6.9 or 7.3
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
1987 is a 6.9.
In the picture above which is at the front of the drivers side head, look at the flat place at the top of the blue circle.
Should be a block serial number with a 4 digit prefix
The last two digits of the prefix will be either 73 or 69 which denotes the engine size.
In the picture above which is at the front of the drivers side head, look at the flat place at the top of the blue circle.
Should be a block serial number with a 4 digit prefix
The last two digits of the prefix will be either 73 or 69 which denotes the engine size.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 901
Likes: 0
From: North-Eastern, Ohio
Actually , the 6.9 was available in '87. This is a special year, best 6.9 motor (compared to earlier designs), new body style, and it was available with the zf-5 speed.
To check, look on the driver's side on the block, behind the IP gear cover (where you pour the oil in) and there will be a serial#. It should start with either U6.9 or U7.3 or something along those lines. You could also look at the glowplugs : spade(flat) connector=6.9 / billet(round)connector= 7.3
Hope that helps.
To check, look on the driver's side on the block, behind the IP gear cover (where you pour the oil in) and there will be a serial#. It should start with either U6.9 or U7.3 or something along those lines. You could also look at the glowplugs : spade(flat) connector=6.9 / billet(round)connector= 7.3
Hope that helps.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
From: Sweet Home, OR
Yep, my '86 has the ZD9s (bullet style).
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,621
Likes: 1
From: Sweetwater Texas
The driver side valve cover should have an International sticker that should tell you which one it is.
Also as mentioned earlier if the oil filler is completely vertical it should be a 6.9, if its tilted towards the rad, its a 7.3.
Also as mentioned earlier if the oil filler is completely vertical it should be a 6.9, if its tilted towards the rad, its a 7.3.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Denair, CA
Actually, my 87 6.9 has it tilted towards the radiator. As Dave S. said 1987 was the last year of the 6.9. The 7.3 came along in 1988 so unless somebody has swapped the engine is should still be a 6.9. Checking the numbers on the engine would be the most reliable method of identifying it.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Denair, CA
Indeed. The 87 6.9 was a little confusing as it debuted some of the upgrades that came on the 7.3 such as the solid state glow plug controller, zd-9 glow plugs, and most had the upgraded rockers in the valve train I believe. Not to mention that nifty, forward facing oil fill neck 
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Previous owners produce interesting combinations.
If I sold mine, well I better make a list for the next owner.
94 turbo IP and lines
DPS Stage 1 injectors
Custom pistons
ARP head studs
93 7.3 glow plug system
92 F 350 Dana 60
96 F 450 hydraboost brakes
7.3 turbo valves and rockers
87 6.9 block
86 6.9 heads
Plus several custom parts manufactured by me.
I already had one Ford alignment tech all shook up.
86 F250 parts for the steering looked nothing like what was under the truck.
The tie rod end in his hand was 2 feet to short to fit.
He never picked up on the monobeam front axle at all.
I guess it was a good thing I walked in when I did, I have a feeling torches would have been involved in getting the 60 to the same specs the 44 should have had.
If I sold mine, well I better make a list for the next owner.
94 turbo IP and lines
DPS Stage 1 injectors
Custom pistons
ARP head studs
93 7.3 glow plug system
92 F 350 Dana 60
96 F 450 hydraboost brakes
7.3 turbo valves and rockers
87 6.9 block
86 6.9 heads
Plus several custom parts manufactured by me.
I already had one Ford alignment tech all shook up.
86 F250 parts for the steering looked nothing like what was under the truck.
The tie rod end in his hand was 2 feet to short to fit.
He never picked up on the monobeam front axle at all.
I guess it was a good thing I walked in when I did, I have a feeling torches would have been involved in getting the 60 to the same specs the 44 should have had.
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Chris Iverson
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Feb 12, 2004 08:30 PM