High Mileage 7.3 -- Prolong it's life -- how?

Christensen · 04-24-2007, 01:01 AM

Hi there, I'm a newbie here to the site and somewhat to diesels.

I recently procured a 1999 F250 7.3. The truck pulled a fifth wheel camper so it's in fairly good shape. However, having traveled a lot, it has 211,000 miles.

So basically, my main concern is engine life. Curious what would be recommended to do to prolong life.

Also, what can I consider 'safe' as far as mods. I was thinking about getting an intake, I'm also installing a boost gauge and pyrometer so I can hope to keep an eye on it and see what's running in what parameters.

I bought synthetic oils for the engine, transmission, transfer case, and front and rear boxes.

Any tips or ideas would be great! Trying to keep it fairly low cost -- so not interested in overhauling, which I'm sure someone would suggest, hehe.

:thanks:
Clint

mattymx · 04-24-2007, 01:19 AM

You are on the right track with the gauges and oil changes. Before modding the engine, when you do your oil change, send a sample to Blackstone so they can tell you exactly what is going on inside you engine. This small investment could save big $$$ down the road.
www.blackstone-labs.com

Christensen · 04-24-2007, 01:25 AM

Ok thanks -- Ordered a kit from them.

And that's a damn sharp looking Excursion.

Diesel Dog · 04-24-2007, 01:38 AM

You are on the right road Clint. Oil samples are a good thing, along with regular maintanance. The only down side to buying a truck with miles is not knowing how it was taken care of. Oil samples can put your mind at ease.

When you get ready for the serious up grades, we sure would like to help you spend you'r money.

:

Christensen · 04-24-2007, 01:45 AM

Haha I bet! Hopefully soon this summer I'll be able to start adding some to it. After the gauges and fluid changes, it's getting some tires and possibly a leveling kit / new springs, one or the other.

**KT Performance** · 04-24-2007, 02:24 AM

After the gauges, the first things I would do is a stage 2 intake and some turbo back exhaust. From there I would look at a custom burned chip.

Hope this helps and good luck to you.

Kenny

Christensen · 04-24-2007, 03:14 AM

Custom burned? Where abouts would I get something like this? Is this safer than going the route of like an Edge w/ Attitude for an older / higher mileage vehicle?

Diesel Dog · 04-24-2007, 03:19 AM

Definately... I think the person you should talk to is Jody at DP tuner.

Top notch folks!!:Thumbup:

Christensen · 04-24-2007, 04:35 AM

Ok will do -- thanks for all the help guys. Definetly got my next couple paychecks already spent in the right direction!

Also -- I have another question, I've been looking around on performance sites, and I've noticed some applications saying 99.5-00.. what's the difference between a 99 and a 99.5?

gregrob · 04-24-2007, 04:39 AM

An "early 99" (mfg before 12/98) had smaller injectors and a smaller turbo.
Some differences in the hubs and little stuff like that too.

Does your truck wear the "Power Stroke" moniker on the fender or door?
Usually, fender = early 99. Door = late 99

If MFG date is 12/98 or later, should be a "late 99".

04-24-2007, 01:01 AM	#1
Christensen Highmarkin' Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 22 Points: 139 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	High Mileage 7.3 -- Prolong it's life -- how? Hi there, I'm a newbie here to the site and somewhat to diesels. I recently procured a 1999 F250 7.3. The truck pulled a fifth wheel camper so it's in fairly good shape. However, having traveled a lot, it has 211,000 miles. So basically, my main concern is engine life. Curious what would be recommended to do to prolong life. Also, what can I consider 'safe' as far as mods. I was thinking about getting an intake, I'm also installing a boost gauge and pyrometer so I can hope to keep an eye on it and see what's running in what parameters. I bought synthetic oils for the engine, transmission, transfer case, and front and rear boxes. Any tips or ideas would be great! Trying to keep it fairly low cost -- so not interested in overhauling, which I'm sure someone would suggest, hehe. :thanks: Clint

04-24-2007, 01:38 AM	#4
Diesel Dog Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: N.E. Mississippi Posts: 4,017 Points: 2,326 Thanks: 84 Thanked 23 Times in 21 Posts	You are on the right road Clint. Oil samples are a good thing, along with regular maintanance. The only down side to buying a truck with miles is not knowing how it was taken care of. Oil samples can put your mind at ease. When you get ready for the serious up grades, we sure would like to help you spend you'r money. : __________________ '00 cc f 350 a few mods, and a bts tranny. Wet concrete, Hot Asphalt And Life Wait for no one

04-24-2007, 02:24 AM	#6
KT Performance Supporting Vendor Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Clermont, FL. Posts: 1,770 Points: 6,854 Thanks: 44 Thanked 64 Times in 58 Posts	After the gauges, the first things I would do is a stage 2 intake and some turbo back exhaust. From there I would look at a custom burned chip. Hope this helps and good luck to you. Kenny __________________ www.KTPerformance.net Click here to vote for KT Performance.

04-24-2007, 04:39 AM	#10
gregrob Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The Cowboy State Posts: 1,870 Points: 257 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	An "early 99" (mfg before 12/98) had smaller injectors and a smaller turbo. Some differences in the hubs and little stuff like that too. Does your truck wear the "Power Stroke" moniker on the fender or door? Usually, fender = early 99. Door = late 99 If MFG date is 12/98 or later, should be a "late 99". __________________ -02 CC SB Terminator HPOS, 180cc singles, GTP-38R, 4" ex, ITP fuel, AFE stage 2, bunch of other crap that probably doesn't make it any faster

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04-24-2007, 01:19 AM	#2
mattymx TDG Mafia Member #73 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,000 Points: 1,774 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	You are on the right track with the gauges and oil changes. Before modding the engine, when you do your oil change, send a sample to Blackstone so they can tell you exactly what is going on inside you engine. This small investment could save big $$$ down the road. www.blackstone-labs.com

04-24-2007, 01:25 AM	#3
Christensen Highmarkin' Threadstarter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 22 Points: 139 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ok thanks -- Ordered a kit from them. And that's a damn sharp looking Excursion.

04-24-2007, 01:45 AM	#5
Christensen Highmarkin' Threadstarter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 22 Points: 139 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Haha I bet! Hopefully soon this summer I'll be able to start adding some to it. After the gauges and fluid changes, it's getting some tires and possibly a leveling kit / new springs, one or the other.

04-24-2007, 03:14 AM	#7
Christensen Highmarkin' Threadstarter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 22 Points: 139 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Custom burned? Where abouts would I get something like this? Is this safer than going the route of like an Edge w/ Attitude for an older / higher mileage vehicle?

04-24-2007, 04:35 AM	#9
Christensen Highmarkin' Threadstarter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 22 Points: 139 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ok will do -- thanks for all the help guys. Definetly got my next couple paychecks already spent in the right direction! Also -- I have another question, I've been looking around on performance sites, and I've noticed some applications saying 99.5-00.. what's the difference between a 99 and a 99.5?

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