That's good Stewart, Hey honey be back in a couple weeks. I mitt get away with that but most won't. But it is a no-brainer to me also.

 

Well that's useful. I went on their website on all they had was "get our free kit". I'll dig deeper, and if I can't find the form to fill out, I'll PM you. Thanks for that.

Maybe I can drop number 7, install the engine in the Prius, and drive it there. What kind of mileage do you suppose I could get? Imagine the look on the ricers' faces on the way back... and the scorns from the other Prius drivers in either direction.

 

You should be able to tow a very tiny uhaul trailer with the Prius, right?

 

Rich... I seem to recall a rather large CAT dealer in Spokane...they can handle the oil analysis.

 

CAT dealers can do oil analysis? Anybody else? I have Portland, Seattle, and Spokane nearby.

 

Rich, I've got a few of the blackstone bottles, I can priority mail one if you like. PM if interested.


Edit: I would expect the blackstone to come back relatively inconclusive. I bet the bearings are fine, it's a ring/piston or valve issue which won't necessarily show up. You may find some elevated AL levels but not a smoking gun. It's a good test but, it seems you're past that and moving forward with a proper rebuild in which case, why not just cut your oil filter open (with the right tool like an exhaust tubing cutter or oil filter cutter) and that will reveal quite a bit.

I'll be happy to send a couple sample bottles to you if you do need them though.

 

I may have hit pay "dirt". There is a lab in Spokane, WA (3-hour drive from home) that does oil filter analysis. I happen to have an oil bypass filter on Stinky that's due for a change, so this may be the way to get better answers. I'm calling them tomorrow, and I might have a sample to them by Friday.

You guys are really stepping up with the support. I'll let everybody know how things progress.

My thermal camera is allegedly in by tomorrow, and my inspection camera should be in my P.O. box by now. That article posted by snknby123 pointed out that there was a small run of PMR engines in 2000 - so I know where I first want to use that inspection camera.

 

Rich, This entire thing you got going on is such a bummer with all the time, energy and heart you put into this truck. I'm sorry for your headache.

Yes, Cat will do oil analysis. My buddy does it all the time and that's who I use.

Was good to talk to you on the phone the other night and sorry it was so late.

 

IMO if you have the time to spend constantly fixing little issues, normal wear and tear type stuff then spend the money on a rebuild and make it BADA$$...If the pumps, wiring harnesses, suspension, joints, axles, drivelines, rubber boots, intake issues and whatnot ARE going to crimp you on time and the like, consider weighing the brand new truck option. $600 a month or so and you are free from issues, the 6.7L has been out for awhile, stellar motor and trans setup, you don't have to worry about it... These dealerships are BEGGING for 7.3's lately, you will get a pretty penny for that rig you've built. Here in Idaho, they don't even really consider how the motors run, they are considerate of interior and the running gear, people all want to throw a "built" motor in these and make them crazy. I can't get the dealership to quit asking when I'm trading in my truck and I've only got 215K on it. You are quite a mechanic and diagnostic Guru though and I get why you love to do it. Good luck in your decision! I so wish they had a Torque-shift trans to 7.3L compatibility...I'd never get rid of this truck, 3SPD with OD is so 2000's lol...

BTW, thank you for all of your posts! You have been so much help to me and you probably don't even know it! I hope you choose to stick with the 7.3L so I can continue to absorb your knowledge...

 

Oh don't you worry, He's not getting rid of it

 

I'm gonna pull my 302 out my truck and rebuild it starting tomorrow I'll post some pics let me know if you have any questions

 

Suggestion, put a 444CI 7.3 in instead of the little 302

 

I burn up the tires as is, and I don't haul a lot of weight around, I just don't need anything that big. It is an option though

 

I have to pull the oil filter to send to Spokane for analysis, and this is when it decides to rain. Oh well... thank gawd for creepers and asphalt.

One time I had to get the water/rust out of the cylinders in a 302 boat motor (before Merc switched to 307s), and one time I needed a valve job on a 289. When I saw the valves on that 289, I totally got why it was a superior motor over the 302 - that thing can breath. Those were two of my three experiences with heads off an engine, and all of them could tuck under my arm. The heads alone on this project are not arm-tuckers. I would be so far out of my depth on this rebuild - I'm glad there are shops that do this.

 

I have one of these waiting for my overburdened garage space to be pulled and rebuilt in the Crownline. Mercruiser...that will be fun