1997 Ford B800F

1997 Ford B800F

The 1997 Ford B800F is a medium-duty commercial vehicle available with a range of engine and transmission options. The standard engine is a 7.3L Power Stroke V8 diesel with 215 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include a 6.8L V10 gasoline engine with 305 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, and a 7.3L V8 diesel with 275 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, and a 4-speed automatic.

Owners generally praise the B800F’s reliability, durability, and towing capacity. However, some have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical system.

Engine

7.3L Power Stroke V8 Diesel

• Injector failure: The fuel injectors can fail, causing the engine to run rough, lose power, or stall. Symptoms include black smoke from the exhaust, poor fuel economy, and difficulty starting. The solution is to replace the failed injector. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000. Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail, reducing engine power and causing increased exhaust smoke. Symptoms include a loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust, and a whistling sound from the engine. The solution is to replace the turbocharger. Estimated cost to fix: $1500 - $2500. Recalls: None Found
• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and a loss of coolant. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1000 - $1500. Recalls: None Found

6.8L V10 Gasoline

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak. Symptoms include a rough idle, loss of power, and poor fuel economy. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $750. Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure: The clutch can wear out, causing difficulty shifting gears or slipping. Symptoms include a burning smell, difficulty engaging gears, and a grinding noise when shifting. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000. Recalls: None Found
• Transmission fluid leak: The transmission fluid can leak from the seals or gaskets. Symptoms include a drop in transmission fluid level, slipping gears, and difficulty shifting. The solution is to repair the leak and replace the lost fluid. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500. Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual

• No issues found.

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission solenoid failure: The transmission solenoid can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. Symptoms include delayed shifting, slipping gears, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the failed solenoid. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600. Recalls: None Found
• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to shudder or slip. Symptoms include a shuddering sensation when accelerating, slipping gears, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $800 - $1200. Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Coil spring failure: The coil springs in the suspension can break or sag, causing the vehicle to ride lower and handle poorly. Symptoms include a sagging or uneven ride, decreased handling, and increased tire wear. The solution is to replace the failed coil springs. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400. Recalls: None Found
• Leaf spring failure: The leaf springs in the suspension can break or sag, causing the vehicle to ride lower and handle poorly. Symptoms include a sagging or uneven ride, decreased handling, and increased tire wear. The solution is to replace the failed leaf springs. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500. Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery failure: The battery can fail, preventing the vehicle from starting. Symptoms include difficulty starting, dim headlights, and a dead battery. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200. Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, preventing the battery from charging. Symptoms include a dim battery light, difficulty starting, and a dead battery. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600. Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No issues found.

Interior

• HVAC system failure: The HVAC system can fail, causing the heating and air conditioning to malfunction. Symptoms include a lack of heat or cold air, excessive noise, and a musty odor. The solution is to repair or replace the failed component in the HVAC system. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $800. Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1997 Ford B800F is a reliable and durable commercial vehicle, but it is not without its issues. Owners have reported problems with the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, and interior. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but they can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs.