are 95 and 97 blocks compatible?

[wakeboardin2k4]

This is a quote from my prior post in a different thread about the situation I ended up in.

Originally Posted by wakeboardin2k4

So I bought a 95 f350 PSD with 89000 miles two weeks ago.

Long story short I broke down on the highway 20 miles from home with a freeze out plug missing behind the starter on the block. I noticed it looked a little sketchy but I put the new freeze plug in anyway and filled it back up with coolant anyway. I see coolant still dripping down. Well there's two small cracks on each side of the freeze out plug.

The previous owner covered up the issue with JB weld and the freeze out plug itself is behind the starter so I couldn't see it when I was inspecting the truck.

The plan is to attempt welding the cracks. The contracting company I work has an expert welder who has done work for aeronautical companies doing some very small and intricate welding. He is very familiar with working with cast iron.

Opinions on the success rate of this project?

So now that this has failed, Id like to transfer all of my internal components from this bad block into a different block after adequately testing it and doing the required machine work.

Id like to replace the piston rings and do a simple flex hone by a professional machinist and take care of the crank journals and such.

So my question is, my truck is a 95 and there is a motor on craigslist, probably not running, from a 97. its really cheap. All i am looking to transfer is the block.

Will this work?

[RC51]

Yes. The front cover is different. (timing/water housing)

[Jarrod B]

the bare blocks are different. switch over was late 96.

[wakeboardin2k4]

What is different about them?

The guy with the motor I am looking to buy said it is the location of the fuel pump?

[Chop]

Late model 7.3 have electric fuel pumps,OBS mechanical located on top of motor

[wakeboardin2k4]

Could I get an electric fuel pump that mounts to the frame rail like a 97 7.3 would have or are the electric fuel pumps tied into the ECM? I'm pretty much a newb in the world of PSDs

[Jarrod B]

the 97 and down have lift pumps on the block. 99 and up have electric fuel pumps on the frame. you can use an electric pump but need to setup a regulated return to keep the pressure balanced.

[2wd_sled_puller_dmax]

Industral strength devcon would seal the whole if it werent welded yet. I had the same problem with my truck and thats what i used with no problems to date