Sorry for the long first post but, in my lurking here over the past few months I've noticed more detail seems to be appreciated.

This summer, I bought a very clean used 2001 F250 4x4 7.3 6 speed with about 120k miles on to use as a tow vehicle to take the race car to the track periodically. When I bought it, the truck seemed to run well but what do I know this is my first real experience in buying a diesel. Got a good deal on it and expected that there would likely be some problems to fix. I live in NJ, work in NYC and commute via public transportation; so the truck could be out of commission to fix whatever evils I found as long as it's ready to haul next year.

Maintenance done so far has been an oil change, diff and tranny lube change, fuel filter change, chassis lube and a coolant flush. I did the 6637 air cleaner mod and swapped on a turbo back 4" exhaust. Cleaned up the bed and rhino lined it. Removed the Lund sun visor and am repairing the damage. Towed the race car from OH to NJ once. All told I've driven it about 1,500 miles and am generally happy with the truck. But, it has smoked a bit more than I though normal and had less power than I'd expected so..................</FONT>

<FONT size=2>I took it in to a well respected truck service department a ford dealership. They specialize in diesels, Ford and <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:place><font color=" /><st1:City><ST1:place><FONT color=black>Sterling</FONT></ST1:place></st1:City><FONT color=black>. They found the #8 injector not working and the #4 & 5 injectors marginal too. Replaced all 3 them. #8 gave them some troubles so they did a leak down test on the #8 cylinder and found 200psi with the leak through the bottom end. Thought it might have gone lean and messed up the rings. To top it off, they're saying that the turbo is dusted. They've been very honest and straight dealing but, I've gotten confirmation of the problems at another respected diesel specializing ford sterling dealership. Never hurts for a second opinion.</FONT></FONT>

<FONT color=black><FONT size=2>Looks like my 3 options are a replacement long block, short block & clean up the heads or rebuilding the existing engine. Also the turbo will also need a rework. If I continue to work with the dealership shop, they'd recommend a replacement long block. I understand they're point of view but, they respect mine that rebuilding may be more cost effective given the intended use of the vehicle. I've seen rebuild kits for $1000 vs. long blocks at $7000 at the powerstrokeshop.com. I think I'd rather rebuild than replace as it seems to be a more cost effective solution. </FONT><FONT size=2>I'll need someone to do the work for me as I do not have the facilities to do the work myself. (renting an apartment)</FONT></FONT>

<FONT size=2><FONT color=black>Now the question.... Does anyone know of a reputable diesel engine shop that can do the engine rebuild? Preferably in the Cleveland OH or Columbus OH areas or possibly the New York City, Northern NJ / Southern NY areas? I'd prefer </FONT><st1:State><ST1:place><FONT color=black>Ohio</FONT></ST1:place></st1:State><FONT color=black> because labor costs likely cheaper. I'm from Ohio and still have at family and friends there who can help.<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O:p< font O:p<></FONT>

<FONT color=black><FONT size=2><O:p< font O:p<></FONT>
<FONT color=black><FONT size=2>Any experience or insights appreciated.<O:p< font O:p<></FONT>
<FONT color=black><FONT size=2>Thanks,</FONT></FONT>
<FONT color=black><FONT size=2>Bill</FONT></FONT>
</O:p<></FONT></O:p<></FONT></O:p<></FONT>

 

I haven't rebuilt any diesels as of yet, but I've redone a couple small block fords and a couple 22RE Toy's. I'd much rather rebuild something and know exactly whats in it and be money ahead, but thats just me, I do all my own stunts, I mean work...

 

$3450 +frt for a long block w/forged rods. $600 core chg.

http://www.engineserviceinc.net/SH-ENGINESERVICEINC/Products.html

 

Hey Bill Welcome to FTE. The long block kit that Guzzle pionted out seems like a great deal. With Forged Rods too. Big plus. It sounds like your in for a turbo too. I have the GT 38r-BB Turbo, and I love it. It's got a great sound too. I know there's a CO on the east coast somewhere, and I believe they are in NewYork too. I just can't remember the name of the Co. I do remember that they are a strcitly Ford Diesel outfit though. I'm still searching. Country. This is the Co I've read about in Diesel Power Magazine. It's "Long Island Performance Diesel" "Eastcoast Diesel Performance" is another one. He is also a DP Tuner dealer. He is in Jonestown pennsylvania. Hope this helps. Country