I was wondering about how much it would cost to rebuild a 6.9. Im looking at a truck, but the guy said it sounded like an air compressor when he last drove it home. Sounds to me like a valve issue but I dont know much about diesels.

 

You can expect to pay at least $1000 in parts if you opt to replace everything, pistons and all. Labor cost and machine shop service is more on top of that. I spent close to $3000 canadian total, but I bought new heads in my case and did some minor upgrades.

What year is the engine?

 

dam 3000 that more them i paid ofr my truck

 

Any idea how many miles are on the engine?

Compression test would be a great place to start.

What year is the 6.9?

4500 parts and machine work on mine, but I did a few or 20 extras when I built mine.

 

Its an 85 so it shouldnt have the cracking problems of the 83 and 4's. Mileage is anyones guess. The guy is asking 2k for it. Im considering it because it is a rust free crew cab 4x4, those are pretty rare up here in nothern IL.

 

Be aware the first part of 85 had the old style block like the 84 had.

Here is how to tell if it is an old or new style block.

6.9 blocks up to serial #u2u17900 had a thinner casting around the block heater. It is very common for these blocks to crack.


6.9L Old Style Block

Block Casting Number:


On left side of block (beneath oil cooler) 1805440C1
Note: Some 440 blocks are truly new style and must be visually inspected by raised donut around the block heater, frost plug (right rear). Old style below serial number 173828.
Visual Identification: *No counter bored area for block heater
*No defined area on side of block for dip stick
*Thickness of cast iron around block heater 3/8" (.375")
Head Bolts: *7/16, 12 point socket is used to torque head bolts
*Block tapped with 7/16-14 for head bolts

6.9L New Style Block

Block Casting Number: 1807996C1 Note: Some new style blocks have casting
number 440. Above serial number 173828.
Visual Identification: *Has counterbored area for block heater
*Very defined relief area cast in side of block for dip stick tube.
*Thickness of cast iron around block heater 15/32" (.470")
*Latest style (not all new style 6.9) has ribs around head bolts, rear two on left side go from head gasket surface to pan rail - same as 7.3
Head Bolts: *Same as old style 6.9