DIY Repair for the 6.9 and 7.3 IDI Diesel Van (and other vehicles)

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Success! Front Axle Install Complete on the Veggie Van

It’s on the road!  Started the axle rebuild in December, rolled it out of the garage in February, and now… Read more »

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The Pathfinder Conversion Steering Problem

This was confounding me all day, but once I got the van on the ground and testing the steering under… Read more »

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The Dana 44 Drain Plug Crisis

It was one of those days.  I’m getting really close to finishing this 4×4 conversion, and the simplest thing holds… Read more »

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Pathfinder Shocks, Suspension, and Steering Updates

I’m sure you’ve read about the radius arm mods, and if not, check this out first. Pathfinder Econoline Radius Arm… Read more »

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Pathfinder Econoline Front Brake System Rework

These brake calipers, according to the ID numbers on the side, come from a 1979 F250.  “DAYTON DE 69710382 2… Read more »

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Finishing the Crossmember and Trackbar Mount

Sorry for the delay.  Don’t have a lot of time to post updates on the website, but I finally got… Read more »

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Test Fitting the Axle with Weight

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Cutting the Crossmember

Well, I finally bit the bullet and cut the crossmember. But first, I needed to pre-drill the 1/2″ holes in… Read more »

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Pathfinder Econoline Radius Arm Mounting Bracking Install

Been busy with work and skiing, which has been cutting into my van conversion time.  I only had a day… Read more »

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Figuring out how to Cut this Crossmember

I’m sure you read my previous post about the differences in older and newer Gen 3 Econoline crossmembers?  I thought… Read more »

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Which bolts to Permatex on a 6.9 / 7.3 IDI Waterpump?

When you install a waterpump on a 6.9 or 7.3 IDI, you MUST use sealant on the top-two and bottom-two… Read more »

genscripter February 8, 2018

6.9 / 7.3 IDI Front and Rear Main Seal Replacement

One of the most common places for oil leaks on a 6.9 or 7.3 IDI engine is the front and/or… Read more »

genscripter February 7, 2018

6.9 / 7.3 IDI Harmonic Balancer (Vibration Damper) Replacement Process

The harmonic balancer, also known as the “vibration damper,” sits on the front end of the crankshaft.  It is press… Read more »

genscripter February 7, 2018

7.3 IDI Crank-Rod Bearing Crisis

A while back, I got a spare 7.3 IDI engine out of a 1994 U-haul van.  It was a really… Read more »

genscripter February 5, 2018

Differences between the IDI Van and IDI Truck Engines

There are some small but important differences between the components of an IDI Van and IDI Truck engine.   Any IDI… Read more »

genscripter February 3, 2018

1980’s Ford Headlight Dimmer Switch Connector Replacement

Ever since I bought my 1988 IDI Van, I’ve always had some weird electrical gremlin regarding my headlights.  Out of… Read more »

genscripter January 20, 2018

Mid-80’s Ford IDI Van Center-Diesel-Tank Sender Replacement

This article will detail the replacement of the center-tank sender on a Diesel IDI Ford Van. If you have a… Read more »

genscripter January 20, 2018
7.3 IDI Head Bolt Torque and Sequencing

7.3 IDI Cylinder Head, Head Gasket, and ARP Stud Installation

After I finished the Rod and Piston Ring work, it was time to toss on the cylinder heads and tighten… Read more »

genscripter December 30, 2017

Aligning the IP Timing, Camshaft, and Crankshaft Gears on a 6.9 / 7.3 IDI Engine

There is a lot on the net about alignment of the IP, Cam, and Crank gears, but I thought I’d… Read more »

genscripter November 27, 2017

How to Crack Injector Lines and Purge Air on a 6.9 / 7.3 IDI Diesel Engine

Here is the process for bleeding the air from injector lines on a 6.9 or 7.3 IDI diesel engine.   Explanation:… Read more »

genscripter October 16, 2017

What to do if no Diesel Fuel is coming out of the Schroeder Valve on a 6.9 / 7.3 IDI

So you have been cranking and cranking your IDI and it never starts?  You probably have a fuel problem.  It… Read more »

genscripter September 15, 2017

IDI Diesel Ford Van Fuel Tank Sender Replacement Tutorial

If you have a 1980’s Ford diesel van, you probably have a faulty fuel gauge. There are many reasons why… Read more »

genscripter March 23, 2017

Proper IDI VRV Adjustment and Calibration

VRV Quick Installation Guide:  (Quick Instructions are in dark green text) If you want to quickly install a VRV (Vacuum… Read more »

genscripter March 4, 2017

Things to Consider When Buying a Used Auxiliary Gearvendor Overdrive

You should read this if you are hunting for a used Gearvendor.  It’ll help you figure out what you need… Read more »

genscripter March 1, 2017

7.3 to 6.9 Swap in a E250 Clubwagon Van (with photos)

After battling this pesky oil-in-coolant problem, I finally broke down and opted to install my spare 6.9 in my E250…. Read more »

genscripter February 11, 2017

1988 E250 Van 7.3 IDI Head Gasket Job (without pulling the engine)

I thought I would finally post the pics of my in-progress Head Gasket job on my 1988 7.3 IDI Clubwagon…. Read more »

genscripter May 26, 2016

Pulling a 6.9 IDI Engine from a 1984 E350 Econoline Van

When pulling an IDI engine, you will need a 2-ton shop crane.  These engines are not light, and with accessories… Read more »

genscripter March 9, 2016

6.9 / 7.3 IDI Thermostat Replacement

On these old engines, it’s not uncommon to encounter an erratic temperature gauge.  Nine times out of ten, this is… Read more »

genscripter February 8, 2016

Stuck engine block coolant plugs? Here’s a $1 trick to break them loose.

I got a few of those 3/8″ square male coolant drain plugs in my block, and I tried using one… Read more »

genscripter May 29, 2015

DIY 7.3 IDI or Powerstroke Oil Cooler Pressure Tester

I got sick of looking for a place that could “test” my oil cooler, so I made my own testing… Read more »

genscripter May 5, 2015
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