Sell or Part Out?

[gmcmath]

I have a 2003 F250 6.0l that hydro-locked (on fuel) on cylinder #3 and needs to be replaced according the dealer. The truck had 210k miles when this happened. I am heart broken but must decide what to do. I am not willing or capable of doing the work the myself right now so I am debating selling the truck as is or parting it out. The truck is a crew cab short bed, has a good trans (Torqflight), 4x4, and LOTS of new parts. I spent around $4k this summer on new parts including Sinisiter FICM (800), EGR Delete Kit w/new oil cooler ($665), HPOP (700), 4 injectors (800)(cylinders 2,4,6,8), an SCT Tuner to read codes (350), and the 2 oil pressure sensor units on the HPOP from Ford (~600). They all have less than 5k miles on them. I also have a stock of factory oil and fuel filters that I never got the chance to use

Here are my questions:

If I sell it as is what is it worth? Its an XLT with a camper shell and the front end is almost all new (ball joints, hubs/bearings, U-joints on front axle done last summer).

If I part it out is ebay a good option for selling parts? Other ideas?

I have learned a ton from the postings on this website and appreciate the information and friendship that is apparent in the writings. Without the guidance you all have provided I would not have been to able to keep the truck running as long as it did.

Thanks for any ideas or input you can provide.

[NYC F-350]

Very vague on what the issue with the engine is. It needs a new piston? A new injector?

[bismic]

Definitely take it somewhere for a second opinion. Unless damage was done, you can have it fixed and the other 4 injectors replaced as a better option. Where are you located? You never know if the dealership is just trying to make a sale.

[lightninmike]

From the looks of it the #3 piston/rod combo needs to be replaced

[bismic]

How did you determine that?

[shu873]

It's quite possible that the rod is bent, maybe the piston could be junk too. But I don't think you need a new motor. It could easily be fixed. Depends on where you take it for the work but could be done for a few thousand pretty easily IMO. Depends on how crazy or how little you want to do while it's tore down.

[lightninmike]

Originally Posted by bismic

How did you determine that?

Because in his first sentence he said the engine hydro locked via the 3 hole and "it" needed to be replaced. I don't read that as an injector is needed as someone else said

[bismic]

Originally Posted by lightninmike

Because in his first sentence he said the engine hydro locked via the 3 hole and "it" needed to be replaced. I don't read that as an injector is needed as someone else said

I think it is important to get a second opinion before diagnosing bent rods, etc. Plenty of hydrolocks that did not result in that extent of damage.

The hydrolock can probably be cleared by removing the #3 glow plug and turning over the engine (just stay away from the area if you are cranking it - fuel can be propelled rapidly out of the hole).

[gmcmath]

All - Thanks for the replies. To add more info, the dealer said they believed the #3 injector opened up and flooded the cylinder with fuel and that "the #3 cylinder wall was scored and that given the miles engine replacement was their recommendation". The symptoms just prior to locking up were 2 instances of "stumbling", like it was missing severely. These lasted just a second or two. The first occurred about 2 minutes before the second, with the second one ending with the lock up.

I live in northern New Mexico. The dealer is located in Santa Fe, NM. I don't know of any other options for mechanics in this area. Can anyone suggest someone? This job is beyond my capabilities if it involves pistons/rods/etc. or at least the scope intimidates the heck out of me. I never considered the motives of the dealer as someone suggested. Is it probable that if the injector did "open up" as they stated that a new injector is all that is needed? How could a tech have determined the cylinder wall was scored unless he pulled the head (which I do not believe they did)?

Your perspectives and experience is greatly appreciated!

[NYC F-350]

The right boroscope could have a look inside the cylinder. Whether or not they actually did that...who knows.