Older Powerstrokes are great because they’re simple, durable, and still worth fixing. The downside? Some of the factory parts are getting harder to find, more expensive, discontinued, obsolete, or replaced by aftermarket stuff that ranges from “nice” to “why does it look like it came out of a cereal box?”

This list leans heavy 7.3L, especially OBS trucks, because that’s where the discontinued parts problem is getting real. Of course we're trying to stay on top of the parts shortages by manufacturing better options, but if you own one, don’t wait until the truck is down to start hunting.

 

7.3L Engine Front Cover

Why it matters: The 7.3 front cover is one of those parts nobody thinks about until it cracks, leaks, strips HPOP mounting threads, or causes sealing problems.

The problem: Ford has made the 7.3 front cover obsolete and dropped it from production, which means good replacements are getting harder to find. The cheap options aren't necessarily bad, but they're hit or miss. Never know what you're getting till its too late. Riffraff’s billet front cover was built as a stronger replacement with improved oil/coolant flow, stainless thread inserts, and provisions for the later screen-style HPOP reservoir gasket.

The fix: If your front cover is cracked, damaged, leaking, or stripped beyond repair, upgrade to the Riffraff Diesel Billet Engine Front Cover.

What you should notice: Better sealing confidence, stronger HPOP mounting points, better long-term durability.

 

EZ-Lok HPOP Bolt Insert Kit

Why it matters: Stripped HPOP mounting bolt threads are common on 7.3s, and the old answer was usually “find another front cover.”

The problem: That’s not so simple anymore since they were discontinued. The EZ-Lok kit repairs stripped HPOP bolt threads right in the existing front cover so you don’t have to replace the whole thing.

The fix: Repair the stripped HPOP bolt holes with the EZ-Lok HPOP Bolt Insert Kit before a small thread problem becomes a full front-cover replacement.

What you should notice: Restored clamping force, better HPOP sealing, and a truck that doesn’t get parked over a few ruined threads.

 

Riffraff Diesel Upgraded 7.3 CPS

Why it matters: A failing cam position sensor can cause random stalling, no-starts, rough idle, intermittent RPM signal, and general 7.3 moodiness.

The problem: The original International “Black CPS” that many 7.3 owners liked was discontinued almost 20 years ago. Riffraff developed an upgraded CPS designed to bring back the drivability benefits owners liked, while using newer sensor technology and stronger signal clarity.

The fix: Replace a questionable CPS with the Riffraff Diesel Upgraded CPS and keep a spare in the glovebox.

What you should notice: Better start reliability, smoother idle, cleaner drivability, and less stranded mments from a failed CPS (if any).

 

94–97 OBS Turbo Intake and Y-Boot Kit

Why it matters: Old intake boots crack, split, get soft, and leak boost. On an OBS 7.3, some of the original pieces are not exactly sitting on every parts-store shelf anymore.

The problem: Ford discontinued the factory orange intake boot, so Riffraff built a direct replacement turbo intake and Y-boot kit for 1994.5–1997 OBS Powerstroke trucks with the stock turbo. The kit uses aramid/Nomex reinforcement, is rated to 550°F working temp, and is made in the USA.

The fix: Replace the old cracked factory boots with the Riffraff 94–97 Turbo Intake and Y-Boot Kit.

What you should notice: Cleaner airflow, fewer intake leaks, better sealing, and no more trying to save a cracked orange boot with hope and hose clamps.

 

International T-442 RTV Silicone

Why it matters: Some sealants are “close enough.” This is not one of those places where close enough always works out.

The problem: International T-442 RTV has been discontinued and is getting harder to source. It is commonly used on 7.3 applications like oil pans, timing/front covers, transmission pans, and rear-main-seal areas.

The fix: If you’re doing a 7.3 oil pan, front cover, timing cover, or major sealing job, use the real International T-442 while it’s still available from Riffraff.

What you should notice: Better sealing confidence, fewer comeback leaks, and less regret after doing a job that nobody wants to do twice.

 

1994–1995 Fuel Bowl Regulator Bypass Hose

Why it matters: Early OBS 7.3 fuel system parts are getting harder to source, and small hoses can make big problems when they leak.

The problem: The 1994–1995 fuel bowl regulator bypass hose connects the bottom of the fuel bowl to the fuel bowl regulator. This part has been discontinued by Ford and is no longer available from your Ford dealer.

The fix: Replace the old hose with Riffraff’s high-temp factory replacement hose before it starts leaking fuel in the valley.

What you should notice: Less fuel smell, fewer leaks, cleaner fuel-bowl area, and one more discontinued little nuisance handled.

 

7.3L Engine Oil Temperature Sensor and Pigtail

Why it matters: Bad oil-temp data can cause drivability issues, weird readings, and diagnostic confusion.

The problem: Some 1994–1997 trucks used a different oil temperature sensor that is now obsolete. In those cases, the updated sensor and pigtail are required.

The fix: If your early OBS sensor is bad or obsolete, update it with the correct EOT sensor and matching pigtail.

What you should notice: Accurate oil-temp data, cleaner diagnostics, and no more chasing an obsolete sensor setup.

 

OBS 7.3 Belt Tensioner Update Parts

Why it matters: Belt routing and tensioner issues on OBS trucks can cause belt wear, noise, charging issues, cooling problems, and roadside frustration.

The problem: Many of the original update parts have been discontinued, including specific Ford belt part numbers on the belt-routing decal. 

The fix: If your OBS belt system is still original, noisy, misaligned, or chewing belts, update it before more parts become impossible to source cleanly. Check out Riffraff's TSB on tensioner problems here: https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/blog/ford-tsb-982314-the-obs-73-powerstroke-belt-tensioner-fix-that-still-matters/

What you should notice: Better belt tracking, less noise, fewer thrown belts.

 

HPOP Gear Bolt Washer

Why it matters: Tiny parts can stop big jobs. Lose a specialty washer during an HPOP or engine job and suddenly the truck is stuck while you search the internet.

The problem: Riffraff carries the International HPOP Gear Bolt Washer for 1994–2003 7.3L trucks, a part that has been discontinued and is hard to find.

The fix: Replace the washer when servicing the HPOP gear bolt area, and don’t assume the old one will always be reusable or easy to replace later. And save the old one just in case!

What you should notice: Correct reassembly, fewer delays, and no stalled engine job over a washer.

 

UVC Oil Rail Drain Plug With O-Ring

Why it matters: Under-valve-cover oil rail plugs are small, but they matter. Leaks, damaged plugs, or missing O-rings can create oil messes and service headaches.

The problem: Riffraff carries a replacement UVC Oil Rail Drain Plug with O-ring for the discontinued Ford part.

The fix: Replace damaged or leaking UVC oil rail drain plugs when you’re already under the valve cover.

What you should notice: Cleaner sealing, fewer under-valve-cover oil leaks.

 

Final Thoughts

Old Powerstrokes are still worth fixing. That’s the good news. The bad news is some of the factory support is slowly drying up. Front covers. OBS boots. IDM’s. Early fuel hoses. Old sensors. Special washers. Factory sealants. Small parts nobody cared about until they became the reason a truck couldn’t go back together.

Replace the known weak stuff before it fails.

Stock up on a few small discontinued pieces before you need them.

Use Riffraff-built replacements where the factory gave up (shameless plug, but hey, that’s our specialty…).

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. We share our knowledge and experience, but we are not liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may occur as a result of using this information. Situations are rarely cut and dry in the automotive world. Your situation will likely be somewhat different than what we describe here. Use your best judgment and always consult a qualified professional for automotive repairs and modifications. Your safety is your responsibility.