I just recently found that my truck (2000 Excursion, 7.3L) is going though 'way' too many quarts of oil, even by Ford standards.

I have it at the mechanic now and their belief is that the injector (seals) are failing and thus oil is now getting 'sucked' through.

I have just a couple of questions, with the assumption that although I do small projects on my truck, getting into the engine is beyond my skill level.

1) Does this diagnosis sound plausible?

2) How much 'should' it cost to replace all 8 injectors. They've informed me that they would get a kit from Ford that would allow them to rebuild all 8 of mine. Their quote is parts plus labor = $1100 (tax included).

3) If they're going to be into the engine to redo the injectors, is there any other parts I might just want to get them to replace while they're in there? For reference the engine has 175K miles on it, and to my knowledge, nothing fuel system wise has been replaced/redone. Basically, if there's any other inexpensive parts to replace while they've got it opened up, I'd rather do it now as opposed to having to repay for the labor involved in opening it all up in say 6 months from now.

4) Is there anything better than the Ford injector Kit that I might want to use? I'm talking more of after market stuff, that 'might' get me on my way to some more power/torque, not that I'm lacking, but, I do plan to keep this truck a while, and would like to eventually make it a bit more of a 'beast'. If there is better stuff out there, and it's only a couple bucks more, I'd love to know about it.

Thanks in advance for any advice you might have

 

Leaking injector o-rings is plausible, so if it is a good diesel shop, I don't see any reason to argue with them. Does it also have problems starting a little too slow when it's sat all night or over the weekend?

Are they rebuilding the injectors, or just replacing the o-rings? Have they done any type of testing to determine which injector(s) are leaking oil, or are they just going to do all 8?

If they are rebuilding the injectors and not just replacing the o-rings, what kind of warranty are they going to give you with those? Several people have had problems with rebuilt injectors.

As for more power, what are your long term goals, and how much are you willing to spend? If you're just looking for modest power gains, there's no reason the stock injectors won't work (in my opinion). Beef up the tranny, add some gauges, then get a quality tuner like DP and you'll see some impressive gains.

I would have them re-torqe the rockers (20 ft-lbs) and install the retainer clips available from International to make sure the wiring harness under the valve cover doesn't come undone to be on the safe side.

There's really not much else to do under there unless you're worried about your glow plugs or have a chaffing issue with the wiring harness. It all looks pretty simple once you get the valve covers off.

 

They had said they would actually be rebuilding my injectors, using this kit from Ford (which from what I gathered contained a bunch of o-rings/seals/etc). They did in fact use the word 'rebuild'. As far as warranty goes, on the rebuild, that would be a good question.

As far as diesel shops go, they are pretty good. They've done work for me in the past, and I've never had a problem after.

They are suggesting to do all injectors. They did indicate some are worse than others, but, overall, they could all use a rebuild. I really am not sure what 'tests' they performed to come to that conclusion.

A bit of a tangent, but, what does one do to beef up the tranny on these things?

At any rate, thanks for all the suggestions. I'll be speaking with them again this afternoon.

 

To some shops, rebuilding the injectors is just the orings and seal kit(they actually do not open up the injector) to other shops a rebuild means to completely disassemble the injector, and rebuild with new springs, intensifiyer plungers, poppets,tips, and a new solenoid. (if this is the case get a set of remanufactured injectors from Alliant power).
Injectors sometimes go bad, but not too often, the orings, and the seals are probably what the are going to do.

as far as the tranny, with 175K on the clock you may need a rebuild, look into BTS(brians truck shop) in Arkansas, or John Woods (in california)

As Chris stated a good custom tune (with supporting mods) can easily add more than enough power for a daily driver. Now I am not talking about an off the shelf tuner (i.e. edge, suprchips, bullydog etc...) but a custom tuner from DP-tuner, or Tony Wildman. each of these guys will take into account what your trucks routine is and where you live (low elevation vs. high elevation) and make your truck run like you never thought it coiuld.

 

The $1100 price tag they are quoting you is nothing more than the injector o-ring kit and labor to pull the valve covers off, pull out each injector, replace the o-rings, and put them back in. They are not rebuilding injectors at this point. A dealership doesn't even have the capability to rebuild injectors. A set of stock remans will cost closer to $2000 for the injectors alone, and that does not include the labor to put them in.

The o-ring kit they are using is pretty standard, and used by everyone.

The only other "inexpensive" parts that should be looked at this point with the valve covers off are what Chris suggested.

 

You are right of course. You'll have to forgive my for being cynical, but I was trying to make sure the shop wasn't trying to tell him they were rebuilding the injectors for that price.

As for beefing up the tranny, since you live in CA then you'll probably want to get familiar with John Woods tranny shop. He can build you a buttet proof tranny, of if your tranny is in good shape he can sell you a valve body to have installed in your tranny. You can call and talk to them about your plans to install a tuner like DP or TW, then also let the tuner guys know you're putting the valve body in so everyone is on the same page.

 

You might have a look here:
PowerStroke 7.3 Injectors

Rebuilt stockers for $650, and 160cc single shots for $985.

 

i done my o-rings myself at a cost of about $40 and 5 hrs. labor. it's easy if you know how to turn a wrench. i would be glad to help if you want some tips.

 

I am getting real reman injectors from Beans for $1550 and those are stage II single shots.

The best you can do is to buy a BTS Valve Body. I wouldn't throw a good Torque Converter in. You see, when the trans gives, the TC will have to be cut apart, cleaned, rewelded and rebalanced. Read $$. ($400 for my GM one). Not worth it. IIRC, a BTS VB is about $225. If you ever need a readjustment of the firmness of the shift points, Brian can walk you thru which hole to enlarge in the plate he provides. Also, you will get credit towards a BTS trans when you need it. It will have a 2 yr warranty. Within 2 yrs, he pays for shipping. After 2 yrs, if you want him to rebuild it, you pay for shipping ONLY.

Edited for mistakes.

 

I think you mean the TORQUE CONVERTER needs cut apart, not the VB.

 

Sorry. My bad.

 

redo the glow plugs along with the other stuff talked about before....I would upgrade to rebuilt stage 1s at least...you can do that for around 1100 no labor