How Reliable is the 7.3 Powerstroke? | 8 Common Problems
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- Опубликовано: 19 окт 2022
- Boosted Performance is now LIVE! 7.3 PowerStroke Performance Parts: boostedperformance.com/73-pow...
In this video, Jake covers what is coined as one of the most reliable diesel engines, the “Legendary 7.3” or the 7.3 Powerstroke. We’ll cover topics such as the background, common problems, and reliability. If you would like to read up on our blog covering this topic more in-depth, here is our Ford 7.3 Powerstroke common problems guide: tuningpro.co/7-3-powerstroke-...
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00:30 - 7.3 Powerstroke Background
03:50 - 7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem One - Camshaft Position Sensor
04:58 - 7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem Two - IPR (injection pressure regulator) Valve
05:59 - 7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem Three - Fuel Filter Housing & Fuel Filter
07:31 - 7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem Four - Up-Pipe
08:27 - 7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem Five -Exhaust Backpressure Valve (EBPV)
10:04 - 7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem Six - Injector Driver Module (IDM)
11:24 - 7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem Seven - Under Valve Cover Harness (UVCH)
13:20 - 7.3 Powerstroke Common Problem Eight - Push Rods & Valve Spring
14:32 - 7.3 Powerstroke Conclusion 
Авто/Мото
I'm a former Cummins tech, I drive a 7.3
That pretty much says it all
Jon - Thanks for sharing your experience.
Have an 02 with 352k, rust free, no tears on the leather seats. Stock, no tuners. No blow by. It doesnt look or act like it has 352. Best 5k I’ve ever spent.
Justin - Love hearing that. We've got a 7.3 and we absolutely love it.
Looking at an 03 7.3 with 268k for 5k. Worth the buy? Took it for a drive never found any issues. Has an ABS light on
@@freakyfridayyy2476abs light is some sensor and it isn’t a big deal. I have had the abs sensor light on mine forever at 400 k, abs brakes used to not be a thing. As long as the brakes are good you are good
@@freakyfridayyy2476Make sure to check for blow by and the condition of the trans as well as blown seals and normal stuff. You should be set
Gggjlkh h jjjĵ😂ùĵĵ@@8020Media
Fyi - a Caterpillar 3126 IPR valve also fits the 7.3 and has been significantly more reliable for me.
New Part# 122-5053 or
Reman# 20R-5615
Gone - Thanks for sharing this insight. It can certainly be helpful for future viewers.
Those IPR valves are identical and interchangeable. They were made by AlliedSignal and then later Honeywell. They are extremely reliable if they are not the crappy Chinese knockoff. I am friends with the engineer who designed it!
Why does it take so long to warm up a 7.3
@@user-ki9iv3jk7k engine is large and contains a lot of coolant, also diesels warm up slower than gas because they have a higher Carnot efficienty
I always loved the 2nd gen 7.3s my dad had 2 of them identical trucks a 00 and a 01 first one had an edge programmer level 3 he drove it to 400k miles sold it still running fine. 2nd one he drove to 350k same tuner had trans rebuilt at 300k because he towed a huge camper and car hauler with it sold it after he retired its still running around the new owner loves it there such good trucks and getting hard to find nice examples of.
T - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience! We love our 7.3!
Best bulletproof engine out there. Run it out of oil or don’t change it, it just shuts down. Change your oil every 4,000 miles and fuel filter every other oil change. 320,000 and still running strong. Couple other mentions,
Engine harness where it touches the valve cover, chaffs and shorts out giving you problems. Connector under the valve cover works itself loose from heat and vibration. Little zip ties at each end solves the problem from happening. ICP sensor starts leaking giving false readings, replace and make sure you also replace the connector as the oil with eat at the wires.
I gave my 7.3 a freshen up at 320,000 just because. New injectors, rebuilt turbo with KC turbo DIY wheel assembly. Every Riffraff upgrade possible.
Edge CS2 tuner on tow mode and I have it showing EGT temp, turbo boost, engine temperature, ICP pressure and fuel pressure at the bowl. All with alerts sounding when they exceed or go below their parameters.
Vince - Sounds like you have quite the rig! 320,000 miles is what we love to hear. Thanks for the valuable experience and insight. It will definitely help future viewers.
I have a 2004 7.3 powerstroke f250 love it, they were sold in Australia to 2005 with no cat converter zero emissions from the factory 🍻
D - Nice! Thanks for sharing your experience.
I bought a clean, no rust crew cab superduty 7.3 with 404k on it. No blow by for $3k. Literally the strongest running vehicle I have ever had. I am pouring money into upgrades as we speak.
F - We've got a 7.3 ourselves and absolutely love it. They are machines!
I know this is an older video but just wanted to say you gave some great information here and earned a sub.
Thanks for this and looking forward to watch more of your content.
Go West - Thanks for the feedback and support!
My 02 with 380k is still running top notch. Years ago I upgraded the turbo, up-pipes, EBPV deleted, had the transmission rebuilt with all the necessary upgrades for long term reliability along with a triple disc clutch torque converter among other things. I still daily drive it and it’s been fantastic for me.
C - Thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds like you've built a good one. We love our 7.3
I bought one with 150k in a 97 f350 for 500 bucks. I have dealt with every single one of these issues and more since I bought it 2 years ago. Hasn't been driven since I got it. I'm putting a bed on it this year, and I've got a paint job lined up. I have 5k into restoring it thus far... and it's worth every penny.
$500?! That’s a steal! Once you get it up and running it’ll go for at least another 150k, if not more! Keep us posted on this Caleb
One thing I'd like to add is there is a serious issue with counterfeit parts out there. Especially the IPR and sensor. You can get the sensor, valve and pigtails for under $50 online. I have bought several of these with very questionable and disappointing results. It will even come in what looks like official motorcraft packaging. One way to identify a counterfeit part is it'll say "trademart" not "trademark". So a brand new IPR under $200 is almost guaranteed to be counterfeit.
J - Thanks for sharing this insight. It will certainly be helpful for future viewers!
Loved the video. Super late to the thread, but wanted to say that My 2000 F250 has the zf6 Stick in it, and I am now on 312k miles. Runs like new. Mind you, I do all of the maintenance on her so I know every part in the truck. I will hit you up when I hit 400 k lol.
In - No such thing as too late! Thanks for sharing your experience, sounds like you've got a beast of a truck on your hands!
1995 year is the first year of the powerstroke. 94 was IDI. JS
S - Thanks for sharing this insight.
Very informative video, Jake. Looking into purchasing a truck very soon.
Jeffrey - Thanks for the feedback! Keep us updated on which one you go with.
Great, concise video, I’m buying one to pull a race car, now i feel better about what to repair. Thanks.
J - Thank you for the feedback! We love our 7.3.
I drive a 2000 f250 crew cab xlt 4x4 with 370,000 miles. I may have to switch out the idm soon injectors running just a lil finicky but other than that still drives great
Rafael - Sounds like you've got a good one! Thanks for sharing your experience.
I can tell this channel is gonna get far in the future also 43rd subscriber
We appreciate the support!
No problem man! I love what The channel is offering
best truck ever 1999 ford 7.3 with 250k zero smoke never tuned perfect...
A - We love our 7.3. Thanks for sharing your experience!
My 2001 Platinum Edition Ford Super Duty is still purring like a kitty. 200k miles and counting.
Chuck - Love hearing that. We've got a 7.3 that's up there as well! Thanks for sharing your experience.
1. Cam position sensor (have a spare in the glove box failure will leave you stranded grey/purple is best)
2.IPR valve/regulator (news to me?)
3.fuel filter housing cap crack (drain valve leaking)
4.up pipes cracking /gasket (purchase bellowed up pipes )
5. Exhaust back pressure valve /solenoid leaking (turbo pedestal with delete and manual operation via choke cable this is necessary for us up here in Canada)
6.IDM injector driver module (all cylinder issues)
7.injector harness under valve cover (individual cylinder symptoms)
8.valve springs (low seat pressure) /push rods ( when ya hot rod the 7.3 it's a weak link)
This engine is noisey, doesn't like cold starts (Canadian issues) not a serious powerhouse so dont expect it to be a monster with a chip/downpipe. My welding rig is an 01 f350 6 speed, got her with 220xxx kms and should live to 700xxx even with the hydra chip downpipes bellowed up pipes custom airfilter /intake. I plan to weld in a electric blow off valve for when I'm doing hard pulls and bleed off boost between Shifts as I'm getting lots of Turbo flutter.
Jacob - Thanks for adding valuable insight and it will assist future viewers even more! We love our 7.3 and haven't had very many issues with it. Sounds like you've got quite the rig!
@@8020Mediamany thanks for the video and real response to my comment ! (So many cut and paste responses) your vid has true value as you hit the key points on this legendary motor that if truly listened to, will allow a long service life with no issues much love from (cold ass) Alberta Canada
Jacob - We appreciate the support! We take great pride in actually responding to our viewers with thought out responses, unlike most haha. Try to stay warm up there!
Great info buddy! I’m sure I’ll be referring back to this vid as I’m building a 97 f250 7.3 👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🙏🙏🙏
New sub by the way, looking forward to more 7.3 content
Only thing I can say on the
7.3 that wasn’t said is the fuel pump in the tank either the pump the fitters are built up or something broke no reason for
The truck to die when the fuel light comes on dies when you just come into town. Things I’ve experienced doesn’t mean anyone will experience it and no it’s not a common problem but does happen and over all the experience with the 7.3 powerstroke In my books is a good engine
Diesel - Thanks for more valuable insight. This will definitely assist future viewers!
I feel like I shouldn’t even make this comment ( knock on wood) but my 02’ has 315k miles on her and so far other then the body completely rotting of her like a medieval leper from the Southern Michigan salt. Ford replaced the cam sensor with the recall it think in 07’ish but so far I’ve only had to replace a alternator, idler pulley and belt around 200k and did a water pump, radiator, reservoir and hoses and exhaust last fall and that’s pretty much it , well other then the steering and brakes 3 times 😂😂 hell she’s still has the original trans fluid still and try to drive her at least once a week and getting 17-18 mpg,, love that ole girl. But great video on things I should be looking for !!
Jason - Thanks for sharing your feed back and valuable experience. We also have one and love it. 315k is pretty impressive, hopefully you get another 300k!
Don;t use Lucas oil treatment it will take out you high pressor oil pump! The glow plug relay goes out a lot. 1999 F-250 still love it. Batteries evry 2 years. 241000 on it
T - Thanks for sharing your experience!
Not all 7.3's had an OC (oxidation catalyst) from the factory. Some were a pipe and muffler. Mine is.
That's correct - I should have explained it further. My 7.3 also doesn't have a DOC - I think it is only the emissions models that were sold with one which I think was mostly the ones sold in California, Canada, and a few others places.
@@8020Media
My 01 is California built.
No OC on mine.
Update!!
Just talked to my BFF who is also a retired Ford mechanic, diesel specialist who has been working on them since the dawn of time.
Only the 3/4 ton models sold in California had the OC on them. 1 tons did not.
I just learned about this.
my 2000 7.3 has 401,000 all original mated to the 6 speed
S - Nice! Sounds like you've got a good one.
I have an 03 7.3 I bought it an it had 300km on I live in Canada
And I’ve had it long time it’s at 900560km I’ve done everything to it alll the senors change the oil reg i change the fuel every second or third oil change I change the
Air filter after 3-6 months
Diesel - Thanks for sharing your valuable experience!! Almost at the 1,000,000 mark is pretty impressive.
Do the heads need to be taken off to up grade the springs
Nope no need to remove the heads. It does make it easier having the injectors out of the way but not required
Could you let me know how
A - Difficult to do this via written words. It's possible, but more difficult.
Mine runs very rough and blows black smoke starts hard
W - How many miles?
Lots of options on the care do whats right to keep them alive not to many of them left. Plus in retirement how much money to you have to play with nowadays.
Gary - We couldn’t agree more! Our 7.3 is a beast and pushing 150k+
Great video but a mic will really do some magic
Edward - Thanks for the feedback! We have since bought a new mic and upped our audio quality. We hope you see the improvement.
The reason it's a good engine is because it's a International.
Gary - True.
Fuel filter change every 30k!? Im gonna stick with the every 10k.
Logan - The more the better! Everyone has their own maintenance intervals they like to follow. Most of the time, the more on top you are with maintenance, the longer engines last!
My owner’s manual for my 2000 says every 15,000 miles, I change it once a year even if I only drove 5-10,000 miles.
@cavemanjoe79 Diesel fuel is so inconsistent where im at that just s peace of mind with a filter change.
The 300 six cylinder the best Ford motor
M - Thanks for sharing your opinion!
That's right! The engine is bullet proof! All the electric sensors and gaskets fail at some point .
Angel - We love our 7.3! Going on 160k miles and still running strong.
👍
Dan - Thanks for the feedback! We hope it helped.
I bought mine overseas. By the look of the truck, it has been abused beyond imaginable. The engine though, still runs strong, with very little blowby. I just keep spare ICP, IPR and CPS just in case. The only drawback is that it's a pain to work on, considering I do all the fixing myself. Spent a good hour or two just trying to get the driver-side valve cover furthest back bolt out just to change the GPs... so cramped in there.
Haha it sure is and you need a stepping stool or platform to be able to reach half the stuff in it.
@@8020Media True, invested in one already :D Used to sit under the hood before I did... I'm 6.2 btw Hahaha.
We've got two employees over 6 feet (6'3 & 6'5), so we feel you there Dimitri! XD
@@dimitrid268 I sit under that hood as well, I find it very comfortable 😂. but I sit on the radiator and surprisingly it holds me up and hasn't broken yet
@@willhenderson8118 Yea, I did not risk that, I sat where the battery and air filter box was after I removed it. Was paranoid my feet were going to bend the intercooler tubing :D So it's the ladder from now on.
common problems, they used shit o rings. never had a cps fail ever. owned 7.3s since 2012. hot rodded one til the rods came out the pan ( 350/200s s467). ipr only issue I had was the tin cap came loose once. you get a new oring with every fuel filter, so not an issue. get bellowed up pipes, or better yet a T4 kit and a real turbo. never had an IDM issue, its a sealed unit and rarely has an issue it makes a 110 or 120 VDC to drive injectors. wiring does melt in the VC connection. for long term. get the fuel filter out of the valley, get a t4 kit, get hybrid injectors and hydra with tunes to match. biggest issue is oil leaks, and previous owner 'fixing' them incorrectly. oil dipstick adapter oring swells and leaks, if a PO has 'tightened it up for you' they likely made it irreparable. oil cooler orings get hard and will leak crazy when cold, messy to fix but not hard (do not use a hammer to assemble the oil cooler you WILL break it and be fawked)
Awesome, thanks for all the helpful info!
Ford did not make the 7.3 powerstroke. Navistar International did.
C - Correct.
Seems like easy issues to fix
Cowboy - For the most part, yes.
Why do people say “the most reliable diesel engine ever made.” Bro you’re only talking about pickup engines. There’s a plethora of better engines than even the 12v. They’re just not pickup engines. Also 30k mile fuel filter change? You should be replacing the fuel filters at every service.
M - That's exactly what we're talking about. We're are an automotive youtube channel. Sorry we aren't talking about tractor engines..
Nobody asked you to talk about tractor engines😂 just to stop saying “best one ever made” because none of the engines put in pickups are the best ever made.
M - Would love to hear your input here then.
Easy to get to on a truck? Easy to fix on a van?
Door - What part?
All you young guys Never qualify diesel or gas so, you're wrong. 4.9liter 300six is the answer. 50yrs of driving, owning, repairing of course this makes me an idiot in your eyes.
They just don’t make em like they used to, don’t they Michael
12v 5.9 bs. The DT466 or any 400 series IH engine, 414, 436, 466 are far better than 12 or 24v cummins. Lot more configuration options compared to the cummins, more power, torque and fuel efficiency, built heavier and still have the aftermarket options.
Hey FJ - maybe I should have specified that I was talking in relation to factory diesel engines found in three quarter and full ton trucks. The DT engine series is great and extremely impressive with respect to performance potential, but you aren't getting one of those without a swap which is out of the question for the average consumer looking for a reliable diesel truck.
@@8020Media Wish Ford would have offered them from the factory clean up to 2015 or whenever they discontinued the newer ones. Would be overkill though hah!
The 7.3 is NOT a Ford engine at all. Not in any way shape or form. Calling it a Powerstroke is kinda annoying. It's an International engine. The HEUI injection system is borrowed tech from Caterpillar.
You left out two of the most important common problems. First, being the engine wiring harness. You'll find after 20 yrs it is in terrible condition. Fortunately there are replacement harnesses for only 1,000 dollars as of today's low low pricing. Second, is cracked/corroded injector cups, allowing diesel fuel into the cooling system. Not fun to change the cups and if the injectors are original, it's almost mandatory to replace them as well, if it's a high mileage engine.
The true "legendary" 7.3 diesel is the one before this that was NOT turbo charged. I have a old U-haul box truck with 650K miles on it with the 7.3L IDI Diesel. My truck has serious transmission problems, but the engine is running perfect. The most reliable engines are naturally aspirated. This turbo charged engine is very over rated. I'd much rather take less power and more reliability than less reliability and more power. I honestly don't know why people are so obsessed with the turbo charged version. You should make a video on the true reliable 7.3 diesel.
Don't get me wrong the IDI's are great too but the reason they are more reliable is because they make a very meager 185hp and 338tq on a motor that can handle a lot more than that. The turbo 7.3's are still reliable, sure just not quite like an IDI.
Every IDI I've ever seen/known of ended up with cracked cylinder heads due to the intense heat a NA diesel engine builds up when worked hard.
buy a mic
Chuck - Thanks for the feedback. Since this video, we have upped our audio quality drastically.
Just get a Cummins oil and filters million miles. The ford trucks won't do that .
Matthew - We agree with this to an extent. We have a 7.3 of our own that is a work horse and we love it. We would say the older fords were much more reliable than the newer ones. But certainly highly rate the newer Cummins engines!
I prefer a quality truck. Dodges are garbage and fall apart. Worst trucks made.
We don't totally agree about dodge's.. What do you call a "quality truck"?
If the 7.3 was any better then all the other trash Ford engines, they'd still be making it. Ford's engines are all trash. You couldn't give me one for free.
You could use the same argument for why Dodge isn't still using the 5.9 Cummins, and why GM has had a new diesel engine every 3-5 years since the LB7. It's all emissions and technology driven.
Yeah you can say that about the dodge and chevys. But when you hear ford diesel you hear I'm having issues with this pos.
@@8020Media I have a 7.3 and have put 2 cam shaft sensor's, two bearing where you lock the 4 wheel drive in on the front wheels (one per wheel) and just now had a new turbo and several o-rings replaced to stop oil leaks. I have over 300k miles and would drive my truck about anywhere. Now just need a fresh paint job....lol
Ford almost went bankrupt with the 7.3. You see ford makes most their money from repairs and people bringing their shit back to be fixed. These motors dont have many issues meaning ford didnt make as much money with repairs.