I'm pulling the 7.3 from my '01 Excursion to replace the rotten oil pan. The motor only has 90k on it and has no issues (other than the rusted pan).

While it's out are there any components that should be serviced/replaced? I replaced the rear main seal a couple years ago when I had the tranny out to replace the input seal.

Planning to hang onto this truck for a while, so I would just assume take care of things while it's out of the truck. The tranny coolant lines are pretty rotten as well as the coolant hose clamps, so they are being changed now.

 

From what i have read over the years. it would be a good time to tack weld the piston cooling jets. Im not totally sure how it's done. I have never seen it yet

 

Good time to rebuild the oil cooler and many say to go with a Melling LPOP while you are there.

 

While the tranny is out, good time to do the ih

 

Oops. Install ih bellowed uppipes. Pita to do when ya have a exhaust leak with tranny in

 

Ih bellowed up pipes

 

Thank you! This motor has a full Banks Powerpack on it as well as gauges - I've been suspicious of a pre-turbo leak for a while now. Been missing about 3-4 psi of boost and a couple MPG of mileage loss. The up pipes have exhaust staining at the baby's butt and the joints were loose. Exhaust manifolds are pretty rusty too. Hard to decide where to stop with replacing this stuff.

 

Well up pipes for sure. One of the best things you can do. What year is your motor? If its an e99 there are a few other things you can do if money not that tight.

 

Regarding the oil cooler - how do they typically fail? Mine is showing no signs of any external leaking. When I drained my coolant it was fairly disgusting so a good thorough flush with a cleaner is in order as soon as it's back together.

I'm familiar with the issues related to oil cooler failures on the 6.0/6.4 platforms, but have not heard of similar problems with the 7.3. If external leaking is the concern I'm not sure the money is justified right now - looks like a $300-$400 replacement with seals.

 

When they leak you get oil in your coolant, mine didn't go until 300K. It's a cheap fix with an o-ring kit, I got mine from Riff Raff, I'd send the link but the site is down for maintenance. How many miles on your engine?

 

Personally, I wouldnt replace the oil cooler until it went out. No real harm is caused if it does go bad, just understand it does need to be treated seriously if and when it does fail.

The only thing I would say is the up pipes. Everything else (to me) is wait until it fails, or its accessible from in the engine compartment.

But I'm not really a "replace it while I'm there" kinda guy. I believe there is something to be said for factory components, just because its all that has ever been there. With most things the factory installed seals and parts seem to last longer than aftermarket or even OEM parts used to replace factory parts.