Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and I just bought a summer project truck. Its a 1991 F250 4x4 with the 7.3 idi engine. it had 143K miles on it in 2002, and then was bought by a farmer and used a feed/field truck. I don't know if the current miles is 256k or 156k, but based on everything else on the truck I believe it is just 156k. The guy I bought it from (he bought it from the farmer) had the air box off, and pulled the glow plugs then it sat outside for 2 years so the engine is seized up and full of water. I've used WD-40, and then tried ATF to free up the engine but I've had zero luck. Even tried dragging it in gear but that did nothing. I figured I can rebuild the current engine, or get another engine to get it running for now and then save up later for a turbo. My question is what are all of your thoughts on the following options? I plan to turbo the engine when I can after it runs for every option.

1) Rebuild current 7.3 idi (I have no idea what it could cost at a machine shop, but parts seem to be 1750 with out studs in todays market) (ARP Studs $$$$)
2) Swap in used 7.3 idi (pray there is not bad cavitation damage)
3) Swap in 6.9 idi (ARP studs $)

 

If you want to eventually turbo, I'd stay away from a 6.9 - they have smaller head bolts than the 7.3. As a result, they're less suited for a boosted engine.

I'd plan to rebuild your existing engine, unless you can find a running 7.3 for a reasonable price. The problem with sourcing a used engine is you rarely know what you're buying, so you need a bit of luck with this course of action.

BTW - if you click on the link in my signature, you can see that I'm dealing with exactly the same issue with my truck - seized from sitting and water getting in the cylinders.

Good luck

 

Either engine you would want to use ARP Head Studs for the added Boost.
You can boost a 7.3 more than a 6.9, just have to live within your limits
on both engines.

If there is cavitation, you can sleeve the cylinder`s giving you the problem.

here is a thread running over on OB about rebuilding one of these engines.

https://www.oilburners.net/threads/a...-engine.91419/

Charlie

 

Alright I started calling around and the local good machine shops and they are quoting around 4000(no sleeves)-6000(sleeves on all 8) for all the machine work. I've searched some more on this site and OB and it seems the ProMar remanufactured engines are pretty good, but I am also looking at R&D IDI. I figure just getting a good engine and not having to go though the rebuild myself will be much easier and even cheaper. That's the way I'm leaning, if anyone has an opinion.

 

Man, I sure hope that's in pesos, because if it's dollars and that's the going rate, I'm screwed...

 

I wish it was, the price took me completely by surprise. Though all the shops local to me deal primarily in gas motors. If I could have found a good diesel specialist shop near me it might be cheaper.

 

Here is R&D IDI Performance engines.

https://idiperformance.com/custom-engines/

I need to call him, have an 89 7.3 I want to haul up to him
so he can do his magic to it.
About 1200 miles up there, Iam ready for a road trip.

Charlie

 

Can the intake manifold gasket be reused/ how can I go about reusing it? Its proven impossible to find a new one anywhere online. Everything is on back order it seems.

 

Are you talking about the Valley Pan? I read if you are careful you can remove and
reuse them. yeah the parts supply has dried up since the current leaders are is
charge.
Here is one on E-Bay, brand new, but you better have deeeeep pockets.
Only on evil bay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/11541990474...0AAOSwIbJipBru

You can pull an engine at PNP far cheaper than that, and pull parts off it.
This week end is 40% off.

Now that parts are scarce, they jack up prices everywhere for every thing.



Charlie

 

Yeah that's the part. It sucks they are so expensive but I'm going to be super careful in removing the old one to reuse.

 

Alright I'm gotten some major progress made on the truck, old Engine is out. While I'm waiting a bit longer for a reman unit I'm looking at the wiring. There have been some wires cut by the previous owner, and I'm trying to figure out what they went to. Here is some pictures, what does this green and yellow wire do?

 

You get the reman yet?

 

I have not, I've just been saving. I will have enough for it this Wednesday and plan to purchase it then.

 

Cool. What are you getting?

Complete motor including injection pump, and such?

Here in the rust belt, low-mileage IDIs come up for sale every now and then. And, they tend to be super cheap. But, that's here.

Roy

 

Just a rebuilt long block, I'll be reusing the IP but plan to get new injectors and a lot of other parts. The rebuild I'm getting is sleeved on all 8 cylinders so that's a major perk. IDIs are hard to come by where I am in Kansas, everyone and their grandpa has a Cummins or 7.3 powerstroke.