Ford 6.0 VS 7.3 Litre Diesel

[Ryan_V]

Looking for a good used crew cab diesel. When looking at ford's, I've seen a few of the older 7.3's and some newer 6.0's. is there any advantage either way, is one better than the other, and if so why. What should I look for??? This would be my first diesel and want to make a good decition.

[cold one sd]

I'm kind of looking too and leaning toward the 7.3 just because I have heard they are pretty bullet proof. They have had some problems with the early 6.0s. My brother has a 6.0 and claims it will "pull the socks off" a 7.3. I talked to another guy and he said the 6.0 pulls somewhat better than his Triton V10. I have the V10 at this time and it has all the power that I need. I wonder how a diesel would start after a 15 below night on the ice. Val seems to be rather fond of the Cummins in his Dodge. If I were looking to buy new, I would probably be looking at Dodges. I have heard that there may be a Mercedes diesel in them soon, but I don't know for sure.

[DEADhead]

the early 6.0L engines had problems with the computer programming, and bad injectors which would dump raw fuel into the head causing massize engine damage. Both issues were fixed with recalls. The benefit of the 7.3L is that they are a tried and true design and will be cheaper to find than the new 6.0L. The drawback is trying to find a body that is still in good shape, in addition to the tranny and rest of the drivetrain.

The plus side to the 6.0L is the variable rate turbocharger they come with. The fins in the turbo will change direction during different boost levels, allowing for the best of both worlds: very little turbo lag, but good high end boost. Those two conditions are ususally inverse of each other, meaning you can usually only have one or the other, unless you went to two turbo units. Bottom line is, I use to have a 7.3L and would definitely reccomend the 6.0L for power, performance, and fuel economy.

BTW, starts at 15 below will be no problem as long as you run a winter weight diesel oil of 10w30 or pure synthetic. I'd rather try to turn the truck over with a warm crankcase, but the coldest wetaher I've started my old powerstroke without having it plugged in was 25 below.

[Powerstroke]

I have to echo what deadhead has to say.

I personally owned a 7.3L Diesel in my F250. I ran like a champ and started every time, even though I never plugged it in.

The 6.0L is kinda hit or miss because of the problems that they had with it. For '07 the motor is actually being replaced by a twinturbo 6.4L motor and a design change on the exterior (maybe a full makeover). I'm gonna be looking at getting a crewcab diesel 4x4 in the next 12-18 months so I know how you feel.

I've always been a strong Ford guy, but I would have to say that I am leaning towards a lightly used Chevy with the Duramax/allison combo. Dodge would be the last on my list. I've never been impressed with their stuff EXCEPT for their motors. The motor is great, but if you can't put the power to the wheels then whats the point.

[LABS4ME]

As a current owner of (8) 7.3 powerstrokes, and (3) 6.0's, I'd personally look long and hard at a 7.3 in good shape. I actually can say everyone of our 7.3's gets better highway mileage and towing mileage than the trucks with the 6.0's. There is a little savings in the city with the 6.0's and they do have a better bottom end on the power band. Overall I can't say that they blew my socks off with the 6.0's, I feel they over hyped them and I don't feel they met the anticipated MPG. I average 15.5 overall and 18 on the highway... Our 7.3's would routinley hit 20-22 on the highway. When I tow with my 6.0 it easily dips to 12-14 depending on the weight, the 7.3's would go down to 14-15. My brother in law will be selling his as it used more fuel the last two years on his annual trips (where he can keep track of fuel used) and he verifies that he uses more with the 6.0 vs. his 7.3. I know 2 others who had there turbo go out on their 6.0 also.

I'll tell you this, they start no matter what the temp. I was up on Red with a -27 temp (not windchill) and the 6.0 started right up. I'd usually wake up at least once a night with the 7.3 to start it and let it run for a half hour in the middle of the night on the coldest nights.

Just an honest assessment from a FORD guy... yeah yeah yeah I agree the duramax is a nice motor and the cummins is something else too....

[DEADhead]

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Our 7.3's would routinley hit 20-22 on the highway.

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I suppose I didn't give a fair fuel economy comparison with my old truck... It was a '97 F250HD; the motor was an A225, not the a210s from '94-'96. No wastegate on the turbo. The best I ever got was about 19mpg running brand new 15w40 Rotella (CI-4) and running the Flint Hills Premium #2 Gold Fuel. But I was running 4.10s and not the 3.73s that most other powerstrokes I saw claiming 20mpg+ out there. I miss that truck, but not the fuel bill...

[Ryan_V]

Thanks for the info so far, you guys are a great wealth of information. Anyone else have their 2 cents?? I've looked at a few so far, missed a heckuva deal on one, and am still looking. Now, anyone know of any for sale?? I'd like a chevy with the duramax also, but they are a little more money than I can part with. Thanks again!!

[JEV]

For me it was a matter of proven reliability and performance. I picked up a used 2001 F350 with the 7.3 this spring. So far it's been a great truck. It's been like night and day when towing compared to my half ton. It gets better fuel mileage then my half ton with more power to boot. I have no complaints so far.

JEV

[CodyDawg]

I have a 2002 with the 7.3 and love it. I average 16-17 mpg in town. My cousin has about 10, roughly half 7.3s and half 6.0s. He likes the 7.3 better and actually thinks the 6.0s are lacking in power.

You know what you are getting with a 7.3, thus I would go that way. Someone is gonna get a great truck when I decide to sell mine, but that wont be for awhile yet.

I have a buddy with the Duramax and for the most part he likes it, but has more problems than I have. That is only 1 example though.

[iffwalleyes]

At least you are looking at a diesel. I personally have a Duramax and I love it. I have drove several power strokes though and they have always impressed me as well. But I am a chevy guy at heart. I have had great luck with mine. And diesel motors in general reguardless of brand are just alot better than they used to be. Especially with the winter fuels and additives. I have had my start when it was -35 below. Not by choice though darn outlet I plugged into wasn't working . A little stiff but it started all the same. Biggest thing with diesel is to keep the fuel filter fresh. I change mine every 12,000 miles so everyother oil change for me.

[Ryan_V]

I would certainly take a chev with the duramax, but what I've found is that they are more $$. Generally, I'm looking for a good used 3/4 ton or 1 ton ford or chevy, crew cab, short box, diesel. these are the non negotiable facts, everything else is open. my budget is small, so it's probably a non-attainable goal, but I'm looking. found a few, but everytime I call on one, or go to look at one, it has just been sold!!! hopefully the right deal falls my way!! thanks for the advice so far!!

[DEADhead]

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And diesel motors in general reguardless of brand are just alot better than they used to be.

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what's wrong with those gutless detroits they use to throw in those bowties?

[iffwalleyes]

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And diesel motors in general reguardless of brand are just alot better than they used to be.

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what's wrong with those gutless detroits they use to throw in those bowties?

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Well of course they did run for ever and you could rid the area of insects but they lacked power for sure .