Any Diesel Mechanics

**Red on Red WS6** · 03-18-2008, 06:47 PM

My work has a 97 Ford F350 Dually 7.3L Turbo Diesel truck that needs a new motor. They had a mechanic check it out and he said it needs a new short block. Now I was thinking about offering them something for this truck because it is in overall decent shape. I have rebuilt Chevy & Ford gas motors before but never touched a Diesel before. Are they any harder to rebuild? And do you have any idea what it would cost for machine work and rebuild kit?

**johnd** · 03-19-2008, 05:43 AM

If it helps any, a long block rebuild was about $10K ten years ago when I looked into it.

**Spaz** · 03-19-2008, 05:47 AM

just change the spark plugs...

diesel motors last forever.. i doubt it needs a entire short block...

**Bottesini** · 03-19-2008, 06:08 AM

I have never torn down an automotive diesel, but I have taken apart dozens that were used for offshore work when I was a kid. I can not see it being any harder then rebuilding any modern gas engine.

I imagine Spaz is partially right. I doubt the entire shortblock is fried, but you might want to check out if you can find a cheap used one.

**Red on Red WS6** · 03-19-2008, 08:33 AM

Well they tested the compression and it's only getting around 205psi and the shop said it should be over 400 psi. I don't know but the truck shakes really bad when running. The shop quoted $10,000 with a motor coming from Ford. I priced a couple used complete motors for around $4000. I might just offer them $500 for the truck and either attempt the rebuild or buy a used motor.

**310stanger** · 03-19-2008, 04:22 PM

Thats an international engine, and has modernized fuel injection etc, the difficulty you'll have rebuilding it is jus having access to the equipment necessary to deal with such a heavy engine. Thats a good engine though, and my guess is it had a bad injector or a few, and thats what did the motor in. They go a really long time but they DO fail.