E350 7.3 idi engine replacement

[IDIBRONCO]

Maybe it would have been easier for you to pull the engine for the gasket work?

He already figured that out.

Perhaps that would be a benefit if heads needed to be changed?

I'm not sure either way. I only personally know of one head that was changed out in a IDI powered van. It took two guys, one in front and the other from the inside. I know that they removed all of the intake bolts, but left the intake in place. To use a cherry picker, you'd probably have to remove the IP and the intake. Of course the fuel filter head would have to come out too.

 

[DirtyWood]

I was just going to put the engine in as is. It ran fine….
I considered. But ended up leaving. Hopefully that won’t haunt me.

Maybe it would have been easier for you to pull the engine for the gasket work?

Next time--absolutely pulling the engine. I'm working on a rough gravel driveway and even with plywood on the ground I wasn't sure about being able to move the picker with a 1000lb engine dangling. Now I am very motivated to pour a small concrete pad just for working on vehicles.

 

[VanGo]

That’s funny… I have a newer garage but have not poured a driveway. That is exactly why it would have never worked at my home.

Aside from the mess with all the parts.

 

[VanGo]

I am not so sure I want to ask the question. I see it is easy to go down a rabbit hole on projects…
Swap engine, might as well do seals, probably gaskets it is old, yea a water pump is good. Should do head gaskets. If heads are off probably should get studs… etc.

From the beginning I wanted to go to electric lift pump. Initially facet then more reading. I will go with the universal Airdog R1SBU369

I see folks saying do away with the stock filter/separator what are the known issues on these?

Thanks

 

[VanGo]

It appears that the seal gets brittle and plastic unit may crack over time. The parts seem to be available. Has anyone still had issues other than these items. Is it difficult to rebuild? I think my plan would be to run a remote gas filter prior to e lift pump (mentioned) and use the stock filter/separator assembly

Thoughts?

 

[lotzagoodstuff]

Super nice build you have in process. If you are going to go with an electric pump, you should consider doing the filtration/water separation at the pump as it should be better filtration and probably be in an easier spot to service.

While the thought of working on a van makes my knuckles and wrists bleed instantly, I gotta say: that’s a great looking rig. I’ve always been a closet Quigley fan, and yours is on the same path.

 

[VanGo]

Thanks… in addition to never having a diesel I never owned a van either

My brother and his wife have been talking about picking up a transit van to travel. I started watching a few videos on them and then started noticing older e350 4x4 camper vans and it caught my interest. I have owned early Broncos and always have had 4x4’s
This thing was on Facebook and well…

Wife “you don’t need any more projects”. Me “If this works out you will be very happy”

Every time I hop on in to grab a part to put back on I just can’t believe how massive this thing is. I have been pretty excited working on it. Once running and a few miles are on it I will decide how much I will put into it. If decent enough to ride a 2-3 hundred miles at a time I will have big plans for it. And another plus I should be able to use it to trailer a small bronco across a state to go to a show a couple times

So… I want to make sure it is mechanically dependable…

 

[VanGo]

Even if adding the separater and fuel
Filter near tank. Can anyone comment on the stock fuel filter and separator. I really would like to leave on. How troublesome is the unit. Is air intrusion the biggest issue? Is it difficult to replace the problematic parts. On the van from what I recall before pulling the engine it did not appear to be difficult to get to…

 

[IDIBRONCO]

Can you post a picture of the fuel filter mount/head? I don't remember if vans ever got the two piece fuel filters or a 7.3 style filter head. If not, you might still have a 6.9 style water separator. Those are the ones that gave the most trouble. If you have it, you can bypass it like most people do.

 

[VanGo]

Ok… will get to shop later today and take pictures.

Thank you,

Ed

 

[VanGo]

Won’t be able to get pics until weekend. Have these older photos already on phone not sure if this will give a clue.

 

[VanGo]

Also found this pic of the bus engine before pulling items off…

 

[VanGo]

I have two chances

 

[VanGo]

My initial thoughts are to use the universal Raptor pump

• Universal
• 100GPH (Gallon Per Hour) Raptor-4G fuel pump that is preset to 8psi from the factory

Together with a prefilter on the frame and use the stock filter/ water separator

Any thoughts, I did reach out to airdog…(waiting for a response)

A bit cheaper than buying a whole fuel System

 

[Nero]

Also found this pic of the bus engine before pulling items off…

I'm impressed you got the IP gear cover off with the IP still in place.

Curious how well the fuel system will work. I'm one of few who prefer dual tanks but would like to someday go to a reliable e-fuel setup.