Knocking and metal shavings in the oil

[Trailerman]

What started out as a ticking, progressed to a knocking, and metal shavings in the oil shows that the engine is terminal. It's a 2001 Ford F250 Diesel with 155K, so it's less than halfway through its life span and I've only owned it for 3 months.

I've been trying to work out what the best thing to do is here and I've been getting great advice, and sympathy.

I’m leaning toward getting a donor vehicle and pulling the complete engine and doing a full transplant, I think it will be simpler than doing a long block, and if I can get a good engine I think it will be a good move.

There are a few limiting factors in this plan:

My personal finances are low right now.

It’s mid winter here in the Sierras and the truck doesn’t fit into my garage so I either need to have some good weather for the transplant or I need to find a place indoors to do the work.

I haven’t done an engine transplant before, but I do have the Chilton manual Is this job too big for me? Or do I just need the right tools and help from some friends?.

Have I overlooked something, is this engine still serviceable?

Given the situation I’m in what would you guys do? I could really do with some insight from those of you who know much more about this than I do.

[strokethis02]

subscribing...
thinking about dropping a 12v or 24v in mine soon

[fordmasterdieseltech]

I wouldnt condeem the motor, without first knowing 100% what the problem or failure is. by the sounds of it, more than likey is catastrophic, but then again it could be something simple and inexspensive. take it in and have it looked at, if they tell you it junk, find a good donor motor and do it yourself. job is pretty straight foward, get some tools, invite a couple buddy's over, buy 2 cases of quality american brew, and have it smoking by the end of the weekend.