91' Navistar 7.3 air filter canister problem

[pmwalter]

Just installed a new WIX air filter in my 91' Navistar 7.3 diesel. The air filter is the round type. The new filter is about 1" shorter than the old filter. It does not tightly seal at the top of the canister. So there might be a little air entering at the top of the air filter.

Does anyone see this as a potential problem for this engine? Ford changed the air filter size mid-way in 91'. I guess I ended up with the shorter filter.

Thanks for your time.

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,

URGENT - DO NOT USE THIS FILTER!

The top and bottom must seal - I have seen a number of diesel engines trashed for this very reason!!!! This is usually at the handes careless mechanics who did not THINK! Always compare filters before replacing!!!

Doug

 

[pmwalter]

Good idea. I took the van for a spin and it made a loud vibrating sound in the canister. So I pulled it and put the old one back in.

My van is a retired ambulance, so things are a little different on it. Ford changed the filter as of 6/91. Mine was made on 8/91. Apparently, the ambulance manufacturer kept the older, pre-6/91 canister in the van. A little confusing, but I have it figured out now.

Thanks for your reply Doug.

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
I am very pleased that you attended to it quickly

I once in-advertantly watched a new DD 2cycle engine (rear engine in a TS24 twin engine scraper) wear out rings and liners within one and a half hours!
When the engine began to lightly smoke after about 15 minutes of use I called the unit out of service (via two way) and asked for the intake tract to be checked. It was and they (GM-Terex) did not pick it up - they had used a front filter in the rear - I fired three people after that little occurance!

Is your engine a DT466?

Doug

 

[pmwalter]

Yes it is Doug. It's a great rig that I hardly ever get to drive. It's a retired ambulance that served for three years. Then it was parked and very seldomly driven for over eight years. I then inherited the van and fixed it up. The good news is that they put in a new transmission just before I got it, plus the engine only has 150K on it. I turned it into a poor-mans camper.

I guess your example shows that if you want a job done right, then you just have to do it yourself. Employees who don't own their work vehicles have little to no invested interest in the vehicles maintenance. That stress is left for those who are in charge or who own the equipment. There are some exceptions like fellow BITOG'ers who drive company vehicles, but they are few and far between.

Cheers!

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
I have had a lot of experience with these beautiful little engines. Firstly in International earthmoving equipment during the early 1970s - we had some turbo issues and a few broken valve springs then
During the early 1980s I was reponsible for purchasing the biggest fleet of DT466 powered International prime movers and rigid trucks for use in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Over the next few years they provided excellent diveability and durability. We used a 9 speed Roadranger gearboxes in all vehicles for commonality

They must surely rate as one of the best diesel engines ever made

Doug