Temporary replacement of a DT466 with 7.3

Dirtboss

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New to the group, have a question on engine swapping.
I have a 1999 IH 4700 with a needing to be rebuilt or replaced DT466 on an Allison automatic. I don’t have an extra $5-7k laying around at the moment to do it right so I started looking around for another engine I can use for a few months while I get the original rebuilt. I found a similar year boom truck used by a local cable company with a 7.3 in it. It hasn’t ran for a few years but I’m reasonably confident it’s in decent shape. Will that 7.3 work on that Allison and perform reasonably ok? Or is there a bigger issue I’m not seeing.
The truck is used as a five yard Dumptruck and small tractor puller for my rental business. Mostly flat ground, 10-15k miles a year. Thanks in advance.
 

DaveBen

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It is only 20 cubic inches smaller than the 466 so I think it would be OK. I have no knowledge about the Allison.
 

79jasper

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Way off, completely different engines. One is a straight 6, one v8.
Likely running different bellhousing pattern.
Big difference in power as well.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
 

Dirtboss

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I certainly understand the difference in motors, as I run an old faithful 7.3 in my 97. My wonder was would it work as a band aid until I could afford to get the other done right.
I seem to have more time than money at the moment with the virus and all. I might just have to park the truck for a couple months.
Anybody have have luck with the take out motors you see on eBay?
 

lotzagoodstuff

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I’m guessing there might be some pretty fair deals on used engines in the coming weeks with the current situation. I’d bide your time and look for a used DT466 and bolt it in place before I went the “crossbreed” route.

Good luck, no matter which way you go.
 

Dirtboss

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Appreciate the input, fellas.
Between myself and mechanics, we figured we got some water in the fuel, sucked it into an injector while climbing a hill under load, broke off the injector tip, then through a piston or sleeve skirt. All my water went into the oil. The truck is stuck in Fresno, Ca. We are in Battle Mountain, Nevada. 8 hrs difference. I’ve got a good shop working up a thorough diagnostic and a quote to rebuild what is necessary.
I’m just fact finding right now and compiling options. In the end, I’d like to rebuild my engine but I’m fearful of the cost right now.
After previous posts, I don’t think the temporary engine swap is the answer. Just grasping at straws I suppose.
 

IDIoit

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inframe it where it sits. bring a head. the kits are about a grand.
one of the reasons I went DT466 for my 01. problem is you have a 466E.
 

lotzagoodstuff

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inframe it where it sits. bring a head. the kits are about a grand.
one of the reasons I went DT466 for my 01. problem is you have a 466E.

Just wondering: in an earlier post describing how he damaged the engine, it sounded like all of the coolant went into the oil. I know on the wet sleeve motors you can easily replace the cylinders, but wouldn't you be worried that the milkshake in the oil would have damaged the bottom end? Just wondering, I'm not familiar with the DT466s, but I would think water in oil would result in crank damage.
 

IDIoit

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Just wondering: in an earlier post describing how he damaged the engine, it sounded like all of the coolant went into the oil. I know on the wet sleeve motors you can easily replace the cylinders, but wouldn't you be worried that the milkshake in the oil would have damaged the bottom end? Just wondering, I'm not familiar with the DT466s, but I would think water in oil would result in crank damage.

all depends how long it was ran, which don't sound like very long.
and how long its sat. coolant will eat bearings.
but yea id likely tear it apart, inspect, and go from there
im no professional, but you gotta do what you gotta do
 

Dirtboss

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Well, I just got a quote for $2300 to haul it home. That’d buy a lot of parts and labor. In frame is looking better all the time.
 
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