I just pulled a 7.3 from a 2002 truck I recently got to transplant into an Excursion and wanted to know what I should do to the motor while it is all sitting there, and easy to work on. This is not going to be a hotrod, just mild mods for a family battle wagon. Still kinda new so need guidance from the experienced.

Has 145K miles, and ran well when pulled (even compression numbers from 350-400). No LL injector in number 8 hole. GP's looked good. No codes at all. NO LEAKS. I did notice it was slow to tach up and seemed to be fluttering or sputtering a bit while goosing it at idle. I plan on doing Harpoon in the tank & will be switching the oil pan. The turbo is off too.

What maintenance should it get? Water pump & thermo/are valves easy to adjust or need it/any gaskets that go bad and hard to change while in truck/etc. ??????

What can I do myself with tools or kits that is little cost or free that will make it run better.... like can I smooth flashings & match gaskets in the exhaust manifolds? Should I change antifreeze brands or do anything updated? Or can I do stuff to my turbo or fuel system or injectors or, or, or.... Basically, what would you do without braking the bank or tearing it down?

Let me know if I missed any major points, like tranny fixes or cleaning certain spots. Thanks for the help

 

Updated front seal in transmission.

Tugger kit in transmission.

Bellowed up-pipes.

Fuel cross-connect kit or regulated return.

It's a start...

Pop

 

Updated front seal in transmission & Tugger kit in transmission.

What are these, what do they do and what is the cost guess (can I do it myself ?)

 

Also retorque all of your injectors.

The front seal in our transmissions have a tendancy to leak when they get hot. The tugger up grade, there are two levels of this, 1 can be done while in the truck, the preffered would be the one with it out of the truck. Yes, you can do it by yourself, ( I have never done it ).

 

If you decide to do the "second level" of the Tugger mods, this requires removing the front pump on the trans. It would best be done with the trans completely out and standing upright. There are sealing rings, for the coast clutch, on the rear of the pump that will guide in better when lowered straight down to prevent damage. With the pump out, the mods to the regulators and boost valve can easily be done.

 

If I had my engine out I'd put in extra sound deadening on the firewall. Maybe just a roll on bedliner that can withstand some serious heat? Is that even made?

I'd replace every single seal easily accessible, from the thermostat housing to the oil pan. And repaint that oil pan, just because rust should be discouraged.

That's my 2 cents.

 

I think I would look into powdercoating the oil pan, do something to keep it from rusting long term!

Maybe paint up the frame and whatnot while your down there.

 

I would reseal the port the dipstick tube goes in. Not sure of the name.

 

my thoughts also but im looking into buying a new pan and having it line-x'd....