Need info on Ford E350 with diesel

[Dreamer]

Hey Weave, or anyone who knows about the Ford Vans. I just did an exhaustive search on the archives, and didn't find exactly what I'm looking for.

I have a chance to buy a 2000 Ford E350 with the 7.3 Powerstroke(I've only ran gas vans), in good condition, from a 'cousin of a friend'.. ya know how that goes.. LOL

:+ :+ :+

Anyway, price is cheap, but miles are higher... (250K+)

Would like to know what is the average life of these motors,

Are there any 'problem areas' I should look for on these van's?

Looked it over good today but stopped short of getting it hooked up to a computer... van had been sitting 2 days, started on first turn of the key, only turned over about 4 times before starting, one puff of smoke from tail pipe, then idled smoothly, no smoke, shifted smoothly on test drive, no shakes, no rattles, very impressed with the van so far..

Just that mileage thing... figure if I could at least get a year or two out of it, it would pay for itself many times over at the price I can get it for.

Would it be unreasonable to hope for 4-500,000 miles out of a Powerstroke with good maintenance?


Thanks

Dreamer

 

[Weave]

I'll give you what little I know

The Ford powerstroke diesel is built for Ford by Navistar (International), and is AKA the Int T444. This engine has an excellent reputation and is considered one of the best out there for the diesel van and pickup applications. It's a parent bore V8 with an average life expectancy of 350-500k miles. I have not heard any major horror stories about the powerstroke. If it runs good and does not seem to use a lot of oil or water, I would think you could get another 250k out of it.
I have heard of some transmission problems with the AOD used in the Ford E350's. Owners don't feel it can stand up to the abuse the GM trannies can. I don't know if exceptional maintenance helps it in the case of expedite vans or not.
This is probably just a repeat of what you have already found Dreamer, but maybe by posting this some actual owners might be willing to tell a little more.
-Weave-

 

[RichM]

I would see if the transmission has been worked on and how it feels under hard aceleration. One thing that I have heard is that the transmissions in the older Fords were designed for gas engines and do not hold up well with the torgue put out by the diesel. But if you don!t do jack rabbit starts you will probably be ok.

 

[Weave]

That is one thing I have made a note of. Seems like the people I know who are leadfoots are the ones who have the most problems with any automatic transmission. If you accelerate moderately and allow the transmission to shift at a lower RPM, especially when under a heavy load, the automatic transmission will last a lot longer. This goes for engines too, especially diesels- they aren't made for high revving. A fully loaded (or overloaded in some cases) expedite van can't be romped on like the family car if expected to last.
-Weave-

 

[Twmaster]

I had an F450 with the Power Stroke/E4OD powertrain. The transmission is the weakest part. The motor is terrific. Expect to have to buy silly things like an alternator, water pump etc with high miles. Get the trans checked over before you buy. I know for a fact Ford had big problems with the auto trans on the PS motor early on. Not too sure how they are nowadays.

My last medium duty car carrier was an Internatinal (same motor) and it had 400K miles on it when I sold it.

Of course YMMV.

--
Mike N