The Ford 7.3 gas engine, known for its power and durability, has some commonly reported issues such as excessive oil consumption, valve train noise, and transmission shifting problems. Regular maintenance and timely software updates can help address most of these concerns.
Ford’s 7.3L gas engine, often referred to as the “Godzilla” engine, is a relatively new addition to the company’s lineup, debuting in the 2020 Super Duty trucks. Designed to replace the smaller-displacement V10, this engine is celebrated for its durability, power, and simplicity. It has a pushrod V8 architecture, producing around 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. This robust performance, combined with its reliability, makes it popular among truck enthusiasts, RV owners, and heavy-duty work users.
However, as with any engine, the 7.3L gas engine has its share of issues. In this blog, we’ll discuss some common problems owners have reported, what might cause them, and how you can address them. We’ll also go over whether these problems are widespread and provide advice for anyone considering purchasing a vehicle with this engine.
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Common Ford 7.3 Gas Engine Problems
The Ford 7.3L Godzilla gas engine, introduced in 2020 for Super Duty trucks, is known for its durability and performance, but like any engine, it can experience some issues. Here are some common problems reported with the Ford 7.3L gas engine:
Valve Train Noise
One of the most commonly reported issues with the Ford 7.3L gas engine is excessive noise from the valve train. Owners have noted a ticking or knocking sound that can be alarming, especially in a brand-new engine. While valve train noise can be unsettling, it is often a characteristic of the engine’s design rather than a true mechanical failure.
Causes:
- Pushrod Design: The Godzilla engine uses a pushrod design, which is inherently noisier compared to overhead-cam engines.
- Hydraulic Lifters: If the hydraulic lifters fail to adjust properly, it can cause a ticking noise, especially when the engine is cold.
Solutions:
- For most, this noise is normal and doesn’t indicate any long-term reliability concerns. However, if the noise is excessive, a dealership should inspect it. In some cases, replacing the lifters or adjusting the valve lash might be necessary.
Poor Fuel Economy
While the 7.3L Godzilla engine delivers exceptional power, many owners report dissatisfaction with its fuel efficiency, especially compared to modern turbocharged engines. Fuel consumption can be an issue for those using their trucks for daily driving rather than towing or hauling heavy loads.
Causes:
- Large Displacement: At 7.3 liters, this is a big, naturally aspirated engine. Larger displacement engines generally consume more fuel.
- Heavy Load Applications: Many owners use the 7.3L in Super Duty trucks, which are heavy vehicles to begin with. Adding towing or carrying payloads can significantly reduce fuel economy.
Solutions:
- Proper driving habits can help mitigate poor fuel economy. For example, driving at lower speeds and avoiding hard acceleration can improve mileage.
- Consider aftermarket tuning options or programmers that can slightly improve fuel economy by optimizing engine parameters.
Transmission-Related Issues
While not directly tied to the 7.3L engine itself, some owners have reported transmission-related issues when paired with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. These issues are particularly common in the earlier model years of the engine and include hard shifting or gear hunting.
Causes:
- Software Calibration: In many cases, transmission issues stem from improper or outdated software tuning.
- Learning Curve: Modern transmissions have adaptive learning features that adjust to driving habits. Some initial roughness might occur as the transmission “learns” the driver’s style.
Solutions:
- A simple transmission reflash or software update from a Ford dealership can resolve most of these issues.
- For persistent problems, a full transmission service, including a fluid change, may be necessary.
Carbon Buildup
Due to the nature of direct injection, carbon buildup on the intake valves can occur over time. This issue is not unique to the 7.3L Godzilla engine, as many modern engines using direct injection are prone to this problem.
Causes:
- Direct Injection: In a direct injection engine, fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber, bypassing the intake valves. As a result, the valves aren’t cleaned by fuel, leading to carbon deposits.
Solutions:
- Using high-quality fuel and periodic intake cleaning treatments can help mitigate carbon buildup.
- In severe cases, a professional intake valve cleaning (often called a walnut blasting) might be necessary to remove stubborn deposits.
Exhaust Manifold Leaks
Another problem that has cropped up in some 7.3L gas engines is leaking exhaust manifolds. This issue typically arises after extensive use, particularly in trucks that are frequently towing heavy loads or operating in high-stress conditions.
Causes:
- Thermal Expansion and Contraction: The repeated heating and cooling cycles of the exhaust system can cause the exhaust manifold bolts to loosen or break over time.
- Heavy Towing: Using the truck for heavy towing can put extra strain on the exhaust components, increasing the likelihood of leaks.
Solutions:
- Regularly checking the exhaust manifold bolts for tightness can help prevent leaks.
- If leaks occur, replacing the gasket or, in more severe cases, the exhaust manifold itself, may be necessary.
Throttle Response Issues
Some drivers have noted a delayed or sluggish throttle response in the 7.3L engine, especially under hard acceleration. This issue can be particularly frustrating when towing or needing quick bursts of power.
Causes:
- Electronic Throttle Control: The 7.3L gas engine uses an electronic throttle body, which may have slower response times compared to traditional mechanical linkages.
- Transmission Calibration: In some cases, slow throttle response is linked to transmission tuning, where the vehicle’s computer is trying to optimize fuel economy at the expense of acceleration.
Solutions:
- An aftermarket throttle controller can reduce throttle lag by modifying the response curve.
- A transmission reflash or performance tune can improve overall throttle responsiveness.
How to Prevent ford 7.3 Gas Engine Problems
To minimize the likelihood of encountering these problems, following a strict maintenance schedule is essential. Here are some key maintenance tasks to consider for your 7.3L Godzilla engine:
- Regular Oil Changes: Given the engine’s size and workload, regular oil changes with high-quality oil are crucial for maintaining proper lubrication and preventing wear on internal components.
- Fuel System Cleaning: Periodically use a fuel system cleaner to prevent carbon buildup on the intake valves. This can improve both performance and fuel economy.
- Transmission Fluid Maintenance: If you experience transmission-related issues, consider servicing the transmission fluid earlier than recommended by Ford. This can help reduce wear and improve shifting performance.
- Exhaust System Inspection: Regularly inspect the exhaust manifold bolts and gaskets for signs of leaks, especially if the vehicle is used for heavy towing.
- Cooling System Care: Proper cooling is essential for a large engine like the 7.3L. Make sure to monitor coolant levels and flush the system as needed to avoid overheating and stress on engine components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about ford 7.3 gas engine problems
- Is the Ford 7.3L Godzilla engine reliable?
Yes, the Ford 7.3L Godzilla engine is known for its reliability. Its pushrod V8 design is simpler than overhead cam engines, reducing the chances of major mechanical failures. With proper maintenance, this engine can last hundreds of thousands of miles. - What kind of fuel economy can I expect from the 7.3L gas engine?
The fuel economy of the 7.3L gas engine varies depending on driving conditions, but most owners report 10-15 MPG in real-world conditions. Towing and carrying heavy loads will significantly decrease fuel efficiency. - How does the 7.3L gas engine compare to Ford’s Power Stroke diesel?
The 7.3L gas engine offers a more affordable option compared to the Power Stroke diesel. While it doesn’t have the same torque or fuel economy as the diesel, the gas engine is simpler to maintain and repair, making it a popular choice for those who don’t need extreme towing power. - Can the 7.3L gas engine tow heavy loads?
Yes, the 7.3L Godzilla engine is capable of towing heavy loads. Depending on the configuration, the Super Duty trucks with this engine can tow up to 15,000 pounds, making it suitable for most heavy-duty applications. - What can I do to prevent carbon buildup in my 7.3L engine?
To prevent carbon buildup, regularly use high-quality fuel and consider using fuel additives designed to clean the fuel system. Periodically having the intake valves professionally cleaned can also help prevent severe buildup.
Conclusion
The Ford 7.3L Godzilla gas engine is generally praised for its durability and power, but like any engine, it has its quirks and potential issues. Valve train noise, carbon buildup, fuel economy concerns, and exhaust manifold leaks are some of the most common complaints from owners. Fortunately, most of these problems are either minor or can be addressed with proper maintenance and adjustments.
For those needing a reliable, heavy-duty engine for work or towing, the 7.3L Godzilla remains one of the best options available. While its fuel economy may not rival that of smaller engines, its simplicity, torque, and long-term durability make it a solid choice for Ford Super Duty trucks.