7.3 model year identification & rod check

skooter_built · Jan 18, 2013

Hi guys,

I found a great deal on an almost complete 2001 7.3 that I want to use for a performance rebuild. Is there anything on the engine that I can use to date it? Just wanna make sure I get what I'm looking for and not pick up an older 7.3.

Also, finger's crossed hopefully this is a forged rod engine, are there any quick ways to check if it is?

dentexpowerstroke · Jan 18, 2013

Pull the inspection plug and look in it.

skooter_built · Jan 18, 2013

dentexpowerstroke said:
Pull the inspection plug and look in it.

Yep, Ive read about that before. Arnt there serial numbers on drivers valve cover? Where's a good typical place that I can buy a 5/16" pipe plug socket?

Layson · Jan 18, 2013

no don't look at the numbers. You gotta pull the plug to check. You never know who's valve covers are on that truck or anything that has happened to it.

Only way is to look. Honestly it is real easy to do!

skooter_built · Jan 18, 2013

Layson said:
no don't look at the numbers. You gotta pull the plug to check. You never know who's valve covers are on that truck or anything that has happened to it.

Only way is to look. Honestly it is real easy to do!

Got ya thanks! As for the block, are there any numbers, traits or anything else that I can look at to confirm an 01 or a SuperDuty 7.3 and not an OBS 7.3?

ghohouston · Jan 18, 2013

It doesnt matter if its a super duty or an obs motor, they are the same blocks, bracketry will swap over if it was an obs motor

Lowdown89 · Jan 18, 2013

ghohouston said:
It doesnt matter if its a super duty or an obs motor, they are the same blocks, bracketry will swap over if it was an obs motor

Yeah there's not much difference in a OBS engine and a newer one not to mention the OBS will have forged rods so you don't have to guess at wether or not the 01 engine will have them

dentexpowerstroke · Jan 18, 2013

My old motor had a forged rod serial number and it really had pmr, pull the plug and check. That's the reason I didn't just post what serial numbers to look for.