I’m not looking for a debate thread, I’d like to get some input from firsthand experience with buying a short block (not a long block) from an engine builder. Thanks in advance for your replies!

 

 

Wish I could help ya, but also glad I can’t help ya. Because if I could, that would mean I’d have had to replace my engine

And I def know the feeling in the gif😂

 

I can probably bolt it back together and run it another 75k but not wanting that feeling of anticipation for it to leave me stranded. Looking at machine shop full rebuild options if it’s more cost and time effective.

 

Crank and crank bearing wear, if I do this I’m doing a full rebuild or short block.

 

I have used three of these reman short blocks, I have very few 6.0 trucks left in the fleet. Had some serious issues with the Motorcraft and Navistar reman engines. All of these were installed with all new heads and full Ford gaskets. Absolutely no issues long term in fleet use. I believe two of them are above 100k.

6.0L Ford Powerstroke Diesel Stage 1 Short Block - Dynamic Diesel Performance & Machine Inc.

 

Thank you for the recommendation!

 

Some of what is in those images I don't think is too abnormal, but for the mileage, my interpretation is the wearing to the copper is high. I didn't understand at first why you have so much scoring. You probably could just put new shell in and let it run for some time. Then you mentioned the history of the vehicle. I'm speculating the first owner didn't take care of it well, and/or there was work done on the vehicle and cleanliness during the work was not a high priority. We all will get some debris and dirt in the moto, and there will be score lines in bearings and journals from that. There's way more history there than just the normal machining marks on the journals.

 

I totally agree Jack, it’s pretty hairy. I know I was meticulous when I worked on her so it had to be from the previous owner’s shade tree shop! From the looks of it someone has been in this engine since it was new because the amount and placement of grey RTV is insane. It was globbed on the front and rear cover and every front cover bolt had it on the threads. There is no service record of the studs, oil cooler or EGR delete (welded on both ends) so I know someone at least did that much somewhere other than the dealership. I am looking through my records for the documentation I was given when I bought it at 150k and over three years ago. I have service records from Ford for the 120-150k mileage but none before that. Who knows but I know I really don’t feel like pulling this engine every six months so I’m going to do it right and be done with it. I spoke with a local machine shop (2 hours away) and the lead machinist and owner is going to call me Monday to discuss further. I think I can get the machine work and parts and assemble the short block in my little shop for less than buying a short block.
keep the recommendations coming guys, I’m just weighing options and seeing what some of your past experiences have been with short blocks. It might be worth another $500-700 to have a reputable shop do the machine work and assembly but some of these quotes I’ve been given are pretty wild.
Thanks!

 

The problem of today is a good automotive machine shop. Everyone I trusted a few decades back is retired, shops closed down. If one of them were still around, I probably would have gone the full monty. Well, maybe. Northeast rust aging and I can't click the order button without thinking how much is already down the hole. Pick your sources .... wisely.

 

I know, after all I’ve been through and stories from others I am pretty leery. My buddy had a great experience with Texas Engine Machine and I’ve spoken with Jeff and his other guy twice now. They are old school and build hot rod engines and have several decades experience each in the machine shop. I’ll take a two hour scenic drive through the Texas hill country for that. I’d like to find a source for a cam, piston, ring, wrist pin and bearing package if I go with a rebuild over the short block. TEM sells parts at competitive prices so I may just get it all from them.
http://www.texasenginemachine.com/about