Ford’s 7.3 Power Stroke turbodiesel engine was a ground-breaking addition to their line-up of engines and worked to change the diesel truck industry. The technology in this engine was way ahead of its time, offering between 210 and 275 HP depending on the model year. Keep reading as we discover everything you need to know about the 7.3 Power Stroke heads and what vehicles use this engine.
Ford 7.3 Power Stroke Engine Overview
The 7.3 Power Stroke engine was designed and produced by Ford for use with diesel. The cylinder heads found and installed on this type of engine are a crucial component to the success of the engine’s performance. Depending on the model year of your engine and vehicle, you can enjoy between 210 and 275 HP. Regarding the miles per gallon, expect to receive 12-13 mpg in the city and 17-20 mpg on the highway. This engine changed the diesel truck industry by offering a wastegate turbocharger and air-to-air intercooler.
The legendary 7.3L Power Stroke engine was first released in 1994 and continued production until 2003. With the addition of the new turbocharger and direct injection, the power offered was a huge asset to many vehicles. Throughout its nine years of production, this engine received praise from drivers and those in the industry worldwide. It was ranked one of the top ten diesel engines ever produced by Diesel Power Magazine, making it a leader in this area.
After this time, the company produced other engines that continued to implement the technology that was so successful with the 7.3L Power Stroke. Some vehicles using this engine over the years include those in the Ford F-Series and Ford E-Series. In 2011, the company introduced the 6.7L Power Stroke V8. Indeed, this engine range from Ford rivals many of the other top engines on the market today.
What vehicles have a 7.3 Power Stroke Engine?
When Ford first produced the engine in 1994, they added it to the F-250 and F-350 Ford Super Duty pickup trucks. After its successful launch, the engine would eventually be used in almost every medium-duty or larger diesel Ford van, truck, and SUV the company produced up to 2003. It shows how durable and reliable this engine was even back in the 1990s and early 2000s, making it a fantastic addition to many larger vehicles offered by the company.
Today, over two million 7.3L Power Stroke engines are still in operation. This large quantity shows just how long-lasting and hard-wearing the engine is, even over twenty years after production of the initial run stopped. While the engine is outdated compared to other models on the market today, it has stood the test of time, and the technology that it introduced has influenced the engine and vehicle market to this day.
Common Problems with the 7.3 Power Stroke Engine
While reviews and feedback for the 7.3 Power Stroke engine were typically very favorable, you will occasionally find some concerns and complaints about the engine. Despite that, most of these issues were easy to overcome, and a qualified mechanic would easily have it working again in no time.
One of the most common issues with the engine was overheating. There are many reasons that this overheating can happen with any vehicle, and you’ll always need to make sure that the air filter is clean and nothing blocks the airflow to the radiator. You may need to replace the radiator fan, which can cause the engine to overheat when the airflow is reduced or blocked completely. However, you’ll want to monitor any overheating concerns and ensure these issues get resolved quickly to avoid damage to your engine.
Other concerns we’ve heard reported over the years are the fuel filter housing leaking, EBPV failure, and camshaft position failure. You may also notice leaking from the turbocharger up-pipe. If you are concerned about any of these common faults, then make sure you see a Ford mechanic who will no doubt be familiar with these concerns.
7.3L Power Stroke Cylinder Heads
As the engine ages, you may find that the cylinder heads need to be replaced. Replacement is quite common in any engine as it ages, and you can still save a fortune by replacing the cylinder heads instead of buying a new engine or vehicle. You have two options for replacing the cylinder heads on your engine. You can either DIY this job and do it alone or work with a professional to ensure the work is effective and safe. DIYing this task is perfectly possible, but you’ll want to make sure you are confident that you won’t cause damage to the engine and that you are sure you know what you are doing.
As well as extending the life of your engine, there are many benefits of replacing your cylinder heads. It can help reduce oil consumption, improve fuel mileage, and avoid engine overheating in the future. Cracks are the most common issue with cylinder heads, often leading to overheating problems in this engine. The cracks usually appear between the valves, but they may form at any weaker points.
As you can see, the 7.3L Power Stroke engine changed the industry and advanced the technology that Ford engines use today. If you still use this engine in your vehicle, then consider replacing the cylinder heads to address cracks or overheating, helping to extend the life of your engine and vehicle. It was a powerful and revolutionary engine for its time and took the world by storm during its decade of production. With over two million of these engines still in use today, it’s a testament to how well constructed this engine was and how ahead of its time it was over twenty years ago.
About Clearwater Cylinder Head
Clearwater Cylinder Head provides high quality cylinder heads for cars, trucks, boats, and heavy machinery. With a large selection of cylinder heads, we most likely have the cylinder heads for your needs. Please call Clearwater Cylinder Head at 1-800-572-1963 to order new or refurbished Ford cylinder heads.