Recently I purchased a 1985 F350 with a 6.9L engine. I knew that there was coolant in the oil (murky dipstick test) so I knew I was getting into problems. I assumed the head gaskey had blown since the people at the place I bought it said that "test drivers" had come out to "hear it run" and revved the engine like they were getting ready drag race. So I get this truck in my garage and begin the tear-down. I'm pulling the pushrods out and come to the #7 cylinder where one of the pushrods won't come out obvously because it's bent. Not good, but hey, maybe this is why the head gasket blew. I pulled the valley pan off and discovered the definition of not good. A piece of the block approximately the shape of the State of South Carolina had blown out and bent the pushrod. Now I own a roller and a boat anchor. The lesson here is buyer beware, it's not always as simple as it seems. The good news is that I have an 1984 F250 with a 6.9 that I bought the other truck to replace. I can always pull the motor from the '84 but I was hoping to sell that to make back some of my purchase price. So now (to make a long story.....well that's too late...) I'm looking for a shortblock 6.9L diesel. Any suggestion where to get one?

Also, If I find a 7.3L engine, would that bolt up without too much problem? Just a question while I type.

Thanks for any information you can offer, this site kicks ***.

David

 

What state are you in? there is a Lafayette near me in Central NY. if so and you still need a block I can help you Phil

 

you need the 7.3 Injection pump but it is a direct bolt in otherwise. Been there done that, and if its a 4 speed use the 6.9 Fluwheel and clutch assy. on the 7.3

 

I saw one on E-bay that was out of a county maintenance truck that got wrecked for $500.00. They had a guarantee on the whole thing including exhaust manifolds and y-pipe up to the air cleaner.

If I needed one, I would start there to get an idea, then check the newspapers.

 

I got a 6.9l(out of an 86) in my 92 f-350
the only diffence is you may want to turn the pump up other than that there are some emission crap on the 7.3l pump.should be a direct bolt in mine was. I fiddled with the pump though. I getting to the point in the break in period I probably need to do it again. I'd recommend a pyro before you start playing with the pump or take it to a diesel injector pump shop and have them set it for a 7.3l.

 

I have decided that there is just not enough value left in the old truck to sell it for. So I am going to take the 6.9 out of my other truck and put it in the newer dually. Thanks for all of your offers of assistance. This means I will have some parts available for sale if you need them. Things like a complete (all be it rusty) truck less motor. Some of the highlights might include:

4-speed manual transmission
Complete rear end
injector pump badly in need of rebuild
various pumps, etc... off the dead engine
etc....

If you are looking for parts, let me know.

Thanks again!

David

 

I have a blue '85 6.9 that came out of the woods on the coast. I will be needing many misc. parts and pieces. What color is yours, and how is the body and interior?

 

The body on my donor truck is red and fairly rusty. The interior is red as well but it is not in bad shape. The dash pad is cracked, but the bench seat is good. I will probably "harvest" the tailgate off of the donor. The bed is pretty rough but it is probably salvagable if you're handy with a welder. It does have dual tanks and both of those are in good shape, but I want to hang on to those until I'm sure the tanks in my new truck are good.

David

 

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