Looking for approximate repair costs.

[Local58r]

I have a 2000 7.3L that I was getting motor oil intrusion into my radiator. Without tearing down the motor, my mechanic seems to think it is either a blown head gasket or a cavitated block, but is leaning to the latter being head gaskets problems on these motors are very rare (according to him). He wants $1200 to pull the motor and tear it down to get eyes on the problem. From there, it will be pretty much T&M to make the repair and put the motor back in. Can anyone give me an approximate $ on what it might cost to repair a cavitated block please?

[jesilvas]

Oil cooler more likely than any of those.

[Local58r]

Negative, already had that replaced. Truck smokes a lot from a cold start, then goes away after it warms up.

[Tj Krawler]

Originally Posted by Local58r

Negative, already had that replaced. Truck smokes a lot from a cold start, then goes away after it warms up.

How "warm", a few minutes or a few miles.

Injector cups?

EDIT: Ignore that... injector cups are fuel in coolant.

[Im_Strokin_ur_Cummins]

I would have said oil cooler as well, since mine is doing the same. You would probly be better off buying a new engine all together then spending money on the current one. That is if its a cavitated block

[Local58r]

Originally Posted by Tj Krawler

How "warm", a few minutes or a few miles.

Injector cups?

A few miles.


My mechanic has a customer who's truck has been totalled out by their insurance co. They're just looking to sell off parts from that truck now, including to engine. Same motor, fairly well maintained daily driver, so I'm told. Price is $4000 installed or option 3, get a re-man motor for $9500 installed. It comes with a 2yr, unlimited mileage warranty. If I had the money to do it, I would definitely go with option 3. I just didn't know that this repair would be so costly.

What really grinds me is that I found out after the fact that this could have been prevented by adding the anti-cavitation fluid to my radiator at the recommended intervals.

[Zaairman]

$4000 for a used engine is nuts, for $9500 that motor better have some upgraded parts in there.

[blue99stroker]

9500 is crazy for a reman motor.
you should be able to pick up a used motor for like 1,500-2k.
and if they are going to charge you 2k to drop in a motor thats ridiculous.
10k is basically another truck haha

if you get a new motor better use some quality coolant too.
some cat elc, fleet rite from tractor supply etc.

[jhgearhead]

one of the site sponsors, "ashville engine builders" will build you a new 7.3 for like 5800 bucks or so...i talked to them a month ago... check it out....

[99' Powerstroke]

How many miles are on the truck? If it's cavitation I was just wondering how long it lasted without adding the coolant additive.