The death of a diesel engine

[Martyn]

What started out as a ticking, progressed to a knocking, and metal shavings in the oil shows that the engine is terminal. It's a 2001 Ford F250 Diesel with 155K, so it's less than halfway through its life span and I've only owned it for 3 months.

I've been trying to work out what the best thing to do is here and I've been getting great advice, and sympathy, from some very knowledgeable diesel people on the Portal.

I’m leaning toward getting a donor vehicle and pulling the complete engine and doing a full transplant, I think it will be simpler than doing a long block, and if I can get a good engine I think it will be a good move.

There are a few limiting factors in this plan:

My personal finances are low as we just invested our savings in a pre-paid tuition plan for my daughter’s university education.

It’s mid winter here in the Sierras and the truck doesn’t fit into my garage so I either need to have some good weather for the transplant or I need to find a place indoors to do the work.

I haven’t done an engine transplant before, but I do have the Chilton manual.

Anyone got a 7.3L diesel collecting dust ?

Given the situation I’m in what would you guys do?

 

[ntsqd]

From my observation PSD's are or can be finicky about transplants. If you do a swap, move ALL of the engine electronics, no matter how trivial, with the engine.

 

[007]

I have a 2wd 1997 f-350 7.3

you can have the whole thing for $2500

 

[alosix]

Martyn,

I'm not that knowledgeable with PSDs and all of my used parts contacts are 3200 miles away.

But if you need a hand with the swap over a weekend be sure to post up and we'll be there to lend a hand.

Jason

 

[UHAULER]

Have you thought about putting a 12V Cummins in it? I'm not sure it would be cost effective but It might be something to look into.

I've always wanted to build my dream truck, A 1986 F350 4x4 regular cab with a 12v Cummins/and a 5 or 6 speed.

 

[Martyn]

I have a 2wd 1997 f-350 7.3

you can have the whole thing for $2500

Many thanks for the offer, there was an engine change 1999. I'd need something 1999 - 2003.

 

[Martyn]

Have you thought about putting a 12V Cummins in it? I'm not sure it would be cost effective but It might be something to look into.

I've always wanted to build my dream truck, A 1986 F350 4x4 regular cab with a 12v Cummins/and a 5 or 6 speed.

I thought about it, I love the Cummins diesel, but it's an expensive mod.

 

[Capt Sport]

I vote long block, at least you know what your getting and the internals will be new and reliable. With an engine swap from another used truck you don't know how the truck was used. What if you come across a deal on an engine and it comes from one of those trucks you see pulling low boy trailers commercially? I wouldn't want an engine from a truck that been loaded down it's whole life. If the trucks worth fixing it's worth fixing right IMO.

I'd be curious about why the engine died so early in it's life cycle. Do you know the history on this trucK? Cause I think I'd be worried about the transmission as well.

 

[Martyn]

I vote long block, at least you know what your getting and the internals will be new and reliable. With an engine swap from another used truck you don't know how the truck was used. What if you come across a deal on an engine and it comes from one of those trucks you see pulling low boy trailers commercially? I wouldn't want an engine from a truck that been loaded down it's whole life. If the trucks worth fixing it's worth fixing right IMO.

I'd be curious about why the engine died so early in it's life cycle. Do you know the history on this trucK? Cause I think I'd be worried about the transmission as well.

It's never hauled a heavy trailer, the parts to wire the 7 pin are still in a little plastic bag.

Bought it off someone on the Portal, from what I was told it was well treated. No tell tale signs that it wasn't.

 

[Martyn]

Martyn,

I'm not that knowledgeable with PSDs and all of my used parts contacts are 3200 miles away.

But if you need a hand with the swap over a weekend be sure to post up and we'll be there to lend a hand.

Jason

Will do.

 

[Capt Sport]

It's never hauled a heavy trailer, the parts to wire the 7 pin are still in a little plastic bag.

Bought it off someone on the Portal, from what I was told it was well treated. No tell tale signs that it wasn't.
Today 10:08 PM[/QUOTE

Huh? That's odd, cause 7.3's have a really good reputation. Keep us updated, I'd like to know what killed it so early. Good luck!

 

[Martyn]

It's never hauled a heavy trailer, the parts to wire the 7 pin are still in a little plastic bag.

Bought it off someone on the Portal, from what I was told it was well treated. No tell tale signs that it wasn't.
Today 10:08 PM[/QUOTE

Huh? That's odd, cause 7.3's have a really good reputation. Keep us updated, I'd like to know what killed it so early. Good luck!

Yes that's why I bought it. This was going to be the vehicle my wife and I traveled in after our daughter went to college.

 

[locrwln]

Martyn,

But if you need a hand with the swap over a weekend be sure to post up and we'll be there to lend a hand.

Jason

If I am available, I will gladly lend a hand.

I vote long block, at least you know what your getting and the internals will be new and reliable. With an engine swap from another used truck you don't know how the truck was used. What if you come across a deal on an engine and it comes from one of those trucks you see pulling low boy trailers commercially? I wouldn't want an engine from a truck that been loaded down it's whole life. If the trucks worth fixing it's worth fixing right IMO.

I'd be curious about why the engine died so early in it's life cycle. Do you know the history on this trucK? Cause I think I'd be worried about the transmission as well.

I agree and that is what I would do. I wouldn't mess with an unknown, buy a reman long block with a warranty.

I was curious about its demise as well. I mean it is mechanical and anything can break, but you don't hear about them dying with so few miles.

Jack

 

[Shiryas]

I am new to the 7.3's having just purchased a 97 'mechanics special' myself.

You are correct that there was some changes to the 7.3 from 1999.5 to 2003. The changes were to the turbo, pedistal, intake, plenums, but the long block is the same with the same computer sensors and locations.

1995-1997 First of the Powerstrokes (Factory turbo)
1999-1999.5 Addition of an intercooler but same turbo/manifolds 95-97
1999.5-2003 Larger turbo on different pedistal, different intake manifolds and turbo piping

Having said that I would agree with two previous posts here = Swap identical to identical but if you can afford it get the long block with a warranty.

If the long block is just too much $$ right now find a deal on a donor and refresh it a bit such as; ARP head studs, glow plugs, valve covers with UVCH (Under Valve Cover Harness), rear main, end rail oil galleries, the oil pan can rust through (east coast thing?) so check that, the dipstick can come loose and leak from the oil pan.

International is a lot cheaper than Ford for the 444 parts, and what is listed above will help keep the leaks/problems at bay for a long time

As you had said the mileage seems really low to me, which is also why I was not afraid to buy a 97 with 160k, and plan to add at least that too it.

I have lurked a lot of information from this site http://powerstrokenation.com/forums/index.php A lot of the information is about "bombing" these engines but there is also a fair bit of sensible information if you look.

As the other members have also said, post here that you need help. I am certain you will find the extra hands you need.

 

[DT75FLH]

If your thinking of swapping to a 12V cummins , I just listed one on pirate that Im not going to use. I bought it along with a suburban with a blown motor.

then I just bought a 98 quad cab 12V


its a 92 12V with the dodge auto/xfer case still connected, complete with the intercooler and radiator
$1400.