I haven't been around much since I have been working a ton up here in Talkeetna, and on my days off I have been out and about doing adventurous things. Thanks to my adventurous habits, I also managed to toast the motor in my truck. A water crossing with a bit too much dept and a bit too much speed allowed the engine to take in a wave of water and that was all she wrote. White smoke from exhaust, sounded much like rocks jumbling around in the engine. I went big and I got sent home hard. I can deal with that, now I just gotta get myself out of this situation.

I haven't had time to even look at the truck yet but it managed to pull it self out of the water while leaving a pretty unhealthy chunk of oil behind her. I pretty much parked it and haven't even worried about it yet because I have been so busy. There is oil all over the left side of the engine and fender well, so im guessing a healthy crack in the side of the block. I will take a look at it on Wednesday when I have some time off. My first priority will probably be to find out where i can park the truck since I can't leave it in the middle of no where and the lodge where I am working probably won't let me work on it in employee housing. After that, buying a beater to get around and then the rebuild.

I figure cracked engine block/ bent piston. So in this situation I figure work on finding a new block and rotating assembly and then rebuild. Obviously it isn't quit this easy, but I am making the best of a nasty situation.

I will check in when I can. I just got home from work (4pm) and now I am going to bed to go back to work at 10pm.

 

Your best bet is to find a running long block engine, pull yours out, swap what you want onto the new engine, and put that in. Don't rebuild it yourself, save yourself the never ending BS and costly machine work.

Bent piston?

 

What price ranges should I be aiming for on a used engine?

The only part of rebuilding a motor that I like is that I don't have to try and trust buying a motor from someone around here in Alaska.

Sorry im tired, bent rod.

 

Alex I know where a early '99 7.3 motor w/ 191k on it is sitting, ran good the last time it was fired up, still in a truck that has most of the body off except cab and front fenders. I dont know what the guy would be asking for it but if you decide to get a long block and build it up i'll ask what he'd take for it. I can say you sure are handling the situation better than I would lol, hope it works out for you soon.

 

I can't give you a good source for an engine, but I have an early '99 and when the time comes to replace my motor I am going to upgrade to an '00 or newer. Quite simply the early '99 isn't as good as the '00 and newer. There are many reasons why.

 

Inside the engine, stuff he wouldnt be able to "swap out", there isnt any difference. You can find a running engine, for $2000-3000, check out powerstrokenation

 

I am standing here with Clay of Riffraff Diesel. He may have a solution for you. Give him a call when you get a chance. Best of luck.

 

I was just going to say the same thing Peter. Maybe Clay can come and save the day again.

 

Damn Alex, sorry to hear that.

The GOOD part is, it is a truck, a machine, and it can be fixed. Look at it as a learning experience because once you're finished, you'll know a lot more than you did before.

Good luck. Keep us updated.

 

is that a good price?

 

Just remember next time to get a good lift and some tires to stay above the water and maybe a snorkle.

 

Once she runs again, she will get snorkeled. And yes, I realize that statement could be enjoyed out of context.

I texted Clay while at work last night. Just got off (8am) and now going to try and sleep up. Beyond the truck situation, there has been a lot of odd/bad things going on around here.

 

Just to have the info on hand, can I pick up a 99 engine and then swap everything over from my old engine to still enjoy the benefits of the 00+ improvements?

 

Yes your turbo injectors, HPOP and you'll be set Alex

 

Alright knowing that helps me out a little bit.

Next question what sort of project am I looking at to remove the engine? I have a jack and some ramps with me, can I get away with just a engine lift or should I get jacks to get the truck up higher than the ramps.

I have done a couple engines removals and installs before so the concept isn't new. I assume it will just be unplugging harnesses, engine mounts and maybe the transmission or can I pull that out too?