Questions about f350 powerstroke

I just bought a 01 f350 powerstroke diesel crew cab, and love it. I haven't owned a large diesel before. I bought it to replace my 99 suburban for towing purposes. I can do most mechanics my self, but am unsure about the diesel. Do I need to buy tranny temp, boost, and exhaust temp guages for this thing? It is leaking oil down the passenger side rear of motor, and was told it was a valve cover gasket. I hate car salesmen, and don't trust them at all, so I dought that is the problem. I have been told there is some sort of plug in the back that is prone to leaking. Do I have to test the antifreeze, and add an additive of some sort? The rear axle grease looks like thin brown pudding, is this normal. Also, what are some of the things that I should watch to keep this awesome truck running smoothly? I can now proudly display my 88 sticker in the back window. Thanks for any advice you can give me.

You should add a pt of "DCA" coolant addatve every 6 months or so.

Change your gear oil NOW. No pudding is NOT normal.

The powerstroke diesel is about as good as they get overall. As with anything mechanical, stuff can and does break, but you have a basically good engine, so any troubles you have are most likely flukes. We run about 100 of these, many have over 200,000 miles on them, and a few over 300,000 with only one engine needing replacement (due to severe overheating).

Keep a spare cam sensor and a 10mm wrench with you AT ALL TIMES, and know where it is and how to change it.

You do not need to add any gauges, just change your ATF every year and you whould never have torubles with it.

Find a shop that can fix stuff, not just replace parts. They are harder to find, but it is well worth it.

... It is leaking oil down the passenger side rear of motor, and was told it was a valve cover gasket. ... I have been told there is some sort of plug in the back that is prone to leaking...

Exactly. I, too, just acquired one of these wonderful vehicles and have the same oil leak. I was also told "valve cover gasket", but while there may be some seepage, it cannot possibly account for what appears to be half a gallon of oil every day.. most lost while driving, not while sitting. This 'plug' you speak of is what I"m looking for. If anyone knows of a schematic of the top end of this motor, please point me in that direction.

Thanks!!!

Just an update on this forum. I still have the truck, and still runs good. I had to have the automatic transmission rebuilt two weeks after buying it. Thank goodness it was still under warranty. Changed all the fluids, filters, and drained water from the fuel system. This truck pulls like a mule. I tow a 30 ft. camper to the nascar races, and tows great. I am looking to do some performance upgrades (mild) on the old girl now. Happy trucking.

If leaking oil, most of the tim eit can be the pan, rear main, valve covers, or turbo. Most of the time if oils coming from the turbo you can see it on your turbo pedistol. my best bet is for you to physically crawl under it and look from below first with a light. if you cant see any leakage from bottom, check valve covers and most importantly the turbo, check chemi-cool "blue" boots on intake and exhaust, and then chemi-cool "Orange" boots on lower side.

My 99 was leaking a quart every 500-1000 miles a few years ago and found oil all over the top of the motor. Ended up being stripped bolts in the turbo which was common in early 99's. $100 deductable took care of the problem and now at 216K miles all seems well.

The 2001 Super Duty's with the 7.3's have a tranny problem which is known as the mechanical diode failure issue. I'm sure this is what happened to yours and your new tranny should be trouble free for a long time.

If your thinking mods first do a triple pillar pod. Got one in the F250 and my tranny has been saved three times in the past two years because of it.
Buying a set up for the Excursion too soon.