for you guys south of the border), all the way down to -56 C, (of course, I don’t have to let you OTHER guys know how cold that is)…
Even with him running his company truck every 5-6 hrs, and plugging in the block heater, it still froze solid a few days…

18F is only -7 or -8…

Child’s play…

You’ve been a west coast boy much too long Ron….
 
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Cleanworks

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18F….
The new guys in the shop across the alley, (heavy duty mechanic Repair).
The foreman, Warren, drove through Alberta, and Saskatchewan this Christmas, visiting family…
The nicest day was -36 C… (-32.8 F for you guys south of the border), all the way down to -56 C, (of course, I don’t have to let you OTHER guys know how cold that is)…
Even with him running his company truck every 5-6 hrs, and plugging in the block heater, it still froze solid a few days…

18F is only -7 or -8…

Child’s play…

You’ve been a west coast boy much too long Ron….
Yeah, I vaguely remember shoveling some white stuff in my youth.
 

Nomad74

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Redding
Looking at a van with very low mileage with 7.3 l powerstroke engine. Anyone have any experience with these?
Yes, that's the engine to get! I've had the 7.3 and the 6.0. Run as fast as you can from the 6.0. I had nothing but problems. My 7.3 was a beast and I regret selling it.
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