Another question on what to look for when buying used. First post.

[maineguide]

I am looking at purchasing a used 2000 7.3 Excursion Limited with 125k miles. I have read many post and would like to ask for opinions, some have been asked but looking for any input I can get.
First is how important is the DCA/SCA coolant documentation, the dealer can not verify.
Another user posted his concerns on a 2000,Non servicable front wheel unit-bearings ($350 ea. plus seals and labor) and ball joints ($400 plus seals and labor) are big ticket items, and worthwile to consider doing at the same time. If the trans has not been done already it is probably due. The best trans builds cost in the area of $3400. Depending on the quality of the fuel used, injector work may be in the future also. Injectors go bad, as well as the o-rings used to seal them. At 150K miles, I suggest replacing injectors rather than just the o-rings. At least $250 each for new OEM injectors, plus labor. Having your injectors rebuilt with added performance is also an option. They may start going out one at a time, so it would be worthwile at the first sign of issues to consider replacing at least 4 at a time on the side of the motor that is giving you trouble. This would save on labor. Brakes can be costly, depending on what's been done already. Driveshaft might be ready for a re-build.
I have read many post but would like input once more before I buy. The injector and tranny make me wonder if I should stay away from this mileage.

[mongocaver]

210,000 miles on out 2000 X, she is white and her name is Pearl. 1 waterpump replaced and thats it. No trannys, injectors, cps, etc replaced. I change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles, transmission fluid every 50,000 miles, coolant every 3 years, fuel filter about every 40,000, rear end fluid every 200,000 miles. I put stanadyne diesel additive in at every oil change. This one is 2 wheel drive, so I have pulled the rotors and regreased the wheel bearings twice. Been through 3 sets of tires, getting right at 70,000 per set by setting them at 50 psi. Have had it up on two wheels twice, and guess what, she never rolled. I have had to replace all 5 door locks, but that only took a couple of hours.
All in all, she has been a great truck. I intend to run her till she blows a rod through the block, then she gets to go out to pasture.

[mike650]

[ QUOTE ]
I put stanadyne diesel additive in at every oil change.

[/ QUOTE ]

James, some silly questions from a diesel rookie. I guess you are using Stanadyne PF?? You say you only use this additive at every oil change and not when filling up at the pump? What is your theory on when one should add Stanadyne to their fuel??

Thanks for the help!!

-Mike

[ExcursionPSD]

I put in Stanadyne Performance Formula every time I fuel. I run a pint to 80 gallons ratio in the summertime, but in the winter, to avoid fuel gelling and waxing, I use the pint to 60 gallons ratio printed on the bottle.

I have replaced no injectors and have NEVER had a fuel problem in -25F weather. It has never been garaged, never had the heater plugged in. I run Amsoil 5W-30 diesel engine oil.

I have also changed one waterpump, but I have also had to replace the alternator and did both batteries when 4 years old.

[mike650]

Thanks David.

The PF is good stuff!!!

I have been using 12oz almost every time I fill up. The directions say 16oz (1 pint) to 60 gallons so I figured 12oz to 45 gallon ratio in our Xs 44 gallon tank.

I found James' post kind of interesting and wanted to hear more.

-Mike

[mongocaver]

Sorry Mike I have been busy.
Regarding fuel additives: In the old days before beer can style injection pumps, and/or these fancy injectors we have now, it was always recommended to dump a quart or two of ATF in your fuel to clean your piston tops and to lubricate your fuel system. Now we have all these complicated formulas, like Stanadyne and Power Service, etc, to do the same thing. And just ask anybody who uses them regularly, they are the greatest thing since sliced bread. According to them, they give them more mpg, longer injector life, and brighter shinier hair.
I basically bathed in diesel fuel everyday for 10 years in our fuel shop. Believe me, it has plenty of lubricating properties on its own. Now I can see using those additives for anti-gelling and to keep wax from forming. And I personally throw in the recommended amount of Stanadyne PF every 3000 miles, just to clean out any accumulated gunk in the fuel system. But I don't believe that all these engineers, all these years, would have been designing injectors, pumps, etc based on plain diesel if they thought that additives were really needed to lubricate them.
And I know someone will stand up and say "Look at all this scientific proof". Yes, bought and paid for by the additive folks. Hey, I made part of my living pushing the stuff. But I sure don't spend much of my living using it.