YouTuber I Do Cars specializes in educational engine teardowns, where he dissects engines to point out common (and uncommon) points of failure. One might expect an engine like the turbocharged 1.5L I-3 EcoBoost or the infamous 1.0L EcoBoost I3 to experience a premature failure, but this time, it’s the 7.3L V8 Godzilla on the slab, and its results are a bit concerning.
Interestingly, there’s evidence that the head has already been off at some point in this engine’s life. It’s not that old. It came out of a 2023 Ford Econoline that belonged to a moving company, so it’s almost certainly seen some abuse. Other than evidence of transmission fluid near the valve springs, things don’t look too odd up top, and the rockers and rods look pretty much “brand new.”
When the head comes off, this Ford V8 Godzilla shows a ton of carbon buildup, but nothing glaringly obvious. The same proves true for the other side, prompting a deeper dive into what caused this engine to die. The answer doesn’t come until the camshaft is out, revealing a deep groove in the cam lobe and a bad lifter. He thinks that this is due to idling for long periods of time, and unfortunately, it’s a common issue with this particular powerhouse.
Unfortunately, that’s a common issue for the Ford V8 Godzilla. He surmises that lowering the oil viscosity, lowering their idle speed, and “all the technology we’re cramming into these engines” makes them prone to this sort of failure. He finds it interesting that this failure destroyed the cylinder walls.
This particular Ford V8 Godzilla is for sale as an entire unit for an adventurous spirit with the mechanical know-how to get it back into working order. He’s asking $1,000 for the entire assembly, which he thinks is “very buildable” in the right hands. In short, while this Godzilla gave up the ghost, it’s not completely hopeless and could almost certainly be revived.
Collectors have paid big bucks to acquire Ford family vehicles.
The latest proposed system that could detect issues with parts.
A nice example of the performance sedan.
Still has cupholders, just in a different place.
Following an extensive three-year makeover.
View Comments
It seems like a better idea would be to rebuild and sell it himself!
What technology is being crammed into the 7.3 'zilla? Maybe the variable speed oil pump and VVT but as far as engines go, it's pretty straight forward. No displacement on demand, no start/stop, no direct injection. It doesn't have any sort of after treatment like a diesel. I don't think it even has an EGR valve.
I seems a common issue with these engines....and until they wise up and know tons of trucks are going to idle for long hours....get rid of variable speed oil pump and go back to the one that gave no truck...the old style...never had any idling wear problems until new engine...look these are truck engines...over build them ...and they are not really regulated by fuel mileage, go look at a window sticker of a commerical truck...no fuel miliage requirements required...every who doing Ford engineers needs to go...