Should I fix it or sell it?? need advice.

[670x]

I have a 1993 F-350 7.3 IDI with 194K miles on it I'm second owner.
This truck is nearly flawless, no rust no dents. It has 4:10 the 5 speed factory limited slips, freezing air cond. It's nearly perfect except for 2 things.
#1 it's a standard cab (but it's usually just me with the dog in the campershell).
#2 I have an exhaust valve sticking (woof woof )out of the tail pipe.

So I called around and remaufactred heads are 1,850.00 then I was quoted 15 hours of labor??? at 92.00 and hour .

So about 3300 to fix since I don't have a garage anymore (new house have not built it yet).
Well I can get a long block for 4,500 so fixing the heads would be stupid right? So here is my real delima...the truck only books at 4,500.. No way I'm gonna get that on a trade in.
So do I fix it or trade it?? I reall don't want payments again so If i figure on fixing it I'm out 7,500 (yeah I added a turbo and stuff) if I do it myself. Or do I say the hell with it and trade it and throw that 7,500 at a newer truck with a crew cab and a powerstroke (has to be a brick truck though).
I mean what are my chances of finding a nice crewcab with a manual tranny for 10-12 grand max?
Not really shure what to do as I like this truck but I gotta make up my mind soon.
I really need a turbo up here in Wyoming and the Strokers start way easier in the cold. But I love the IDI just wish I had a turbo.

 

[pafixitman]

$1850 for reman heads!!!

I got brand spankin' new New Zealand castings from Clearwater Cylinder for around $900 delivered. Figure on another $900 for gaskets, lifters, pushrods etc. 15 hours must be for an experienced mechanic. Lord knows I am in mine for more than that!

$4,000 you can rebuild the top end, add a turbo and have money left over for pizza and beer.

 

[Roland_Jenkins]

If your gonna keep it awhile, then fix'er up. Look at it this way, a new truck is around 50K.
Soon as you sign the papers its depreceated to around 40K

Your truck has just about bottomed out as far as depreciation goes. And besides, put enough money in her and she'll run like a . . um, well, Like and IDI!

 

[sassyrel]

if its a sticking valve--not bent--or a piece missing--why not soak the stem with some kroil-grrrrreat penetrent--would probably come free--otherwise--pull the offending head--fix that valve--and put it back together--

 

[icanfixall]

Check Ebay. I see rebuild heads for around $285.00 all the time. Promar sells a short block for 2900.00 I think and they sleeve all 8 cylinders I'm told.

 

[DeepRoots]

Mr R's Auto Salvage, Buffalo, Wyoming 1-800-834-8307
looks to me like they have 7 heads in stock, $200 or so.

 

[big van]

Keep it!!!!! You'll regret it if you get rid of it, every month you make a payment on a new on. I'm selling my wifes 05 e-350 6.0 because the older ones are easier and cheaper to maintain. Looking for e series IDI. Keep the old girl you said you love it!!

 

[Freight_Train]

damn!someone shoving it in deep and hard with no reach around there!!!!!!I can buy Brand New Heads(Yes,******,NEVER INSTALLED,100% NEW) for $450 each locally.I can have both my heads rebuilt for $100(well,was the last time,was only around 80 the time before!) at the same place.

 

[670x]

Thanks for the heads up on prices I'll check around.
I'll try the oil thing on the valve as well. I think before I pay 92an hour labor I'll do it myself in the street.

I took it on the interstate last night cruising 75 with a small trailer getting 17mpg. I don't think I'll trade it as most of the used market is junk. Think I'll just buy a whole new engine.

Who has the best (quality wise) remanufactured engines out there do you think?

 

[John Deere]

Where are you at in WY?

 

[dsblack]

Fix and keep it. Everything else sounds good.

 

[TLBREWER]

I guess I'm missing something. You have a bad valve but want to replace the engine? If you're ready for a new engine anyway, go for it. If you just want to fix the woofing, that can be done much cheaper than the price of a new engine.

Tom

 

[Diesel JD]

Yeah I say fix your bad valves and put those heads back on. While you're at it, get a set of upgraded turbo exhaust valves if you can. Heads is not easy nor is it cheap. Personally, I'd pay the machine shop to do teh valve job unless you really know what you're doing. I'd get the mating surfaces spotless, throw a set of upgraded gaskets(they're all "turbo" gaskets now, a new valley pan and make sure your lifters pushropds adn cam are ok and fix any bad parts. After that I'd call it good and go drive it some more. You can sometimes get a deal on a used turbo on ebay, but as always its "let the buyer beware." My ATS needed a rebuild. But I was ok with that at the price I got it. A new Hypermax can be had for 1450 plus shipping from Huff. They are pretty much needed in places like Wyoming because of the high altitudes...because you have to either detune the engine, which costs you power, or live with all the black smoke of a turned up or sea level model that is struggling with the mountain air...that means high EGTS and often enough "BURNED VALVES" Probably what happened to this engine.

 

[670x]

Yeah I'm in Cheyenne and that thing smokes like thats it's job. Never thought about the Egt's burning the valves. I was thinking if I'm going to tear into it I might as well do the whole thing. But if I just fix the heads then that leaves turbo money.......
Hmmmmm

 

[dsblack]

I have just pulled and fixed valves as they are talking. Paid the local shop to do the repair. Cheap. Then on goes the turbo... and the Smile!