7.3 for 6.9 engine swap questions

Gather App
UnlistMe
Inventry
S

Stocker Steve

Well-known member
Joined
May 2, 2005
Messages
12,147
City & State/Province
Central Minnesota
My 86 F250 engine is toast with very low compression but the truck is solid... Spoke with the only two local diesel shops:

Mechanic #1) Used engines are very hard to find and will run $2,000 plus install. It is not worth the risk on an old truck so just junk it.
Mechanic #2) Either a used 6.9 or 7.3 for $750 is possible and installation cost is by the hour.

Do you have any experience with putting an older 7.3 in for a 6.9?
Do you know any mid west yards you think are good sources for diesel engines?
 
I'm guessing it's not a show truck.

Jerk the engine, knock the piston grooves off the cylinder tops, slap some new rings and bearings on the bottom end and send the heads to be done at a reputable shop. They've got roller lifters and the cams are very seldom worn enough to warrant work. Figure $500 if it needs a new injection pump. A new set of gaskets and you're good to go. The 6.9's are tough as nails and the 7.3's have weak cylinder walls in comparison. I've redone a couple of ours in my basement and wouldn't hesitate to do another one. Very easy engine to work on. A good torque wrench and a cylinder reamer/hone are about all the specialty tools you'll need.

How many miles are on it?
 
Stocker Steve":2d0hfuj3 said:
Shows 25K...
Guy I bought it from said it had turned over once, but I think 225K is more likely
Click to expand...

Last one I sold had 350k on it, ran like a top but the compression was getting low. Just made it easier to start in the winter.

Most (if not all) 7.3's used a flywheel with a dampener in it, other than that I don't see any issues swapping out the 6.9 for a 7.3. Personally I'd rather have the 6.9. I've got a 91 with a 7.3 in it that I'm going to be parting out soon but the engine's got 300k or 400k on it and needs a rebuild. Bought it for the bed, never seen a truck trashed quite that bad.
 
Kiln-Dried Oak Wood for Pizza Ovens, 8-Inch Barkless Logs, Ideal for Ooni, Gozney, Solo Stove, and Other Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens- Approx. 15lbs
See price on Amazon
Kiln-Dried Oak Wood for Pizza Ovens, 8-Inch Barkless Logs, Ideal for Ooni, Gozney, Solo Stove, and Other Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens- Approx. 15lbs
Old Potters Kiln Dried Firewood - Cherry, 1100 Cu. in, 16-18 Logs ~ 8" x 2.5" Logs. Solo Stove and Cooking Wood for Grilling, Smoking, and Firepits, Cherry.
See price on Amazon
Old Potters Kiln Dried Firewood - Cherry, 1100 Cu. in, 16-18 Logs ~ 8" x 2.5" Logs. Solo Stove and Cooking Wood for Grilling, Smoking, and Firepits, Cherry.
Greenworks 24V 6in BL Pruning Saw w/Auto Oiler, Tool Only
See price on Amazon
Greenworks 24V 6in BL Pruning Saw w/Auto Oiler, Tool Only
Firewood Central Kiln-Dried PA Hickory – 8” Splits (Approx 39.5 lb) – Bold Smoking Wood for Pizza Ovens, BBQ & Fire Pits – Easy Light, Low Smoke, USA Sourced
See price on Amazon
Firewood Central Kiln-Dried PA Hickory – 8” Splits (Approx 39.5 lb) – Bold Smoking Wood for Pizza Ovens, BBQ & Fire Pits – Easy Light, Low Smoke, USA Sourced
39" Fire Pits with Wood Storage for Outside, Large Wood Burning Outdoor Fireplace with Chimney, Mesh Spark Screen & Fire Poker, Idea for Backyard, Patio, Party, Camping, Picnic
See price on Amazon
39" Fire Pits with Wood Storage for Outside, Large Wood Burning Outdoor Fireplace with Chimney, Mesh Spark Screen & Fire Poker, Idea for Backyard, Patio, Party, Camping, Picnic
2 Stroke Engines Oil Fuel Mixing Bottle 4 Ratios 32:1/50:1/40:1/25:1, Reusable Motorbike Motorcycle Lawnmower Brush Cutter Chainsaw White
See price on Amazon
2 Stroke Engines Oil Fuel Mixing Bottle 4 Ratios 32:1/50:1/40:1/25:1, Reusable Motorbike Motorcycle Lawnmower Brush Cutter Chainsaw White
Oregon Professional Compact 120-Volt Bench Grinder, Universal Saw Chain Sharpener, for All Chainsaw Chains (410-120)
See price on Amazon
Oregon Professional Compact 120-Volt Bench Grinder, Universal Saw Chain Sharpener, for All Chainsaw Chains (410-120)
Husqvarna 100000101 Classic Chainsaw Carrying Case
See price on Amazon
Husqvarna 100000101 Classic Chainsaw Carrying Case
MechMaxx Heavy Duty 3-Point PTO Powered Stump Root Grinder For 15-45HP Tractors With 34 Carbide Teeth, 6'' Cutting Depth, 24'' Flywheel Diameter, Model SG24 Orange
See price on Amazon
MechMaxx Heavy Duty 3-Point PTO Powered Stump Root Grinder For 15-45HP Tractors With 34 Carbide Teeth, 6'' Cutting Depth, 24'' Flywheel Diameter, Model SG24 Orange
MechMaxx Heavy Duty 3-Point PTO Powered Stump Root Grinder For 15-45HP Tractors With 34 Carbide Teeth, 6'' Cutting Depth, 24'' Flywheel Diameter, Model SG24 Green
See price on Amazon
MechMaxx Heavy Duty 3-Point PTO Powered Stump Root Grinder For 15-45HP Tractors With 34 Carbide Teeth, 6'' Cutting Depth, 24'' Flywheel Diameter, Model SG24 Green
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.
Aaron":1y46qz0k said:
I came to the conclusion a while back that as long as my :heart: '95 7.3 :heart: keeps going, it's coming with me. I envision a day when I can afford a used 2008 F-250 and drop the 7.3 into her. :cowboy:
Click to expand...

Well your right it was hard to beat the 7.3 power stroke I've had four of them. Still have a 96 250.Then I bought a 6.0 what a piece of crap, last spring I traded it for a dodge with the 6.7(good truck so far),but the the old fords overall were a way better truck imo.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top