help give metips on rebuilding a 2001 7.3 powerstroke

[jbuller]

Hello, the truck i have is a 2001 f250 4x4 with the 7.3. it has 211000 miles on it and the engine is smoking blue smoke and is hard to start unless the oil heater is plugged in. i need some advice on what to buy as far as rebuilding it. i already replaced the injectors with all new ones. i did the compression check and it is low compresssion. now i am going to pull the motor and tear into it and see what needs to be replaced. any one that has done this before let me know. i dont know if i should just replce the rings or the rings and pistons and get the block bored over? i am going to go ahead and replace all the bearings also. do i need to replace things like the camshaft? or should i be worried about getting the heads rebuilt also? remember this engine only has 211000 miles on it. i dont have a lot of money and need to do this the cheapest way with out hurting its longevity. let me know if you have any pointers or sorces to buy a rebuild kit. thanks
Jay

 

[dpantazis]

man that suxs!

you might break even or even be money ahead by getting a short block. you might want to check on prices and compare your options. even a long block might be worthwhile considering all the work that you might need.

good luck!

 

[BJS]

it's hard to say until you get in there and start measuring stuff to say what it needs for sure. If the heads are flat and clean then you can just put them on a good block.

as to if a rering w/ new bearings will work for the bottom end that has to be determined once you open it up.

the camshaft a good visual inspection will tell you if it's still in good shape. Keep the lifters matched. Check pushrods for end wear and ensure that they are still straight.

I've heard plenty of good feedback about wideopen performance for high end rebuilds and as a source of info about rebuilding the 7.3