Calling for all comments and suggestions: (sorry for the length here but want to explain my situation in total)


I have a 1990 F250 Lariat 7.3 IDI (Non-Turbo) 4x4 "Project" Truck. I paid near nothing for the truck and it is intended to be a project for my 13 year old son and I. It has 190K on the engine and only 30K on a new Tranny. I purchased it from a friend with some known flaws but it is in reasonably good condition. The major issue with it is the original and only owner of the truck was advised to add Alum A-Seal to avoid dealing with a blown head gasket condition. I didn't want to continue to hide the issue as this is going to be a hunting/fishing backcountry and camping rig so have flushed the Radiator (and took care of a few other minor items - Fuel lines, glow plugs and Oil/filter). The blown gasket has now become very evident (losing water in the Radiator, moisture in the oil and significant white/bluish smoking) and I want to address it.


Options as I see it are, replace the head gaskets or replace the engine. The reason I am leaning to an engine replacement as I am unsure what issues the Alum a-seal may have caused even if I replace the head gaskets. I too am unsure if its only the head gaskets that are the issue now. i.e. cracked heads? Piston?


So gents or ladies... what are you thoughts? I don't plan on doing either major option myself as I have a current shoulder that I am having surgery on soon. I have a very good mechanic that I will be seeking advise from as well that will not take me down a path just to profit. It has also been suggest by some I go to a gas conversion if I replace the engine. This is my first diesel and I am fine with staying with diesel especially with the low mileage tranny already on the truck.


Jasper has been recommended if I go with a replacement.


Thanks in advance.

 

I'd fix the motor. No reason to get rid of a(likely just fine) motor.

The alum-a-seal would clog up your radiator if anything; the passages are pretty large in our engines, which is good. A flush or two will get most of it out.

Once you pull the heads, you can see what's going on better -- if it's just a poor gasket, great. You can also pull the valves and have the heads magnafluxed at the local rebuilder.
Heck, if you want to spend the money(about 3K is typical) you can have the whole engine re-bored and rebuilt. Really nice, but expensive.
Remember that if you swap out another used engine, you could be looking at the same or worse problems than you have now. If all it is is a headgasket...

 

I would also say stick with the engine you have at 190k. Just be aware, these engines and heads are VERY heavy. A head job with the engine in the truck is a difficult process. Make sure your mechanic is aware and equipped. Some will say that pulling the cab is less troublesome than working around the engine compartment, but I have never done it. I did pull the core support when I did my motor, but I was pulling the motor out. Also be prepared for the possibility of cracked heads. These heads have a reputation for cracking around the pre-cups. I went through four sets of heads to find one good set. Fortunately, for me anyways, they were not very expensive and readily available.

IMHO, a Gasser conversion is a crazy idea. There is a lot more to do than just swap motors, and reliability and mileage are sacrificed.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Mac.

 

another vote for reconditioning the current engine.
do you have a local engine rebuilding /machine shop in your area with a very good reputation?
if so, ask them and your mechanic their ideas.




and stay away from jasper engines. they are assembly line rebuilders.
as long as it fits it is close enough to good.
jasper engines are for people that need a running engine to sell the truck.

 

I wouldnt be afraid of the alum-aseal. Pull the heads and toss some gaskets on. I was quoted $1500 today to hone, line bore, ring / bearing, lap valves, deck heads / block, press in new cam bearings, install new cam / lifters, studs and girdle. Granted i have the parts minus rings and bearings.

 

Thanks guys for the responses. Truck went in today to the Mechanic for Head Gasket replacement... going to take care of a few other things as well.

 

Thanks... took your advise :-)