Ford 7.3L Gas Engine
Starting with the 2020 MY Ford will have a 7.3L gas engine in their lineup to replace the 6.8L V10. I think there will be a lot of fleets buying this, especially once it hits the F-650. What do you guys think? It will be a great option for fleets with a lot of local deliveries and idle time. I'm sure fuel economy numbers will not be great, but fleets can buy a lot of gasoline for the 8K+ diesel option plus added repair costs of the aftertreatment.
I expect it to sell in enormous volume. My opinion is that I am disappointed to see Ford return to such old technology, and that the power output is a little underwhelming; this is especially remarkable since its purpose is to replace the 6.8L V10, which was fuel efficient and incredibly durable, and the torque output is only slightly higher than what the 6.2L makes (468 vs. 430). It will be…
It will be interesting indeed. I watched one of their marketing videos that explained why they chose the size and configuration they did for the engine. Granted you're going to get bias in that type of material, but if what they're saying is correct, it does make sense. Marlin it's interesting to hear the V10 referred to as fuel efficient. I would have thought otherwise, but I suppose it's all…
Yes, of course fuel efficiency is relative in appearance. In reality it is not so much so, but many factors are involved. The 6.8L really made waves in motorhome applications, due to fuel efficiency and performance. GM/Workhorse was the only competition in that market, and never came up with an engine which offered equal performance. Workhorse subsequently became virtually nothing, and Ford got…
Hi Marlin: FCCC has their DriveForce series of engines. The 6.0L was supposed to be released in a Class C though I don't know if that has happened. (It is used in the MT chassis.) They also use GM's 8.0 log block with Agility Fuels' LPG system in other applications and have recently released an 8.8L using LPG. HTN, Guido
Yes, there is that from Freightliner, but that is a recent development, and I am not sure if it is even available yet. Can't find any gas options on their website.
I have replaced more 6.8 engines than anything during my stint with Ford. Anything from rod and main bearing failures to camshaft roller follower failures allowing valves to remain open and contact the piston. A lot of the local power and cable companies use the V-10 on F-550 boom trucks and the idle time kills them. I’ve also driven several in Class C and Class A motorhome and it’s a little…
I totally agree! The HD market needs a simple pushrod V8, In a Ford. Length of the cam chains in the junk Triton motors stretch out and the high rpm to get any power is opposite what HD trucks need, triton ex manifolds always leaking width of the head makes it a chore to change out ex manifold gaskets, cost to do a head job with chains, tensioners, idlers, head gaskets is crazy people just opt…
Yes, the screaming of the V10 made a lot of people nervous. I had assured numerous owners that they should just relax and let it go! We don't deal with many which idle extensively, but we see them run for 100's of thousands of miles with poor maintenance. I agree that the low-end torque of the 7.3L will be an improvement, especially in very heavy vehicles. I will miss the music of the V10…
I have a F550 Cab/Chassis do in in the next week or so with the 7.3 gas. The truck will be up fit with a small Rescue body. Hopefully it will work out well.
Can you post some pictures when it arrives, new model information is always a plus!
Yes, As soon as I get it I will post some pictures
They are also supposed to add an F600 Chassis, Think F550 body on F650 Frame This engine is also purpose built for the platform. Durability is key in most fleet enviroments. I have done many many 5.4 and 6.8's in E-vans for engine failures from mostly lack of maintenance (if you include checking oil levels as maintnenace ) One can only hope this platform is more durable.
I think that durability was given much higher priority than is typical in the design of this engine, and significant part of why the output numbers are not higher. The other is low production cost, as fleet give much more weight to purchase cost than retail customers do.
So how many of you are old Ford buffs???? The last pushrod V8 ford created was the 400/351M around 1977. The motor suffered from low compression open chamber heads and only lasted … in the end only in Ford HD trucks. Not withstanding the big block 429/460, Ford replaced the awesome Y block FE (Ford Edsel) 360-390 with the 400/351M. After 1981 the old small block Windsor 302-351 was the…
It may not be new technology, but yes, I am a "old ford buff" trapped in a 36 year old body. I think this is pretty cool.
Hi Matt. Contrast Ford's claims, with those of GM's 8.0L . The engine was shelved prior the US GM bankruptcy was recently introduced gmpowertrain.com/engines/8l-lfi… with 375 hp @ 4200 RPM and 475 lbs/ft torque at 3200 RPM. Note that these numbers are achieved at lower RPMs that are realistic. Regardless of which manufacturers claim to be "best in class", the cost savings for…
Interesting. I wasn't aware of that engine. The HD version peak output numbers are quite similar: GM is 375 HP @ 4,200/475 ft/lb @ 3,200, and Ford is 350 HP @ 3,900/468 ft/lb @ 3,900. Is this engine in production? Why no output chart?
Hi Marlin. The 8.0L is in production, but AFAIK is special order only at this time. I was just using it for comparison with the Ford numbers. Revamping the old pushrod engine occurred prior to the bankruptcy and some tweaking since has it ready and available. The 6.6L gasoline engine is the largest engine currently used in production vehicles gm-techlink.com/?p=11825
General Motors is also changing up their gas engine in MY20 heavy duty trucks: The standard engine is a new 6.6L V-8 gas with direct injection making 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
All things old are new again. I wish I still had my courderoys, I don’t even know how to spell that. People are realizing if the y don’t need a diesel, don’t get a diesel. And, Technology is better. As many issues as the Triton V10 has, it was a pretty functional engine, just a pig. Plus, we have like 500 years of crude oil supply!!
We are a LPG Distributor. Have 20 Trucks, F-450,550,650, and 750. The 6.8 has been a workhorse here. Like 3 or 4 have the Cam follower problem. 2 dropped a valve. But we already know, and catch them before damage. We just purchased a new F-750 2019, but did not got the 7.3 yet. Next year when we change another tank truck, sure we will get that 7.3. All our trucks are ordered with the LPG RPO…
Too bad it will never do what a diesel does day-in, and day-out
Marlin Good: Won't shut down due to DPF issues. Won't cost $10K to replace fuel system if wrong fuel is put in tank. Won't cost $200 an oil change. Etc, Etc. But some people need to be able to cut a great 60' time when pulling an excavator on a trailer. I see it ALL THE TIME. Guys leaving me behind at a light. Idiots. Same guys that say XXXX transmission is shit...
You are correct, but I think you went a different direction from what Roger was intending to imply. ;)