Ford F-350 Goes 1.3 Million Miles With Original Diesel Engine.

Diesel engines are noted for their longevity, among other things, but the engine on this Ford F-350 seems out of this world. Then again, regular oil changes and routine maintenance can produce a significant service like for your workhorse.

Mircea Panait's March 5 story in Auto Evolution begins by attempting to give us a sense of how far 1.3 million miles is. Since 52 times around the circumference of the earth doesn't have the same wow factor as two and a half trips to the moon and back (plus a little extra) he chooses the latter comparison. Either way, it's a pretty good haul.

If you've ever owned a vehicle for an exceedingly high number of miles, you're probably aware of how the wear and tear of daily use takes a toll on various other parts and components. The owner of this Super Duty detailed all those replacement steps he took along the way. The most shocking stat was the replacement of 12 windshields. Not sure what he did with that truck but I hope no one was hurt. Other replacement parts included "two sets of brakes, four alternators, four radiators, three sets of belts, and two batteries."

Other replacements also occurred during the life of this truck. It's worn out three turbochargers and getting close to needing a fourth. The universal joints have been replaced a couple times as well as the hub lockouts three.

But that Power Stroke V8 has been something else, a stalwart indeed. In part this is because he's dutifully changed the oil and filter every 8,000 miles. He also uses a gasoline additive with every fill and an oil additive with every oil change.

The fellow who put all these miles on that engine was not the original owner. It was purchased in the neighborhood of 98,000 miles, at which time he removed the EGR cooler and diesel particulate filter in or to improve efficiency and performance.

In the closing section of the story Panait describes the meticulous attention he gives to how he drives his truck, thereby lengthening the life of his tires. In short, the owner has been giving attention to every aspect of his truck's "care and feeding." By giving attention to the thing he loves, his F-350 has given him much in return, though I would still like to know why he had to replace all those windshields.

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If you want to take care of the truck you love, here are some Champion products to keep in mind as you baby your own.

Diesel Engine Oils

Diesel Fuel Additives

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Here's the full article at Auto Evolution. Lots of photos help tell the story:

1.3 Million Miles Later, This 2013 Ford F-350 Still Has the Original Diesel V8