Hi everyone,
I have a 96 7.3L powerstroke that I want to do a rebuild on. My concern is that it has been sitting for about 3 years. Last time it was started was a year ago but it only has 150,000 miles on it. So I am curious if you guys can point me to some good instructions/videos that cover what I am going to need? My intent is to pull the engine from the truck so access to everything should not be a problem. Also, how will I know if the piston cylinders will require honing or should I just do it anyway?

This is a father/son rebuild and I want to give him the truck when we are done. He doesn't know that yet. haha. He turns 16 in august.

 

Are you sure it needs to be rebuilt? Maybe get it running first and see where you are? Pictures!

 

Do as Byron said try to start her first to determine if it needs a rebuild.

 

Thanks for the replies. the last time it was started it had lost a lot of power. To the point where I had to floor it for a not so steep hill. I think there are some injector issues. I know for sure the glow plugs are bad. I guess I am just concerned that after a year of sitting there one or more Pistons might be frozen in place. how would I tell if that's the case?

 

Put some batts and crank her, if she dont spin remove the glow plugs and put some tranny on each cylinder and let it soak overnight and try cranking her with out the glow plugs, if she spins put new glow plugs and try to start her.

Oh by the way Welcome to FTE and to the OBS brethren.

 

Okay. I'll try to get it started tomorrow and let you guys know.

 

If your curious before you turn the key just put a wrench and cheater bar on the crank bolt and turn it over a little by hand. If it moves, your fine.

 

If the engine hadn't been apart and it's just been sitting, you shouldn't have any issues. These guys gave you some good advice. Oh yeah, welcome to FTE!

 

I'd try a socket on the crank bolt first. If it turns over, I'd then try to start it.

 

Completely agree with Darin. These motors arent terribly hard to turn over by hand. Your glow plus won't make it run poorly. Maybe until it warms up a bit, but not at temp. See if it turns over by hand first and we can go from there.

 

okay. so I charged the batteries. I didn't have anything to turn it by hand first so i just took a shot in the dark and just tried to crank it with the key. She turned over but wouldn't start. It is still a little chilly here (about 55 degrees) so i am sure that isnt helping. Batteries went dead again so i am charging one more time to see what it will do. If she wont start any thoughts?

 

Make sure the hpo reservoir is full, dissable the glow plug relay and use some ether.

 

Z31freakify. i checked the HPOP and there is oil in there, however it is probably about 1.5" from the bottom of the plug opening. is that too low to keep it from starting???

 

Fill it to the top it'll settle where it should be. Make sure engine oil if full also

 

What these guys said and PLUG IT IN. That will help. Injectors need to 10.5 volts to fire. Let us know how it goes.