My engine has a rythmic, annoying vibration which is very noticeable between 50 and 60 mph. It feels like a tire is out of balance. The engine is not misfiring, but seems to have something out of balance in the bottom end. I think I read somewhere, that that is what caused oil leaks in some of the early 03s. Of course the dealer says there's nothing wrong with it. I've been in a couple of 7.3L trucks, and never noticed it...
It seems to be speed related. I can't feel it while accelerating, or while revving it in Neutral. If I put it in neutral at 55mph, it goes away.

I drove another one (6L) at the dealership, and it had the same "problem". Could it just be a diesel (or 6.0 diesel) characteristic I need to get used to??????

If it is a problem, do I need to get it fixed before the 36k warranty is up?

Does Ford only do "buy backs" from the original owner? I bought it used from the dealer.

 

Does the vibration happens right around 1600-1800 RPM's when there is a bit of a load on the engine? If it does, it is the exhaust and it is nothing to worry about. The turbo will create a harmonic vibration in that RPM range with load on the engine. Ford has a replacement turbo pedestal that helps eliminate most of that vibration/drone.

 

Yes, thanks. I'm glad someone finally answered this one. I was pretty concerned about it. Thanks again!!!

 

First thing Ford does wiht the "drone" issue is to "nutralize" the exhaust. Menaing, loosen it up and let it fall into place relieving any stress.

I got the "drone" only after having my exhaust installed, and only after it shifted a little. I adjusted it and it was gone never to return.

There is a TSB on it.

 

Actually, there is an exhaust drone. I don't care much about that though. I'm talking about a vibration that shakes you, just like a tire out of balance or something.

 

I guess that reply confused me then. You seemed happy to know about the exhaust "drone", but appearently that's not really it, or it is?

 

I'd like to believe it's the exhaust. I'm not sure though. The dealership said the truck was OK. Since I'm not a mechanic, I try not to argue with them. I'll be a lot more selective when I buy my next vehicle.

 

I had a f150 with a vibration at 50 mph and the dealership re balanced the tries it helped a little. I still complained and they agreeded there was a vibration. Ford canada took the truck for two weeeks and re balanced the tires and a cam tensioner.They said it was okay. NOT . I was in every week with an engine light on and the vibration when I towed the whole truck shook. Fonally the dealer agreed and took the truck back and I ordered a new f250 psd. I will test the truck before signing the papers this time.Oh the also changed the drive shaft and hanger bearing it helped a little.

 

Sorry to bring back a really old thread. I searched for "pedestal" and this was the only one.

Now my truck has an unmistakable drone. It started about a week ago. It sure isn't what I was feeling when I started this thread. They're going to change the turbo pedestal. I hope the drive train warranty covers it.

I drove a couple of other 6L 250s at the dealer, and they had the same vibration I was asking about earlier. I guess it's a design quirk I can live with. I hope that's not what causes the oil leaks though.

 

I don't know about a "design quirk"... my 250 drives like I'm on a cushion of air..

My 04 F150 had a vib at 50 to 60 that went away when it was put in neutral... It was the driveshaft.

 

I have an 03 and dont have that issue. You have a 100,000 mile warranty with the engine. I would consider that an engine issue.

 

The engine warranty covers a lot, but I've found that a lot of items are excluded too.

 

I would also have the driveshaft looked at. If you have a crew cab, mabe check the carrier bearing.