7.3L Ford, injectors

JFife

Member
Hey guys,

I know several of you on here have Ford diesels----having some problems regarding our 7.3's, figured i'd ask here before taking it to Fordtrucks forum.

We have a 99' and an '01 that both have 7.3's. BOTH have had injectors going bad recently. As you guys know, that is a BIG expense. Someone told me that on the older diesels the injectors are going bad fast because of the new fuel standards that took over last year. You guys hear anything like that?

Anyways, very aggravating. Diesels sure are strong, but these type of repairs make me wonder if they are worth it. I could almost buy a used V10 at a junkyard for what these injector replacements will cost.

If this is true (about the fuel fouling the injectors) if any of you guys have 7.3's, I'd look for an additive to prevent this, or go up to a newer model (06 or 07) 6.0. The last two years of the 6.0 was a great motor---have one of those and it is great, except for the gas mileage.
 
No injector probs on my 01, buddy replaced all his (99') for about 2k. We run stanadyne in our diesels every other tank if we have some. Change fuel filter with every oil change for good measure. I did bust a lifter, bend a push rod, and fubar a rocker on #8 about a month ago. That was a lot of fun, I thought it was injectors. Cam, cylinder, & head were fine they replaced all parts and she runs strong (1k).
 
Are you sure the injectors actually went bad and not just the more common o-rings or valve cover gaskets/harness? Did a buzz test pass? I haven't heard of additional failures from the fuel change.
 
Thanks Tim and Brandon,

O-Rings/gaskets?? I know Ford tested it and they said it needed two injectors....I don't know much more than that. I'll def look into it....

What is this 'buzz test' you are talking about?? Please let me know, I've got two trucks on the fritz with the same problem. Man, would make my week if it were something simple!!!!

Jon
 
You can buy injectors significantly sheaper that do not come from Ford. The problem is the installation. There has not been a significant problem that I have heard of, but I would suggest that, as a matter of course, you run a fuel additive.
 
probably this won't gonna help you much, but I used to be manager for a big PW company and one of many of my duties was to take trucks to the shop, 4 or 5 of them F-250's with the 7.3L, that was the only problem in all of them, besides only onw that had a fuel pump gone bad.
But other than that they are pretty reliable.

Get better GPM, don't compromise power, but repairs will rip you a new one every time.
 
Buy a Chevy.....LOL.....hope you get it fixed and it doesnt cost a arm and leg

I got one of those...had all eight injectors replaced$$$$$$$:eek: Thank God they are covered under a 7yr/200k mile warranty or else I would be out 6k:D
Love my GMC:)
 
Thanks Tim and Brandon,

O-Rings/gaskets?? I know Ford tested it and they said it needed two injectors....I don't know much more than that. I'll def look into it....

What is this 'buzz test' you are talking about?? Please let me know, I've got two trucks on the fritz with the same problem. Man, would make my week if it were something simple!!!!

Jon

A buzz test can be performed with any high end scanner. It's so called because the injectors open in order and make a buzzing sound. I'm sure they performed one if recomending injectors. BTW, did they mention which two? If they are any of a pair (1,2)(3,4)(5,6) or (7,8) next to each other, I'd definately be suspect of the valve cover gasket. How many miles are on the truck? I had 190k on a 7.3 I sold not long ago on the original injectors. I changed the gaskets a couple times though.

I mentioned o-rings because that is the most common thing to go on the Ford injector. It's actually not part of the injector, but seals it's seat. It takes just as much work to change them as the actual injector, but we're talking a few bucks in parts vs. a couple grand. The valve cover gaskets on the Powerstroke actually carry the wiring harness to the glow plugs and injectors. They are also a more common repair than actual injectors due to the heat they endure.

I can only assume your dealer went through the tests and is leading you right. For other trucks you may have though, you might consider a quality rebuilt aftermarket injector when the time comes. They are cheaper and will give you a power boost. Swamps Diesel Performance and Beans Diesel both offer nice mild units for a good price.

Also, if you find yourself a good independent diesel mechanic and buy your own parts from the International big truck dealer, you'll save a bunch of money.
 
Last edited:
Jon, I have 2 7.3L diesels. Id have the buzz test done also. Most likely it might be just the oring kit. If you ar a DIY guy it isnt hard to do. Oring kit from IH is about 85.00. A lot cheeper tha ford and the same parts. You can do it in a weekend. Also check out www.thedieselstop.com it has saved my bacon more than once.
 
Back
Top