7.3 or 6.9

Ethan Turner

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I have an 89 f350 the date on the door tag is 09/88 the valve cover and door tag say it's a 7.3 but it's won't fit the 7.3 fuel filter only the 6.9 has the old style start relay and most confusing is the head bolts are 7/16 not 1/2 capfuls this be a Frankenstein from the factory or redneck engineering
 

sjwelds

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Would be better to post in the main forum, instead of the tech articles.

There should be a number stamped on the top passenger side of the engine. If it starts with 6.9 or 7.3, you have your answer.

My guess is 6.9 based on head bolt size.

Edit: might be on driver's side. Can't remember ATM
 

snicklas

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I’d say it’s been swapped. The last year for the 6.9 was 87. If you get the serial number as posted above, we can narrow down when the engine was built......
 

Knuckledragger

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Is there any way to find out if came from the factory this way or if it's been swapped


Not only was it swapped, someone did not want to let on that the engine was changed and used the 7.3 valve covers to hide it. Bad juju.
 

gandalf

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The number you want is stamped on the block, very likely covered with grunge. It's to the driver's side of the IP tower, down on a flat portion of the block. It faces upward. Look for it with a rag in hand.
 

IDIBRONCO

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It's on the driver's side. Right above the temperature sending unit. Just to the inside of the back of the A/C compressor.
 

IDIBRONCO

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Well there you go. It's a 6.9. really, the 7/16 head bolts give it away. You can't hide those!
 

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