stealth13777
Full Access Member
I have a 1986 F250 6.9 with a banks turbo that, when i repaired the turbo and got it working again (ron), promptly decided to blow a head bolt and thus the head gaskets. Shut it off immediately when temps started to rise, so no known damage. The heads are currently at a machine shop undergoing testing. Will be using ARP head studs in the reassembly.
While they were out, I spent some time looking at the engine (unknown mileage total; could be 145,000, could be 245,000, etc.). It seems at this point in the process, I would be stupid not to at least do rings and bearings. I have already invested in new water pump, heater core, radiator, oil cooler seals, clutch, and more. Now the heads and injectors are being gone over. Oil pan could use a new seal anyway to fully stop the leaking, so the motor is coming out. I have no plans to do anything further to the truck performance wise (other than the banks kit it already has), but rather want to use it as a personal 'around the house' work vehicle and tow platform around town, hopefully well into the future after all this time and money invested. Body is excellent if I can get the mechanical stuff all fixed.
So my question is, what rings and bearings are best? What else should I be looking at, checking, measuring, etc.? All pistons look good, motor ran well with good oil pressure, and I know to hone the cylinders if I put new rings in. My expertise ends at changing the heads, so this is new territory for me. Thankfully I have an experienced tech at the shop where I'm working (diy shop) who offered to lend a hand. Advice on brands, specifics, advice as far as execution of the rebuild; anything and everything is appreciated! I need all the help I can get, and will continue to search this and other forums for more info. My last question is; how far is reasonable to go with the refresh? If the engine was good before, are rings and bearings a good refresh without going further than necessary, such as camshaft, etc.? The goal is a well running engine that I can expect to last.
I am at the point where I want to do everything right and ensure I have a motor that will be good after this work, but budget is a factor. I know I could just throw the heads back on, but with unknown mileage, and most of the work already done... I can provide pics of anything necessary.
While they were out, I spent some time looking at the engine (unknown mileage total; could be 145,000, could be 245,000, etc.). It seems at this point in the process, I would be stupid not to at least do rings and bearings. I have already invested in new water pump, heater core, radiator, oil cooler seals, clutch, and more. Now the heads and injectors are being gone over. Oil pan could use a new seal anyway to fully stop the leaking, so the motor is coming out. I have no plans to do anything further to the truck performance wise (other than the banks kit it already has), but rather want to use it as a personal 'around the house' work vehicle and tow platform around town, hopefully well into the future after all this time and money invested. Body is excellent if I can get the mechanical stuff all fixed.
So my question is, what rings and bearings are best? What else should I be looking at, checking, measuring, etc.? All pistons look good, motor ran well with good oil pressure, and I know to hone the cylinders if I put new rings in. My expertise ends at changing the heads, so this is new territory for me. Thankfully I have an experienced tech at the shop where I'm working (diy shop) who offered to lend a hand. Advice on brands, specifics, advice as far as execution of the rebuild; anything and everything is appreciated! I need all the help I can get, and will continue to search this and other forums for more info. My last question is; how far is reasonable to go with the refresh? If the engine was good before, are rings and bearings a good refresh without going further than necessary, such as camshaft, etc.? The goal is a well running engine that I can expect to last.
I am at the point where I want to do everything right and ensure I have a motor that will be good after this work, but budget is a factor. I know I could just throw the heads back on, but with unknown mileage, and most of the work already done... I can provide pics of anything necessary.