Fixing the Turd

[Timstrk]

but didn't realize I'd actually gone anywhere. The indestructable 7.3L Powerstroke. Yeah, right. I've killed two of them in less than 6K miles. Turns out the second one, donor motor, had a rod knock. Didn't know if it was just diesel rattle or an actual knock when we fired it up before taking it out of the donor truck. Bad wrist pin, rod upper end. I'll know more after the post mortem when it comes back. I'll tear into it and assess the damage. Second mechanic, Ford Powerstroke trained in Atlanta, swore it was an injector knock. Not. Full set of rebuilt injectors later I still have a knock. And $2K less in my wallet. Did the rebuild on the original engine myself. Removed every valve to check and make sure they were straight. Check. Rod was straight. New bearings on the bottom and new piston on the top and back in it goes. No scratches on the cylinder wall. New head bolts, head gaskets, oil pan. Rest is going to the shop for swapping and installation. Hope to have it back before Uwharrie trip in Nov. Should with no problem and time to drive it around a bit. Told mechanic-next to keep it and drive it around til it was perfect. He said he would. May never get it back with those instructions.......

Tim