I get a very cool opportunity to speak with Eddie – the owner of a 2000 Ford F-250 7.3L Power Stroke V8 turbo-diesel with over 513,000 miles on the odometer. Is this truck about to die, or is it ready for more work? It’s the latter. Here is how he keeps his work truck going and going.
This is a work truck, so it does not have an easy life. It may not tow heavy trailers on a regular basis, but it carries tools and heavy payloads, and it goes hunting for firewood over very challenging off-road terrain. Eddie believes in diesel fuel additives, such as Sea Foam.
This truck starts right away and runs smoothly. It does not roll coal. Eddie has replaced several components over time: two alternators, one starter, batteries, and such. This truck is on its fourth tail gate. The engine and the transmission are original, according to Eddie. This 2000 model year 7.3L Power Stroke turbo-diesel V8 was rated at 235 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The current 2023 model year 6.7L diesel V8 makes approximately double the power and double the torque.
Eddie says he plugs in the block heater every winter, and this may be another reason why this engine keeps on living. It’s also a large displacement engine that was overbuilt for use in a pickup truck such as this F-250.
Let me know what you think in the comments below.
