Robert Siliani

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Topic says it all. Rather new to me 2001 7.3 with approx 300k. Changed all fluids, suspension work done, new batteries, starter, and radiator. No Codes, engine diagnostic passed Injector electrical , glow plug monitor, cylinder contribution self-test. No blow-by at oil fill. Drove it approx 3k miles. Then after radiator replacement and complete flush and fill with Motor-craft VC5 coolant and F8 Additive, engine very noisy from the lower end and white smoke with a sweet smell fogging very bad. Engine shut off and even with a brand new starter almost didn't want to crank. Also found radiator sucking coolant out of reservoir and refilling with distilled water just sucked into engine over 4 gallons. That is when I learned about captivation of diesel engines. Many thanks to Eric Williams and his through article called: "
Cavitation
The Complete Guide
" found here: https://www.oilburners.net/articles/cavitationartic.html Unfortunately I need either a rebuild and re sleeve of my existing engine or a re manufactured 7.3 engine that has been re sleeved by a reputable engine builder. I'm thinking about purchasing a long block. Any ideas where I could source one ? This way, I could strip the engine in the truck and save a little by doing some of the work myself.
 

79jasper

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The powerstroke doesn't typically see the cavitation issues of a earlier 6.9/7.3.
Personally, I would find one in a junkyard, compression test it, swap your new parts over and drop it in.
Chances are, you could have a bad injector cup, which is a somewhat common thing for the 7.3 powerstroke.

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lotzagoodstuff

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+1 on Jasper's response above: 7.3 Powerstrokes aren't really cavitatation prone like 7.3 IDIs.

Before you get any further, pull the valve covers, remove the glow plugs and see if it cranks and/or spits coolant out of any of the glow plug ports. If you can figure out what cylinder is the culprit, you can decide how much further you want to go.

Chances are that you hydrolocked the engine drinking that much coolant but you might as well try a diagnosis as it won't cost you anything but time.

Good luck whichever way you end up going.
 

compressionignitionrules

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See if your coolant has fuel smell that's usually a good sign of cracked cups and I agree with @79jasper and @typ4
PS cups are pretty easy to do if you have the tool
x3

and only time I'm ever seen 7.3 powerstroke injector cups go is after engine has been overheated, and/or overboosted/fueled from mods. you will want to do all 8 if you do 1 cup.
 

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