Worn out 6.9L

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Mar 26, 2005 | 10:41 PM

Atwatead

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Joined: Mar 2005

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From: Barker, NY

Worn out 6.9L

I have an 85 F250 with the 6.9L. It's 4X4 with the four speed stick. The engine probably has around 185,000 on it and it ratttles and burns a quart of oil every couple hundred miles. I did head gaskets probably 30,000 ago and had the heads checked for cracks. The machine shop told me there were small cracks under the valves and that they were as good as boat anchors. That was 30,000 ago and I don't go through antifreeze. Anyway, my options are, rebuild or replace. I have another 85 2wd with the 6.9L and same tranny. It runs good and has better oil pressure. I still would pull the heads and reseal the engine if I were to use it. I also have access to an 89 2wd with a bad 5 speed in it with the 7.3L. This would also probably get heads pulled and checked over before using. My question is, which would be the better engine? Will the 7.3 bolt right in, clutches the same? I know the harnesses have slight differences. I would also possibly be adding a turbo, which engine would handle that better? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Mar 26, 2005 | 11:46 PM

Dave Sponaugle

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From: Nutter Fort, WV

Either engine will bolt right in. The 6.9 and 7.3 IDI engines are all the same.

The wiring for the 83 thru 86 6.9 is the same harness.
Then the glow plug controller and wiring harness changed from 86 to 87.
The 87 6.9 thru 94 7.3 is the same harness.

To bad the 5 speed is bad, I would go with that combination.

Mar 27, 2005 | 08:30 AM

tjc transport

i ain't rite

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

atwatead, i would go with the 7.3. where are you located?? i have a perfect ZF 5 speed out of a 4X4 for that truck in new jersey for $600 complete with a centerforce clutch assembly.