Question for J-Mech

bocephus1991 · #1 11-10-2014, 05:50 PM

Hi Jonathan. Have a question since you own your own shop and have probably done this, how difficult and how involved is it to replace the glow plugs in a 02 7.3 power stroke? I have done it on the old 6.9 and 7.3 idi engines , but never on one of these. I know they are under the valve covers and I will replace the valve cover gaskets to also since I don't wanna chance trying to reuse them and the wires for the glow plugs run through them.Any secrets, or tricks to make it easier? I rebuilt the fuel filter bowl this spring, the outings were shot. Thanks! Brian

Shrewcub · #2 11-10-2014, 06:47 PM

I know you asked Jonathon, but I have done a few of these too. They aren't too bad at all. The worst part is the VC bolts on the right rear.

You may want to replace the breather hose at the same time. Also check the harness side connectors, I think the some of valve cover gaskets come with pigtails, if they look funny at all replace them using solder and good heat shrink.

One last thing, clean all induction boots with lacquer thinner before reassembly. You don't want one blowing off going down the road. I am sure if I forgot something Jon will chime in.

J-Mech · #3 11-10-2014, 11:27 PM

Brian,
Travis nailed it. Off the top of my head, I can't think of anything he left out. Absolutely replace the gaskets and like he said the pigtail too. You don't want to do all that work, just to drop an injector because of a wiring issue.

bocephus1991 · #4 11-11-2014, 12:18 AM

Thanks guys! Think this is gonna be expensive, not what my wife wants to hear or me and either! If i have any more questions I will ask. Oh just thought have either of you dealt with a place called accurate diesel.com?? Found them online prices seemed reasonable, supposed to meet or exceed oem parts.

sbauerz28 · #5 11-11-2014, 06:25 AM

I think I will stick with my LBZ Duramax. I can change a glow plug in that in about 15 minutes without even opening the hood.

J-Mech · #6 11-11-2014, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bocephus1991

Thanks guys! Think this is gonna be expensive, not what my wife wants to hear or me and either! If i have any more questions I will ask. Oh just thought have either of you dealt with a place called accurate diesel.com?? Found them online prices seemed reasonable, supposed to meet or exceed oem parts.

Never heard of it. But, for that engine, I'd stick with a gasket from Fel-Pro, or an OEM one. Fel-Pro AFAIK, makes the best gaskets even for that application. For the most part in my shop I buy from tangible suppliers, not www.******.com.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbauerz28

I think I will stick with my LBZ Duramax. I can change a glow plug in that in about 15 minutes without even opening the hood.

Go right ahead. I'll stick with my Cummins. NO glow plugs to mess with. I tell ya, you guys and your IDI's. I like my diesels in-line, and direct injected.

cadzag72 · #7 11-11-2014, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Go right ahead. I'll stick with my Cummins. NO glow plugs to mess with. I tell ya, you guys and your IDI's. I like my diesels in-line, and direct injected.

agreed! have a 1990 12-valve as the cub hauler of choice. no idea of the mileage, odometer broke at 212000 6 years ago

J-Mech · #8 11-11-2014, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadzag72

agreed! have a 1990 12-valve as the cub hauler of choice. no idea of the mileage, odometer broke at 212000 6 years ago

Yep! Sounds like mine! I kept my '90 Dodge. Sold my 12 valve '96 a year ago. It was a mess. My '90's odometer quit at 226000 like 10 years ago. I estimate it to be well over 500K. Only hard engine part changed..... injection pump. 10 years ago.

Can't beat a Cummins!

I will say, the rest of the truck has been rebuilt at least twice, LOL! I rebuild the driveline about every 100K. Front end at least 2X. Never a rear end. Trans once, but it's due again. The ol' Dodge takes a lick'n and keeps on tick'n!

Shrewcub · #9 11-11-2014, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbauerz28

I think I will stick with my LBZ Duramax. I can change a glow plug in that in about 15 minutes without even opening the hood.

Ya, but have fun putting a water pump on that Isuzu!

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Go right ahead. I'll stick with my Cummins. NO glow plugs to mess with. I tell ya, you guys and your IDI's. I like my diesels in-line, and direct injected.

Me too!!

bocephus1991 · #10 11-11-2014, 10:21 PM

First off a 7.3 power stroke is not an IDI engine the old 6.9 and original 7.3 were. I've always drove ford diesels since I first bought a truck in 1988. I'm a diehard navistar / IH diesel fan. Grew up on IH tractors dad had an 83 ford with a 6.9 with over 375,000 on it when bank took our farm I have at mom and dads my old 85 with a 6.9 with over 395,000 on it. It gets me that how many guys claim to diehard IH the drive duracrapp or cummins. Cummins is a good engine don't get me wrong, it's the only thing that kept dodge in the truck business. I just don't like dodges. As for where to get parts yeah Ian gonna get OEM glow plugs , not sure about gaskets yet. I don't like paying extra just for a name. I have seen that with alternator belts . Same manufacturer different names different prices. I rebuilt the fuel filter bowl this spring and bought the kit from diesel orings .com . Oem was ungodly high priced for a hand full of orings. The kit it bought was about $50. That's my 2 cents ! One thing well all have in common is our love for our cub cadets!