Does this sound right?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Northern Nevada
Does this sound right?
Hello all
Two weeks ago i posted a question about a clicking noise in my engine after a long trip. I took the truck in today to an independant shop which did a compression test. The tech told me that the rear driver cylinder was at 25% of the rated compression, he also said the ticking noise was from piston damage on the two rear passenger side pistons from faulty injectors. He said both had fuel in them and were damaged,but I dont recall a compression rating on either one. I faithfully maintain this truck and it only has 115,00 miles on it. This is my summer towing rig and I am faced with having to buy a new truck. the truck is a 1994,F-350 turbo 7.3 liter. Any suggestions? Oh, the repair price for the engine is $11,000!
Two weeks ago i posted a question about a clicking noise in my engine after a long trip. I took the truck in today to an independant shop which did a compression test. The tech told me that the rear driver cylinder was at 25% of the rated compression, he also said the ticking noise was from piston damage on the two rear passenger side pistons from faulty injectors. He said both had fuel in them and were damaged,but I dont recall a compression rating on either one. I faithfully maintain this truck and it only has 115,00 miles on it. This is my summer towing rig and I am faced with having to buy a new truck. the truck is a 1994,F-350 turbo 7.3 liter. Any suggestions? Oh, the repair price for the engine is $11,000!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: florida
I would get a second opinion. I'm sure others will chime in, but 11k is excessive. If all you need is 2 pistons, thats all I would buy for the truck. You didn't mention if the truck was running hot or using excessive oil. I would have someone pull the engine, replace the bad pistons and and install new injectors. That would be it. Your chosen mechanic is looking for a stimulus from you.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Northern Nevada
The truck seems to be running fine. The truck does use coolant but no oil. I just towed 1200 miles with a 9000 pound trailer and it seemed to do fine. I asked him about rebuilding or sleeving and he said typically these engines develop cracks and it would not be advisable.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 358
Likes: 1
Get a new mechanic. The 7.3 can develop cavitation holes, but that is rare and esp at that mileage. The early 6.9's could crack around the block heater, but that was later rectified.
I have bought complete running trucks for under $1000 CDN.
Even if you did need a whole new engine, which I think unlikely, look at max $3-4000 for a complete good as new rebuild. Much can be done for much less with a little digging.
Good Luck.
I have bought complete running trucks for under $1000 CDN.
Even if you did need a whole new engine, which I think unlikely, look at max $3-4000 for a complete good as new rebuild. Much can be done for much less with a little digging.
Good Luck.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: florida
some on this board think the 86 or 87 6.9 is the best engine, because of thicker cylinder walls. I thought i was getting a 7.3 engine, but the mechanic installed a late 6.9. I like it fine, but still sorting the turbo.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: florida
The truck seems to be running fine. The truck does use coolant but no oil. I just towed 1200 miles with a 9000 pound trailer and it seemed to do fine. I asked him about rebuilding or sleeving and he said typically these engines develop cracks and it would not be advisable.
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
From: Sweet Home, OR
I would NEVER go to that guy again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He wants you to buy him a new motor for his truck!
That's a blatant, flat out RIP OFF!
I can't imagine a reputable shop couldn't pull the engine, rebuild the WHOLE thing and reinstall it for $5K. You could probably get a quality job for less.
He wants you to buy him a new motor for his truck!
That's a blatant, flat out RIP OFF!
I can't imagine a reputable shop couldn't pull the engine, rebuild the WHOLE thing and reinstall it for $5K. You could probably get a quality job for less.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Northern Nevada
Yea, I thought this was a little extreme. I am going to take it to another shop for a second opinion. If this doesnt get fixed soon,I will probably go back to gassers,this diesel experience has not been good.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
I would be curious to see what the compression test numbers are for each cylinder.
Right now I would be more inclined to think head gasket and/or injectors.
Bring truck and 11,000 dollars here to WV, and I will build you a motor, but it won't be exactly like what you have now.
Right now I would be more inclined to think head gasket and/or injectors.
Bring truck and 11,000 dollars here to WV, and I will build you a motor, but it won't be exactly like what you have now.
Methanoholic
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 8
From: Maine (NorCal Native)
I really hate to say this, but if you are not capable or willing to learn and do the work yourself then these trucks/motors are not for you...
Now don't get me wrong, I say this because paying someone to work on them will bleed you dry, todays shops don't know anything about them unless you get lucky and find a shop that really truely does know them, most do not, nor do they care to...
Most of todays shops want to plug the computer in and let it do the work, if they can't plug the computer in they are lost!
11k could buy you a pretty nice truck or a truck load of these motors!
The guy is a thief!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
Now don't get me wrong, I say this because paying someone to work on them will bleed you dry, todays shops don't know anything about them unless you get lucky and find a shop that really truely does know them, most do not, nor do they care to...
Most of todays shops want to plug the computer in and let it do the work, if they can't plug the computer in they are lost!
11k could buy you a pretty nice truck or a truck load of these motors!
The guy is a thief!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 1
From: Las vegas
11,000 is expensive a fully tinned reman is about 5,500 just pull it and swap the new one in at most some one with mechanicle ability and no idea what they are doing it would take I would say 20 hours to swap it out so we can conclude there shop rate is $225 an hour. If he has not torn down the motor or atleast followed up the compresion test with a CLT he has no way to even guess what is wrong. if only one cylinder has low compresion how are two pistons bad? Besides if all compresion is over 400 and they are with in 25% of each other nothing is wrong. With that low millage cavitaion is most likely not the cause but still a possibility the. just bring your truck 9hrs south our shop rate is only 105hr where I work even with towing that would be cheaper than this guys $225hr. Heck for 9Gs i'll drive up there and fix it for you. worst come to worst you can find a 6.9 to swap in thats what I did when when mine cavitated threw.
How far North are you?
How far North are you?
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
From: Sweet Home, OR
I really hate to say this, but if you are not capable or willing to learn and do the work yourself then these trucks/motors are not for you...
Now don't get me wrong, I say this because paying someone to work on them will bleed you dry, todays shops don't know anything about them unless you get lucky and find a shop that really truely does know them, most do not, nor do they care to...
Most of todays shops want to plug the computer in and let it do the work, if they can't plug the computer in they are lost!
11k could buy you a pretty nice truck or a truck load of these motors!
The guy is a thief!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
Now don't get me wrong, I say this because paying someone to work on them will bleed you dry, todays shops don't know anything about them unless you get lucky and find a shop that really truely does know them, most do not, nor do they care to...
Most of todays shops want to plug the computer in and let it do the work, if they can't plug the computer in they are lost!
11k could buy you a pretty nice truck or a truck load of these motors!
The guy is a thief!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~