Ford 7.3 Gas Engine Lifter Problems - Reasons and Ways to Fix

Nicknamed "Godzilla" the Ford 7.3 is an insanely powerful engine. Despite its power, buyers are concerned about its reliability. This concern arises due to the notorious Ford 7.3 gas engine lifter problems. The issues are known to occur as early as 35,000 miles and are caused by factors like poor maintenance, wear, and subpar oil quality. 

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2020-now
• Average lifespan of 7.3L Godzilla:400,000-500,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:300-430 hp
• Fuel efficiency:awful
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:phasers are faulty, oil and coolant leaks, enormous fuel consumption.

Understanding The Godzilla

The Godzilla, or the Ford 7.3 gas engine is a 7.3L V8. Introduced in the early 1990s it quickly garnered a reputation for its unmatched power. It was designed for Ford's lineup of heavy-duty trucks and is a preferred choice for both commercial and recreational vehicle owners alike. 

The Godzilla boasts a power output of 430 ponies stock. And it can produce 475 lb-ft of torque at 4000 RPMs. Other than a few issues, this engine is reliable and is known for its longevity. With its cast-iron block and cylinder heads, this engine is built to withstand tough conditions and heavy workloads. On average, these engines can last about 250,000 miles, and with a little love, you can get upwards of 400,000 miles.

Which Trucks Are Equipped With The Godzilla

The 7.3L gas engine is available on the F-450 and F-600 which are the high-end models of Ford's F series. Apart from those two, this same engine is also available as an upgrade on the Ford F-250 and Ford F-350.  The upgrade is surprisingly cheap and if you are after power, shelling out a couple thousand bucks for this upgrade is well worth it. 

Ford 7.3 Gas Engine Lifter Problems

Before going deeper into Ford 7.3 gas engine lifter problems, first, let's look at what an engine lifter is and its purpose. 

Engine lifters, also called hydraulic valve lifters or hydraulic tappets, are small cylinders placed close to each valve in the engine. They play a crucial role in regulating the valves and ensuring the efficient and noiseless operation of the truck. Their primary function is to open and close the intake and exhaust valves of the engine in sync with the camshaft's rotation. This coordinated movement helps control the airflow in and out of the combustion chambers, which is vital for the engine's effectiveness and productivity.

The Ford 7.3L engine has had its fair share of engine lifter problems throughout the years. These Ford 7.3L gas engine lifter problems can lead to several problems as you drive your truck. 

1) Lifter Wear

Just like the rest of your truck, your engine lifters can also experience wear over time. As your lifter wears off, the contact between the lifter and the camshaft gradually decreases. This can lead to a plethora of problems with your engine.

Reduced contact between the lifter and camshaft can lead to improper valve timing. The valves should open and close with precise timing for air and fuel to flow into the combustion chamber and for the exhaust gasses to leave the engine. When your lifters fail, the valve timing is off as the lifters fail to actuate the valves at the right time. This can lead to reduced engine performance and increased emissions. 

If the issue is left unattended for a prolonged period, it can lead to severe damage to the engine. Valves may collide with the pistons, resulting in bent or damaged valves and potentially damaging the cylinder head and piston components.

2) Ticking Noise

Tapping or ticking noises from your engine is one of the immediate problems that you'd face as your lifters deteriorate. This is caused due to a lack of lubrication and due to the wear in the lifters themselves, which disrupts the smooth operation of the system. The ticking noises are pronounced when the engine is cold. So, as you drive around, the ticking noises may subside.

3) Lifter Collapse

Your Ford 7.3 Gas engine lifters can collapse due to a variety of different reasons. Often it is caused by a lack of oil or contaminated oil. Hydraulic lifters rely on a constant supply of clean oil to function properly. Oil contaminated with debris can clog the internal passages of the engine lifter. Similarly, low oil levels could also lead to lifter collapse due to insufficient lubrication and lack of hydraulic pressure. 

Also, make sure to use the right type of oil for your truck. Using the wrong viscosity or low-quality oil can lead to lifter collapse. For optimal performance and longevity, make sure to use the oil recommended by the manufacturer.

How To Fix Ford 7.3 Gas Engine Lifter Problems

Driving with faulty lifters is never a good idea. As these lifters are responsible for maintaining proper valve clearance, faulty lifters can lead to various issues, such as excessive noise, reduced engine performance, and engine misfires. 

The first thing you can try if you have lifter problems is replacing the engine oil. If you don't have adequate engine oil, if the viscosity of the oil is wrong, if the oil has turned to sludge, or if your oil is contaminated, you will experience engine lifter issues. As long as you tackle this issue in its early stages, a simple engine oil change should be enough to solve the problem.

Another possible solution is valve adjustments. Lifter problems can be caused by improper valve lash or clearance. Adjusting these valves back to manufacturer specifications could also resolve your Ford 7.3 gas engine lifter problems. 

If the engine lifters themselves are damaged, you don't have any other option but to get them replaced. The hardest part of this procedure is accessing the lifters. This involves removing the intake manifold and valve covers. Once you access the lifters, it's a simple job of swapping the old lifters with the new ones. Rather than going back to the stock lifters that are known to delaminate and chip away with time, you are better off going for aftermarket options. But, make sure to research items properly when you are not settling for OEM parts. 

Engine lifter repairs are quite complicated. So, if you don't have a ton of experience working with engines, this is a repair that is better left to the professionals. 

How To Reduce The Probability Of Lifter Problems

There are quite a few reports of delays and chipping in the Ford 7.3 gas engine lifters at around 35,000 miles. Obviously, this is a major issue with the engine, but are there any other reasons that contribute to the Ford 7.3 gas engine lifter problems? 

Here are some key factors contributing to lifter problems,

1) Lack Of Maintenance

It is important to keep up with regular maintenance tasks to prevent issues with lifters. Just like the rest of the engine, the lifters also require adequate lubrication and optimum temperature for longevity as well as performance. Neglecting routine maintenance, like oil changes, can cause problems with the engine's essential components, including lifters. When the engine oil becomes old and contaminated, it can't properly lubricate and apply hydraulic pressure to the lifters, which can result in wear and malfunctioning.

2) Low Or Subpar Oil Quality

The Ford 7.3 gas engine requires 8 quarts of oil including the filter.  You can use 5W-30 or 0W-30 synthetic oil. Some recommended oils for the 7.3L Godzilla engine include Motorcraft 15W-40 Super Duty or Motorcraft 10W-30 Super Duty2.

But what exactly happens when you use the wrong oil? The synthetic oil suggested for this engine comes with additives and special properties that ensure proper lubrication of engine components including the engine lifters. Low-quality oil will not be able to provide the same level of lubrication, which would increase friction and thus wear. 

Another problem with low-quality oil is the build-up of sludge. As mentioned earlier, the build-up of sludge is one of the primary reasons for lifter collapse. Lifters rely on a constant flow of oil to maintain hydraulic pressure. When these passages are clogged, it could lead to a heap of engine trouble including lifter failure. 

3) Lack Of Regular Inspection

Ford 7.3 gas engine lifter problems don't appear out of the blue. They develop over time, chipping away at the cylinders bit by bit before they fail altogether. In the 7.3 gas engine, the lifters and the camshaft begin to chip with time. If you can spot the problem in its early stages, you can easily repair it before it does major damage to your engine. 

During these routine inspections, mechanics can catch early warning signs of lifter issues, such as unusual noises, irregular valve operation, or inconsistent hydraulic lifter performance. It might seem like a hassle to take your car in for inspections, but identifying these problems at an early stage can save you a lot of money in the long run by allowing for prompt and cost-effective repairs. It's always better to be proactive about car maintenance than to wait until a small problem becomes a big one.