I have gone through two brand new oil coolers trying to find the right one to replace my rusted out original. The first one I got was the correct diameter and length, but only has two o ring lips. The original had four, one for each o ring. The second one was the right diameter and four o rings, but its about a half an inch too long. WTF how many different oil coolers did they run on these things! I am about to pull this pos diesel out and drop a gas engine in there! The engine is an 87 6.9, I can't remember if I have the old or new style cooler. Any one know how to tell the difference? I'd hate to scrap a sweet running engine over this problem, any and all help is appreciated.
John

 

Well first off why are you replacing it? If its just leaking all you have to do is replace the o-rings and your good to go. As far as finding a replacment all you can only buy 1 style new anymore (want to say it is the 7.3IDI turbo version) but itll bolt onto any IDI with at most having to change the end caps as well. As far as how many versions they made Im guessing 3-4 (6.9L, 7.3L 7.3L turbo)

 

Hes replacing it cause his is rusted out.


That 2 O-ring one you got, came off a 1983 6.9 that was the only year they had 2 O rings, and were prone to leak.

 

Like John said, it rusted out. I understand its an old truck, I plow snow with and pull trailers it has a hard life. So I have oldest design? I wonder if its possible to modify the 2 ring cooler into. A 4 ring? Is it safe to weld on these? I wonder if there is any solder joints that could be effected by the heat from welding? I have the resources to make a couple rings that could be welded on. If not, does anyone know where I could locate the right one? Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

The reason I asked about modifying the two ring cooler is because it's brand new. If that doesn't work it sounds like I will need to find a used one. Does anyone have a good used cooler laying around they're willing to part with?

 

I guess my only other option besides swapping in a 460, would be going to a 6bt Cummins. I hate to do it but apparently I don't have many options. It sucks the parts availability on the IDIs just isn't there anymore.

 

Boy that escalated quickly...
XU2Z-6VA642-AARM
This is your part number, order it if you want a new one. $280 is my price. $399 is the list price. I can order this right now and have it to my shop by monday morning if I wanted to.
399 is a lot cheaper than any motorswap you have in mind. So really your only other option(s) are to order the correct part from the dealer, get a good used one and rebuild it, sell your truck and buy a different one or swap in another engine for a few grand. And if you're even considering a 6bt, just go ahead and do it because you're not going to be satisfied with the power you're going to be getting out of your 6.9, and parts are readily available for them.

 

Thanks rotaryboots that is very helpful, I will definitely keep you in mind. Just this afternoon got a line on a used one if it doesn't work out you may be hearing from me. Please don't get me wrong here I love my IDI and I really don't want to replace it with a gasser or a "Cumapart". I guess I must be looking in the wrong places for parts. This truck RARELY gives me problems. When I do need something I have a terrible time finding parts. Where is the best place to go? Thanks again!

 

Is this for 1992 F250 with 320K miles?

I see tons of them in junkyard on 7.3L IDI they should interchange. Not sure if I am right or wrong but they look alike to me.

 

I dont know where you live,but in my former home state of michigan and my current residence in north carolina.I have only seen one idi and it was an 85 f350.I would love to find plenty of 7.3's in junk yards.I love my "treasure hunting"

 

X2 on the junkyard thing... There are almost always half a dozen 6.9's and 2-3 of the 7.3's there at the yard i go to. About the only thing that ever gets pulled on these is the IP, sadly the rest goes to the crusher I've had a lot of nice trucks and nice parts disappear on me before I got a chance to grab what I wanted.

 

Now and then you'll find an IDI truck in the junkyards up here. I live in Muskegon county. They are becoming more and more rare, everything rusts out so badly up here. Not to mention I live in Chevy country, people think nothing of scrapping these old Fords.