Introduction:
The 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel engine is a legendary engine known for its durability, longevity, and power. It was the first engine Ford produced in-house for their Super Duty trucks, and it quickly became a popular choice among truck enthusiasts. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide for the 1994.5-2003 Ford Super Duty trucks with the 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel engine, including advancements from previous engines, known issues and fixes, sales numbers, and additional information.
Advancements from Previous Engines:
The 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel engine was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the International Harvester 7.3L IDI (Indirect Injection) engine. The Powerstroke engine featured direct injection, which provided more power and better fuel efficiency. It also had an electronic fuel injection system, which allowed for more precise control over fuel delivery. Additionally, the Powerstroke engine had a stronger block and cylinder heads, which made it more durable and long-lasting.
Known Issues and Fixes:
While the 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel engine is known for its durability, there are some common issues that owners should be aware of.
Fuel Injector O-ring Failure:
One of the most common issues for a 7.3 Powerstroke is the failure of the engine’s injector O-rings. This can cause fuel leaks resulting in poor performance. The fix for this issue is to replace the injector O-rings with updated, higher-quality units.
Exhaust Back Pressure Sensor (EBPS) Failure:
Another common issue is the failure of the engine’s exhaust back pressure sensor (EBPS). This can cause the engine to run poorly and even stall. The fix for this issue is to replace the EBPS with a new one.
Other Common Failures:
Other common electronics that can fail on a 7.3 Powerstroke include the camshaft position sensor, injector control pressure sensor, the under-valve cover harness connectors, and injector driver module.
Lack of Power and Fuel Economy:
The largest complaint for 7.3 Powerstroke owners is the lack of power and fuel economy when compared to other factory diesel trucks of the era. This can be easily remedied using aftermarket parts such as upgrading the engine’s exhaust system which can improve performance and fuel efficiency, adding a cold air intake to increase performance by allowing the engine to breathe easier, upgrading the engine’s turbocharger which can provide more power and better overall performance, and aftermarket tuning to improve the power and fuel economy of the vehicle even in factory form.
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And check out our Cold Air Intakes
Sales Numbers:
The 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel engine was a popular choice among Super Duty truck buyers. From 1994 to 2003, Ford sold over 2 million Super Duty trucks with the 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel engine.
Tips for Maintaining and Upgrading:
To ensure your 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel engine runs smoothly for years to come, it’s important to follow a regular maintenance schedule. This includes regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and fuel filter replacements. It’s also important to keep an eye on the engine’s coolant and transmission fluid levels and to flush and replace these fluids as needed.
Conclusion:
The 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel engine is a legendary engine that is known for its durability, longevity, and power. While there are some common issues that owners should be aware of, with proper maintenance and upgrades, the 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel engine can be a reliable and powerful engine for years to come.