"Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

[SuperBuickGuy]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

I like the idea of having someone nearby do the motor - in the end (considering shipping and such) I bet the cost works out to a wash.... and the best part, you have a proverbial window to throw the motor through if something is wrong (not to mention it helps the folks that live near you).

[SuperBuickGuy]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

I know little about Ford diesels, however, isn't this the right motor? http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/pts/1796535296.html 86k $1500.... and close enough that I could look at it if you wish.

[STINEY]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

Family diesel business.

Right up the road.

Since '78.

My options would stop right there.

[Bamfster]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

Family diesel business.

Right up the road.

Since '78.

My options would stop right there.

Right there is the answer John ... Even if it is a few hundred more, it's keeping the money close to home and you always have some that you can talk to face 2 face.

I guess the next logical step would be to get a quote from them...

[milner351]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

I know little about Ford diesels, however, isn't this the right motor? http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/pts/1796535296.html 86k $1500.... and close enough that I could look at it if you wish.

Thanks - but that's an IDI - pre powerstroke engine - and he's asking too much - unless he can prove the compression is perfect and the coolant has always been properly treated -- cylinder liner cavitation was a real threat on those engines - and it was as simple as not keeping up on cooling maintenance to be an issue.

I'm thankful for your replies - I'm leaning toward the local diesel shop myself. The price will be difficult to nail down of course until he gets things apart and knows what it needs....
He said the valve job for both heads won't exceed $900 and that's only if it needs all new valves all new guides and all new seats - which it likely won't.
The bore job on the block is $300.
I'm not sure yet what they'll charge for assembly, or if I, or Chuck that took the head off for me, will assemble it.

I'm leaning more toward having the diesel shop do the machining and assembly so they can give me a warranty on it - then Chuck will do the swap. I will have to get o-rings and gaskets for things like the oil cooler, high pressure oil pump, etc etc.... if I'm swapping engines - I don't want to deal with leaks after assembly!

[DanStokes]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

I'd have to agree with using Superior Diesel. At the least you can hold them accountable and their reputation is excellent. We used Brighton Diesel at EPA mostly because they were fairly close and their diagnostics guy was top notch, but they send their machine work out so I don't think they are your guys for this one.

Best Luck
Dan

[SuperBuickGuy]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

I'm afraid of the ouch factor - I bet if you can buy a powerstroke for 3500 on ebay it will be at minimum 5000 and more likely 6-7k locally....

[milner351]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

Long Blocks:

Jasper $4335
Roadmaster $4480
Napa $4840 (with hokey - we'll only give you all your core $ back if there's no damage)
Promar $5000

Ebay Long blocks range from $2900 to over $5000 depending on what comes with them, shipping, etc.

If superior had a shortblock - it would be $2400, they don't - so - my only choice with them is to drop off mine and see what they come up with after inspection.

My price on a very comprehensive Ford rebuild kit including oil cooler, injector sleeves, glow plugs, pistons(mahle), rings, bearings, gaskets, o-rings, head bolts, etc is $1250.

However - what if I can sleeve #8, buy one piston, and hone the rest? That could save a bundle if the dimensions are in spec -- time will tell.


After looking over the frighteningly high prices and ridiculously short warranty periods for the big rebuild places - I'm really thinking dealing with a local well established shop is the way to go.

Now to figure out how much Chuck is going to charge me to pull out the old and install the new... that's a big job.

[DanStokes]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

Does that come out the bottom? Sometimes that looks scary but really is not that tough. I'm sure Chuck will do you right.

Dan

[just_james]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

I'd probably go with the local shop too. Hope Lee will be doing better now that you've got the prescription part sorted out too.

[Bamfster]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

I've heard that it's easier to pull the cab off the frame to swap motors...is that the case or did that just have something to do with doing a head swap w/head studs?

[SuperBuickGuy]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

However - what if I can sleeve #8, buy one piston, and hone the rest? That could save a bundle if the dimensions are in spec -- time will tell.

It would probably work okay - but if it doesn't you've wasted every penny you'd have spent.
I'm kind of lost on why you'd sleeve it - if it can be bored smooth, why not just bore it and enjoy the extra cubes?

I've had a dry sleeved motor - no complaints about the sleeving... of course, i'd never use the shop to do anything for me again - but that's a different story for another day.

[milner351]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

Here's the story - with pictures.... (you're welcome Mr. Liggett)

I'd only sleeve #8 and buy one piston to save the cost of buying all 8 pistons.
I will let the guys that have been doing this for 30 years on diesels bigger and heavier than this be my guide - if they've been growing their business in Detroit since '78 - they must be doing something right.

Dan - nope - doesn't come out the bottom - comes out the front.

Other Dan - nope - cab doesn't have to come off - that's the 6.0 and 6.4.... and I hear it's not THAT bad once you've done it a few times and you have a hoist to lift the cab off the frame.
On this truck with the 7.3 the core support and everything in front of it has to come off, then the turbo, then lift it up an inch or two out of the mounts, and roll the truck out from under it, engine coming out the front without the trans, and it's a heavy mother too - 1200lb or so fully dressed.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

you are fortunate that it only took out one piston....

someday I'll regale you with my experience with a company that had "30 years of experience in diesels" (31 when they went out of business) ;)... in short, I'm jaded and a bit narrowminded ;D

[DanStokes]

Re: "Lee's Limo" 2001 F350 crew cab 4x4 diesel

Interesting modified Mexican hat! Does the crown of the hat come up off the floor of the chamber? Probably does but it's hard to tell.

Dan