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1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

Engine Removal Question

Old Nov 7, 2023 | 07:17 AM
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Engine Removal Question

Hello,

Getting ready to pull the engine on the 1997 7.3. I am going to pull the rad support and pull the motor from the front. Do I need to take the turbo off if the motor comes out the front? Do I need to take the baby's butt manifold off?

Thanks for the help,

Bill
 
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 08:00 AM
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No need to take out the radiator support for engine removal. I can't remember if I took of the turbo, but the Up pipes and collector stayed in placed when I removed mine.





Now that I zoomed in the first pic looks like I did remove turbo, and had a head off when my power plant gave up

Here's a few pics of the new engine going in






 
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 08:19 AM
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if your picker can lift that high

I read many took apart the front end because of clearing the front clip from oil pan
 
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 08:45 AM
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I have photos of three engines I've pulled out. Two had a removed rad support and one did not. The ones I removed the rad support, I left the turbo on. The one I didn't remove the support I had to take the tires off the truck, set the axle basically on the ground, and remove the turbo.






 
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 09:20 AM
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I really appreciate the support. This is a big motor. Its a little nerve racking.

I am going to take the rad support off and pull the engine out the front. It seems more realistic for me to do by myself. The way my garage is situated I can't take the tires off. I can't do it outside because my driveway is steep. I need to roll the truck 1/2 way out, support the trans, pull the motor, hang the trans, and roll the truck back in. I can paint the rad support while it is out as well.

Happy with the short block though. It will be worth it in the spring.



 
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 09:45 AM
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Pulling that support will test your patience!
 
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Hit Man X
Pulling that support will test your patience!
If your truck is anything like mine in terms of rust, I’d recommend being prepared to replace every single fastener when reinstalling the support.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 06:47 PM
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I was able to get most of the bolts off the rad support today. I should be fine with the fasteners. Colorado is a great place for cars and trucks. We don't get rust.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by pinbill
I was able to get most of the bolts off the rad support today. I should be fine with the fasteners. Colorado is a great place for cars and trucks. We don't get rust.
Oh, cool! Must be nice! Mine was pretty rough, but I was in there replacing it because of rust damage.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2023 | 07:11 AM
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Was not able to get my engine out without pulling the hood. After that it was no problem. did not have to take tires off or anything. Guess it depends on your picker. Turbo had to come off.

 
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Old Nov 8, 2023 | 03:15 PM
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Holy Crap, That's high up. I am using the same hoist. HF. That scares be a bit working by myself. LOL. I have the time to pull the rad support. I can clean everything up and check all the grounds and lube all the fasteners. They all came out ok.

Is there a bolt going through the main harness connection on the wheel well? I pushed the tab in but and pulled but I didn't want to force it and damage the wires or connector.
 
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Old Nov 9, 2023 | 08:15 AM
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Yes, the main harness connector has a bolt with a 10mm head holding it together.
 
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Old Nov 9, 2023 | 06:28 PM
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I appreciate the reply. I didn't realize when I typed it that it was a dumb question. I just needed to look at the connector. Haha. Everything is ready for the motor to come out. I am going to do it tomorrow. Cleaning parts and organizing today.

My power steering pump bracket has a crack. The ones are Ebay are $300. They must have a weak spot. Do the OBS and Superduty power steering brackets interchange?

Here is an engine removal question. I am going to jack up the transmission along with the motor when I lift it. Should I get the engine mount bolts to clear the frame before I loosen the trans mount bolts? If not when is the best time to remove the trans bolts?

Bill
 
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Old Nov 9, 2023 | 06:32 PM
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Find someone that can TIG. With soiled aluminum brackets they have to be cleaned in a bath, blasted, recleaned, oven baked, then welded. Basically all impurities removed.

Did this on my C4 Vette with AC bracket.
 
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Old Nov 9, 2023 | 07:04 PM
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My plan so far is to drop it off when I have my dipstick welded. Its just a small crack.

Here is another question: I know the o rings in the oil cooler need to be replaced sometimes. I see replacement tubes for sale. Do 7.3 oil coolers go bad?
 
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