32+ MPG Ford Excursion 4x4 Limited

[Dodgetech79]

When did they start running the gp's all the time? The amperage draw on them is pretty massive to be doing that

[DaGuru]

I don't think it's documented anywhere, but it appears to function this way on Excursions equipped with the GPCM. None of the Super Duty models that use a relay in place of the GPCM do this. In my case, since my ECM was acting up, it made sense to switch to an F250 ECM and harness with the relays. I forget what continued to throw an SES code after the mod, but it was easily suppressed it in a custom tune.

[oil pan 4]

What year 7.3s ran glow plugs all the time?
Glow plugs typically draw 8 to 12 amps each on a 12v system.

[DaGuru]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

What year 7.3s ran glow plugs all the time?
Glow plugs typically draw 8 to 12 amps each on a 12v system.

I wasn't the one who made the original observation, but it is my understanding this anomaly only shows up on 7.3s Excursions equipped with a Glow Plug Control Module.

[DaGuru]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

A fuel log would be helpful.

I agree. However, 90% of my driving these days is back and fourth to work or the gym; about 2-5 miles. When I do get it out for extended driving I consistently see mid 20s. Unfortunately, I lost a lot after leveling it out with a 2" lift and 32.8" tires.

:cheers

[Sandwich77]

I'm coming into this "conversation" rather late since I've never owned a diesel but I'm currently considering buying an Excursion. I'm indifferent to the 6.0 versus 7.3, so what do any of you recommend? Which is more prone to issues, easier / harder to fix commonly known issues? What are your recommendations for upgrades to improve mileage and what are the associated costs per configuration? I'm looking for a good long distance vehicle to haul a family of five and eventually a camper.

[kir_kenix]

Originally Posted by Sandwich77

I'm coming into this "conversation" rather late since I've never owned a diesel but I'm currently considering buying an Excursion. I'm indifferent to the 6.0 versus 7.3, so what do any of you recommend? Which is more prone to issues, easier / harder to fix commonly known issues? What are your recommendations for upgrades to improve mileage and what are the associated costs per configuration? I'm looking for a good long distance vehicle to haul a family of five and eventually a camper.

I've owned multiple examples of each, and I'd say the 7.3PS is a better all around motor. I currently own a 6.0, but only because it was so cheap.

7.3 doesn't make as much power, but it has vastly better reliability, lower maintenance costs, cheaper parts, and just goes forever. On a 6.0, any sort of mechanical work is going to cost you an arm and a leg, and the truck is going to be off the road for a while (cab coming off and all). Stay away from any sort of tuning software on the 6.0 without ARP/similar headbolts or you can be in a world of hurt shortly.

6.0 is a good, strong little motor but is a maintenance queen compared to the 7.3. Just changing to oil every 5,000 vs 7500 miles (7.3L), flushing the radiator frequently (sand from casting does nasty things to these engines), etc, etc really add up to higher costs over the long haul. Add in emission components that are VERY prone to failure (delete as soon as possible) and you are looking at fairly identical vehicles in which one is MUCH more expensive to own and operate over the long haul.

[slowmover]

A one ton van is a far better tow vehicle and people mover than an Excursion. The Ex is, bar none, the worst tow vehicle of the last twenty five years. By any definition in handling, braking or reliability. And that's before the trailer is hitched.

[ME_Andy]

My father's work truck was a 7.3L which he neglected badly after 100k. Very few (if any) oil changes but it still ticked like a clock when he sold it at 190k.

[Hersbird]

I bought into the high MPG diesel truck hype. Heard plenty of stories about getting over 20 MPG with a couple of mods and massive 4x4 trucks. I got a 2005 Duramax with Allison, tried some of the tricks for MPG and didn't go crazy with the power. It did have all the power I would every want or use but it never came close to getting good economy. I came to realize the owners were talking about very short specific MPG claims usually from the overhead. Then you take into account that diesel is $2.80/gal and gas is $2.10 here even if you could average 20 mpg on the highway a gas truck only needed to get 15 mpg for the same cost per mile. I looked at diesel Excursions but think realistically you wouldn't break 20 MPG very often even with $4000 in add ons. My gas SUV gets 18 MPG (that's hand calculated 70 mph, 300 miles, over two mountain passes in 30 degree temps on winter fuel) with no add ons and with the price difference in fuel that is like the diesel getting 28. It can't tow as much and is not as big but I don't need that much space or towing ability. 7 passengers and 8500# towing is plenty for me. Plus the ride on my Aspen is much better then any Excursion I have ever been in. The 2008 Aspen was $11,300 with 140K on it, better price then the few diesel Excursions we could find as well. They are the king if you need the room or ability to tow a massive trailer, I also just don't believe 32 MPG real world long distance unless it was 10 feet off the back of a semi-truck at 65.