7.3 turbo diesel worn out?

tylertown · Dec 2, 2016

HI I recently purchased a 1999 ford f250 and it has the 7.3 turbo diesel. I have began to do a little maintence to the truck fuel filter, oil, fixing leaks ect.. the truck k has 287,000 on the dash with new/used transmission and everything seems tight to me but I'm not really all that knowledgeable on these trucks.

I stumbled upon the turbo compressor wheel and it looks a little chipped and I can push it to one side of the housing and I cannot spin it so it has side to side play, but it takes a little force it's not loose. Just wondering if yall think it's time for a rebuild or should I just change the compressor wheel and update the intercooler system to make sure Of no leaks and run it.

The truck doesn't smoke at any point... starting or running I vented my crank case outside of the intake and plugged the hole and I see vapor coming out but the oil cap doesn't have any blowby..

If I hold my hand over the hose while running I can feel it start to suck back and when I let off it kind of relieves some pressure suddenly. Should I run the truck or sell it right away?

tylertown · Dec 2, 2016

TURBO wheel the boot that connects the the turbo had a crack in it but I repaired it with electrical tape for the time being until I can replace but it has a 6637 duralite with a pre cleaner on it.

tylertown · Dec 2, 2016

I also have a coolant leak coming from behind the waterpump. I hope it's not a head gasket but it may be the timing cover.. the fan blows it everywhere

right side of engine under valve cover behind top hose on water pump.

Not my picture but water is pooling right here before leaking down and being blown all over everything by the fan

dieselcrawler · Dec 2, 2016

With a little work you will have a great truck. KEEP IT!

I have the motor out of one if mine, thread on that here somewhere. Turbo rebuild included.

Edit: heres the link

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/353163-f250-motor-swap-7-3-a.html?highlight=

Bet all you need is a waterpump. Common issue.

dieselcrawler · Dec 2, 2016

Looking at your pictures more closely, it could be the thermostat cover leaking. Also a common problem and easier to fix.

franklinute · Dec 2, 2016

I have a 2000 7.3. The thermostat neck is very thin, can corrode and leak. I found a
crack in my upper hose and put new hoses and clamps on my truck last month. I would
not trust that turbo wheel. Either it's coming apart or something has been in there.

STx · Dec 2, 2016

I agree, I would definitely replace that wheel. I'd go ahead and rebuild the turbo while I was at it, it's not that much more work.

I put a Wicked Wheel II in mine when I rebuilt it, turbo lag basically disappeared and it'll boost up to 24PSI with an otherwise stock turbo, it was a very worthwhile upgrade.

thepumpguysc · Dec 2, 2016

The turbo wheel is junk. and if it moves side to side, so are the bearings. a "kit" isn't that expensive but a wheel isn't cheap.
You can buy a "center section" or "cartridge" and just swap the housing for less time and money to rebuild yours.
The hardest part of swapping housings is getting the bolts loose in the exhaust hsg. Your going to need a big oxy torch for that process. Get the surrounding area cherry red and then try to loosen them.
The h20 pump is probably leaking and needs a reman.
You can check the condition of the inj. pump by.. at idle push IN on the bottom of the rocking lever that runs down the side of the inj. pump.. IF the pump is in decent condition, the engine will almost stall.. or you should hear a very noticeable change in engine RPM's.
If you hear nothing.. you pumps automatic advance is worn out and the pump will start to give you trouble.. They run a steel piston inside an aluminum hsg and it requires an oversized piston to refresh it.
You have a good engine base to start with.. it just takes money to keep it up.. Have fun..

dieselcrawler · Dec 2, 2016

With all due respect, I have to disagree with 'thepumpguysc' on several points, as it sounds like an earlier 7.3l is discribed, with a DB-2 mechanical fuel injection pump. The OP has a newer powerstroke, with hydraulic actuated electronically controlled injectors, and no injector pump. It does have a High Pressure Oil Pump, or HPOP, which feeds 1500 to 3000 psi oil to each head.

However, I do agree that the turbo wheel is due for replacement. A standard Whicked Wheel is about $100, which I installed on a friends '03 a few years ago, and will put in my '99 when I get back to that project.

TylerTown: Here's a link to a thread on the extensive repairs I did to my buddys truck, including the turbo wheel. Please check it out, it will be very informative to you as a new 7.3 psd owner.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/318655-f250-rust-repairs.html?highlight=

tylertown · Dec 2, 2016

STx said:
I agree, I would definitely replace that wheel. I'd go ahead and rebuild the turbo while I was at it, it's not that much more work.

I put a Wicked Wheel II in mine when I rebuilt it, turbo lag basically disappeared and it'll boost up to 24PSI with an otherwise stock turbo, it was a very worthwhile upgrade.

When you installed the wheel did you remove the turbo from the pedestal or just back the nut off on the intake side? Mine has some free play but none in or out..

I was researching some online and a little play is tolerated but mine has no signs that it has ever rubbed the housing at any point just looks eat up on the leading edge of the most outer blade if I can make it touch the wall of the housing and let go and it goes back to center is it time for rebuild or is it OK for now with a new wheel?

Iv done some pretty in depth mechanics over the years but I have never busted open a turbo.