Henry Ford founded The Ford Motor Company in 1903. Operating for over a century, with headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, the brand has embedded itself in American culture, touted by many as an all-American automobile project.
The company’s influence on American politics and economic consciousness is so significant that it even inspired the term “Fordism.”
The movement encapsulates the aggressive, 20th-century economic development in the United States characterized by mass production as pioneered by Ford.
From its glory days back in the 20th century, Ford’s stake in the global automotive industry lacked consistency.
The brand struggled to keep up with the demands of the 21st century, alongside the other two major American automakers, General Motors, and Chrysler.
The three companies were included in Pres. George W. Bush’s financial rescue plan was enacted in 2008.
Collectively, the companies received $713 billion from the government in loans and aid. Thus, they were able to sustain their operations amidst the tanking economy.
Although Ford manufactures passenger cars, it’s most popular among truck enthusiasts who require reliability.
It keeps on finding ways to satisfy the needs of avid Ford enthusiasts and newbie patrons.
In line with that effort is the introduction of the 7.3L Godzilla engine. As the name suggests, the product boasts might and heft. However, it comes with technical issues, too.
7.3L Godzilla Engine
Ford launched the 7.3L Godzilla engine in 2020. It serves as the base engine for the E-350, F-450, and F-600 models.
The engine replaced the 6.8 Triton V10 and can also be used as an upgrade for the F-250 and F-350 models’ 6.2L Boss Engine. In the last 20 years, Ford used the modular Coyote platform to build engines.
The 7.3L Godzilla engine is a pivot back to how Ford built engines back in the day via the cam-in block pushrod design. The system falls under the pushrod V8 category.
Here are the specs for the Godzilla engine.
Displacement: 7.3 L, 444.9 cu. in.
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Piston Stroke: 3.976 in/101 mm
Cylinder Bore: 4.22 in/107.2 mm
Heads: Aluminum
Block: Cast iron
Compression: 10.5:1
Valvetrain: OHV; variable valve timing
Fueling: Multi-port fuel injection
Torque: 475 lb.-ft., 4,000 pm
Horsepower: 430 hp, 5,500 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Weight: 920 lbs.
Oil Capacity: 8 quarts
If you drive the Ford F-250 and F-350 models, an upgrade to the Godzilla engine from 6.2 Boss will cost approximately $2,000.
One of the main selling points of this upgrade is an increased tow rating at a maximum of 4,500 lbs.
7.3L Godzilla Engine Gas Problem and Other Issues
Relatively new as it is, the 6.3L Godzilla has encountered pushbacks linked to mechanical issues observed by those who have tried the engine. Here is a list of concerns.
Gas Mileage
Those who want to make the most of every penny they spend on gas will have valid concerns about the Godzilla’s gas mileage.
The engine does not go beyond 12 MPG for combined highway and city driving. That number drops significantly when your Ford truck tows heavy objects.
By then, expect a maximum of 8 MPG, which is akin to heavy-duty A RVs. This issue becomes even more serious if you intend to reduce your carbon footprint. With the Godzilla, Ford favors power over gas efficiency and the environment.
Spark Plug Wiring Harness Failure
Ignition coils transfer power to spark plugs, made possible by spark plug wires. This system must work without fail. Otherwise, spark plugs won’t, well, spark.
That’s a problem encountered by early owners of the 7.3L Godzilla engine. Cylinder misfires linked to faulty wiring happen more often than usual. In fairness to Ford, the company fessed up to the mishap, calling it a factory defect.
The manufacturer has addressed the problem, and, fortunately, the part only costs $30 on average. Replacement is free of charge for those still covered by the warranty period.
Stuck Lifters
This is an isolated issue; however, it’s still worth mentioning, if only to give would-be buyers a comprehensive backgrounder on the Godzilla engine.
Sticky lifters remain collapsed instead of springing up and down. If left untreated, it can cause severe damage to a car over time.
Cylinder Scoring
Another isolated concern, cylinder scoring, is usually caused by broken piston rings, improper lubrication, improper cooling, and the presence of foreign particles.
Gas Transmission Problem
Some owners have also pointed out that shifting gears is not as smooth as it should be, resulting in compromised truck control.
This might become a safety issue if the problem persists. Hopefully, this is limited to new cars still needing sufficient break-ins.
Unsmooth Starting
Godzilla drivers have also noted issues when starting the engine via the begin/ignition button. Either a steady idle is not achieved after initial ignition, or the vehicle splutters.
Gasoline Fumes
This is linked to the previous concern. Some users have reported weird smells inside the car after unsmooth starting.
Even when the vehicle drives normally, the smell might be bothersome. This could be due to damage to the fuel pump.
Here, it’s crucial to differentiate widely observed concerns from isolated ones to be fair to Ford’s 7.3L Godzilla Engine.
In this list, only the gas mileage issue seems to affect many users. The others are likely just atypical occurrences that may or may not be caused by engine problems per se.
As to the question of reliability, the short answer is yes. Yes, because it’s Ford. And yes, because there haven’t been any major or life-threatening concerns thus far.
Ford’s 7.3L Godzilla Engine: Far from Perfect
Owing to its loyal customer base, Ford has managed to keep trudging on. But to compete with other automakers, the brand has to prove that it knows how to tap emerging technologies to optimize its products.
That’s the motivation behind the 7.3L Godzilla engine. And while issues plague the product, at the very least, Ford deserves recognition for trying.
If anything, the Godzilla engine is still a nascent system. Who knows what updates Ford will employ to buff it up? It’s best not to dismiss it early in conception.
Ford 7.3 Gas Lifter Problems and Solutions
Gas Engine Lifter Issue
Lifters, also known as tappets, play a crucial role in the engine’s valvetrain system. They assist in the movement of the camshaft, ensuring proper valve operation.
Ford 7.3 Gas Lifter problems can manifest in various ways, causing distressing performance issues and noises that indicate underlying concerns.
Inadequate Lubrication
Insufficient lubrication is a primary culprit behind gas lifter issues. When the lifter isn’t adequately lubricated, excessive friction occurs between its components, leading to wear and potential malfunction.
Lack of Maintenance
Neglecting routine maintenance, such as oil changes and inspections, can accelerate lifter wear and tear.
Contaminated Oil
Dirty or low-quality oil can adversely affect lifter performance, leading to premature wear.
High Mileage
As engines accumulate miles, the wear on lifters can increase, causing issues over time.
Quality of Gas Lifters
The quality of gas lifters used in the vehicle can significantly impact their longevity and performance. Inferior quality or faulty manufacturing can result in premature Ford 7.3 lifter failure, causing problems for the engine.
