giannid
New member
Well, I'm looking to purchase a engine out of International school busses that are actually 444e engines . Basically the same as a 7.3 powerstroke with some different bolts ons. I looked at 4 of them today and the miles ranged from 130,000 to 160,000. Years ranged from 1999 to 2001 and they were the 190 hp models. Surprisingly the hour meters showed 10000 to 13000 hours. I test drove all four busses and I drove them down the road like I stole them and they ran great. Checked the blow by on them and it looked like they had the same blow by as my 2001 f350 powerstroke. The fins on the turbo all looked good so I know they have had clean air. Although I didn't have any records for any of the engines it looks like they were never replaced from the paint on them. Looks like the hpops on two were newer and one turbo charger looks like it was replaced on one as it didn't have the blue factory paint on it. I actually took oil samples of them and will have them back early in the week. Should I stay away from purchasing these engines? I have 3 trucks that have 7.3 powerstrokes and ones in need of an engine. I figured I'd buy 2 as the price is right. Just seems like a lot of hours. I know the big engines go for many hours as I have a Kenworth with a Cummins engine with over 20000 hours without ever being overhauled. Just wondered what you guys think. Thanks