Hi all. I have an 86 6.9 truck with 330k on it. I just bought a used 6.9 with the older style banks turbo on it. I was going to build the used 6.9 and put it and the turbo in my truck but found that the block is the undesirable 1st. gen block. My question is should I not waste my time with this block or should I find a newer 6.9 block. I don't want build an engine if the block is gonna crack. If it isn't cracked already. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

The cracking concern area that I am aware of is around the block heater. Just pull it and toss it and put a freeze plug in its place.

 

Or just dont use the block heater.


BTW if anyone can tell me how the block heater cracks the block id love to know.

 

I would personally not sink money into rebuilding an early 6.9. The block heater cracking is just a symptom. The blocks are overall weaker than the later ones. Ditto for the heads. Prone to cracking. I would rebuild your 1986 engine, or find a 1984-1987 builder. Read this, and decide for yourself...

Rebuilding the International 6.9/7.3L Powerstroke Engine: Engine Builder

FWIW I would put 7.3 exhaust valves and rocker arms in it while you had it torn down, and choose an upgraded cam grind to fit your use. There are some excellent ones available.

 

it makes ya stop and think doesn't it? how many of the early 6.9l's are still out there running just fine after nearly 30 years without trouble.it's kinda like the 7.3l's with all the trouble of cavitaion so therefore when many reman,they don't dare to punch 'em out for all their worth to get max cubes.just where are all the threads titled "oh no my early 6.9l block just cracked help!" or "OMG my 7.3l just suffered from block worm!"
it's likely because people know not to use the block heater on early 6.9l's to avoid stressing the flaw and people know to use premixed coolant with sca's (with both engines) so neither are anything that are common issues across the idi diesel sections of forums.

that said,one has to stop and pause though,why reman an engine with a design flaw to start with? the only real reason would be if there are not enough late/updated 6.9l blocks left to reman as that would drive the price up considerably.
however this will likely never be the case,as most have abandoned this platform many many moons ago,so these engines in running form,let alone just desirable blocks are extremely easy and affordable to come by.making it pointless really to bother with an early 6.9l block.

 

Thanks for the replies. I think I might take the block to the machine shop and see if there's any cracks around the block heater area. If not then I think I'm going to use it. If it is cracked Im just going to junk it but there's a few people around here that have the early 6.9 with a block heater and have 200-300k miles on them and have no problems.

I'm pretty excited about this build. I cant wait to get it done and put the turbo on. Doing this is a lot cheaper than buying a new pickup plus, I hate to admit, I love working on my pickup

If you guys have any more tips on this build it would be greatly appreciated. Im going to do head studs and turn the ip up a little already but any more info would really help


Thanks

 

After reading that... i would say there are more than a couple reasons why i dont find it credible.

 

International 6.9/7.3L Powerstroke Engine?

 

Article covers 6.9, 7.3 IDI & IDIT as well as early 7.3 DI Powerstrokes.

As Hairyboxnoogle pointed out, they pretty much kill their own credibility by making the assertion that NA blocks are not fit for turbocharging. That said, I believe the documentation of casting differences and changes are correct and useful. My point to the OP was not that an early block will fail on him, but rather that a quality rebuild requires around $2,000 in parts and machine work and given the choice I would invest that money in the "better" block. Of course if you must keep the truck running on the 86 engine while you rebuild, I completely understand from a logistical standpoint why you would choose the 83 as your rebuilder. Nothing wrong with that, just sayin'...

 

I have a torque cam available and also can get stainless valves at a good price. Which turbo do you have? Upgrades are available. And Im always looking for an excuse to come to parkdale for ice cream.

 

Hey typefour...

I have the old style banks turbo w/ complete exhaust. There's some shaft play so I'm going to send it in to get rebuilt. I don't want to have to take the turbo back off for a long time after I install it, it can be a real PITA.

Let me know on a price for cam and valves.

 

Also, does anyone happen to have the installation instructions or parts list for the old style banks turbo.


Thanks a lot.

 

I have brand new center cartridges for those turbos.

 

Hey 318, Typefour is the guy you want to talk to. Take him up on the ice cream, he's full of information and great parts. If he's close and it sounds like he is, you should ask for his help with information you want.

 

Just got the block back from the machine shop. They hot tanked and magnafluxed the block and found no cracks!!! Cylinders looked great and rod and main bearings looked really good. Whoever owned this engine previously really must have kept up on their maintenance. The heads are going to the machine shop next week. Im getting pretty excited about this build.
I do have an off topic question though. Can you get 10-15 lbs of boost from the older style banks turbo? Anything else I should do before I put everything together?
Thanks for the help and advise. Ive definately learner a lot from reading this forum.