7.3 Non-Turbo Diesel ?

[desii]

Could anyone tell me if there are two versions of the older 7.3 non-turbo diesel engine? Or, was there a year when they changed them? I need to replace an original 7.3 in a 1994 F450. I found another 7.3, but it looks different. It says 7.3 on the valve cover and I don't believe its an even older 6.9. I found some pics of an International version that looks like the one I am purchasing. I know International made all of them, I just wanted to make sure that it will work. Is it possible that this was a bus engine or something other than a truck? It's actually coming out of a Ford truck, but I don't know what, if any, mods were done to get it in there.

Any info you have on this would be greatly appreciated.

[LindblomRJ]

In 1987 they introduced the 7.3. Its a Navistar (International). In 1994 they added the turbo. In 1995 they introduced the power stroke, turbo and a revised fuel system, including heads if I remember right.

[desii]

So, are there two versions of the 87-94? Or do you think I am looking at a pre 87?

[LindblomRJ]

Does the 94 have a turbo?

I am thinking they are the same. A good diesel mechanic will tell you a lot more about it.

International used both the 6.9 and 7.3 in serveral of their medium duty trucks. They should be the same motors.

[desii]

Maybe this will help. Here are some pics I found online. The first two are like the one I have and the second two are like the replacement that I am thinking about purchasing. Should I be concerned, or do you think it's a relatively easy swap?

They are similar, but one of the most notable differences is the location of the fuel filter. Is that a big deal and do you see any other problems?

I have seen and heard the motor run but I just want to be sure before I go forward.

[Gravel Rat]

If you are going to replace the engine try replace it with a rebuilt if you can afford it. What is wrong with the current engine ?

The best thing you can do with a 7.3 IDI is use it for a boat anchor :laugh:

Just joking they are a good engine they did have one flaw that was they had problems with cylinder cavitation. The way to cure that is have all 8 holes sleeved you will never have a cavitation problem again. The 94 engines were set up for turbo use as Ford offered a factory turboed IDI in late 93 and 94 then the DI (PSD) came out in 94. Actually in 94 you could have ordered a 7.3 IDI NA or a 7.3 IDI turbo or a 7.3DI which only came with a 5spd.

You can get a long block 7.3 for about 3200 dollars then you add rebuilt injectors, glow plugs and rebuilt injection pump your probably looking at 5000 dollars.

[LindblomRJ]

I would think it would work. The filter brackets might be interchangable. With the 2nd engine the fuel filter location might be in the way of the A/C Compressor.

[desii]

The truck is used mostly in the winter and was sitting for most of the summer. When I went to drive it, I got about 5 miles and it locked up. I didn't know it at the time but the oil pan had a leak and it was empty:confused: So, now I need to fix it. It only has about 90K original miles and since I don't use it too much, I'd like to keep the repairs to a minimum, financially speaking.

[desii]

I would think it would work. The filter brackets might be interchangable. With the 2nd engine the fuel filter location might be in the way of the A/C Compressor.

I was just thinking about that and I'm hoping that is the case. That I can just move some of the necessary stuff over to the other engine so that it fits a little easier.

[LindblomRJ]

Keep us posted please.

[Bigblue250]

Go to www.thedieselstop.com you can find out all you need to know there.

[xcopterdoc]

The first set of pics looks like a DI, the second set looks like a NDI. For whats its gonna cost ya to overhaul it vs replace it... I'd sell it and start over. Yur in for a world of sheeeet unless yur savvy on yur mech skills and how to.

[desii]

Since I picked up the motor today, I can take some pics of both actual motors and post them to see if you still fell the same. Is DI Direct Inject and NDI Non-Direct Injected? If not, what does it stand for?

[BZB_Helpers]

all of those pictures are of non-turbo IDI 7.3L engines
DI=direct injection(powerstroke)
IDI=indirect injection(6.9l and 7.3l non-powerstrokes)

easy way to tell and IDI vs a DI:
IDI has 8 fuel lines from the injection pump to each injector.
DI will always have turbo, no visable fuel lines

[desii]

First, I'd like to thank everyone for their suggestions in helping me with the motor replacement. The comments have been most helpful.

Second, I looked closer at the replacement motor today and discovered that it is a 1988! I see some differences (serpentine belt vs. v belts, fuel filter location, etc) and some similiarities (oil cooler, exhaust manifolds, etc). I think I can make it work, but would like your input. In the daylight I can see lots of oil on the motor and it looks pretty rough but it did run well before it was pulled. Should I be worried? :confused: I purchased oil pan, valve cover and front and rear main seals today.

The first three pics are of the replacement and the fourth one is of my actual engine.

[Gravel Rat]

I assume that engine is out of a 88 Ford pick up truck then you shouldn't have too much trouble. If its not and its a 7.3 out of a International Truck then your going to have some problems.

You will have to change the oil pan,dipstick location,injection pump,injectors,oil cooler,water pump,fuel pump,oil pump and pick up, you may have to change the harmonic balancer, exhaust manifolds,you may have to change the intake manifold. The industrial engines have a different injection pump they are governed for 2600 rpm and they also put out less fuel that means less horsepower. You will have to install a rebuilt injection pump.

One of the local guys bought a 7.3 out of a other than Ford P/U truck it cost him allot more money trying to make it work than it would have finding one out of a Ford. I helped the mechanic do the change as I know the mechanic where the job was being done and I have experience with the IDI Fords.

Do everything you need to do to the used engine you need to do while the engine is out. The oil cooler is a problem with the 7.3 IDIs change the O rings and make sure its all good. Change the rear main seal another problem with the 7.3s. Make sure the engine is all clean don't put a oily dirty engine into the truck.

Make sure you buy new motor mounts its easier to put them in now then 2 months down the road when the old ones fail.

Good Luck

[DixieChopperDuramax]

In 1987 they introduced the 7.3. Its a Navistar (International). In 1994 they added the turbo. In 1995 they introduced the power stroke, turbo and a revised fuel system, including heads if I remember right.

A direct injected 7.3 with a turbo is a powerstroke, they were introduced in 94.5 they just werent called powerstrokes, the differences are the added turbo, direct injection, computer controlled injection pump and a high pressure oil pump, along with quite a few other things

[JRS Landscaping]

they made 7.3 idi motors with a turbo just because it has a turbo doesnt mean its a powerstoke powerstoke has electronlly controlled injectors no lift pump

ford diesels were made 6.9,7.3 idi ,7.3 turbo idi, then 7.3 powerstoke, and in 97 the 2nd generation 7.3 powerstoke then the 6.0