fordtrucks80up-digest Thursday, April 16 1998 Volume 02 : Number 140



=======================================================================
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 - 1996 Trucks Digest
Visit our web site: http://www.ford-trucks.com
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To unsubscribe, send email to:
fordtrucks80up-digest-request listservice.net
with the word "unsubscribe" in the body of the message. For help, send
email to the same address with the word "help" in the body of the
message.
=======================================================================
In this issue:

Introduce Myself ["Rick Wojciechowski" ]
RE: cb ["Beaman, James" ]
Saleen Explorer [PhatStang ]
Re: Gas gauge is flakey [Charles Neff ]
RE: Saleen Explorer ["Chad Royse" ]
Re: Gas gauge is flakey ["Rick Wojciechowski" ]
Diesel Motor Upgrade [DAA7490 ]
Re: Saleen Explorer ["Jeff Schapker" ]
Re: Diesel Motor Upgrade [Chris Hedemark ]
F 250 turbo diesel lousy fuel economy ["Mike Miller" ]
1997 F150 Engine Problems [h7819 rea-alp.com]
Re: 1997 F150 Engine Problems [Ken Payne ]
Re: F 250 turbo diesel lousy fuel economy ["Jeff Schapker"
F 250 turbo diesel lousy fuel economy [Hawk sktc.net]
Re: Diesel Motor Upgrade [Thundercraft ]
Re: F 250 turbo diesel lousy fuel economy [Thundercraft
Re: Reading: URL sites [Randy ]
re: 250 vs. 2500 [Sven Setterdahl ]
Re: Reading: URL sites [Joshua W Dronkers ]
Re: Diesel Motor Upgrade [Joshua W Dronkers ]

=======================================================================

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 07:47:13 -0500
From: "Rick Wojciechowski"
Subject: Introduce Myself

Hello all,
I am new to the list as of yesterday, but not new to the email
enthusiasts
group. I also belong to the Late model Bronco email list. I own an '83
Full size Bronco, stock I-6, 4-speed with granny gear, 33x12.5x15
" Mud Blasters ", custom made rear bumper, 8.8" rear end, ......, as
well I
own a stock 5-speed '92 Mstng 5.0L(when they still had 5.0L). I live in

Huntsville, AL, so 4x4 wheeling is fun in the mountainous terrrain. I am
a
learning shadetree mechanic and I hope to learn a lot as well as maybe
help
you guys out. Well I won't carry on any more.

- --
Thanks,
Rick Wojo
'83 Stock I-6 "The BROWN BULL"
'92 Mstng 5.0L
'95 eclipse - Wife's (For Sale)

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 08:30:45 -0500
From: "Beaman, James"
Subject: RE: cb

Randy Wrote:

> Thank you James, be sure to let us know about the performance. Also,
> someone on the list mentioned their Cherokee radio, but I don't
> remember the model number. Please contact me directly via e-mail, I
> have a question or two for you.
> Thanks,
> Randy
>
> Beaman, James wrote:
> > >
> > Randy, my new Cobra came in and I have some dimensions for you:
>
Well, I had a chance to install my remanufactured Cobra this past weekend
and it seems to do fine. I went with a combination weather/CB antenna with
a magnetic roof mount from Radio Shack which turned out to be more than the
radio at about $35. Although this antenna is not tunable, performance of
this setup seems to be good with no interference from the engine or other
truck systems noticeable.

James Beaman
james.beaman lmco.com

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 09:51:00 EDT
From: PhatStang
Subject: Saleen Explorer

Hey all.
Hey, has anyone seen that Saleen Explorer that Saleen is going to make for
1999? It looks so phat, it has the saleen stripes, 18" magnesium rims,
leather saleen seats, a custom saleen fin on the tail gate, etc. Anyone else
who has seen it, I would like to hear your input. Thanx.

Thanx,
Dan

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 08:45:00 -0700
From: Charles Neff
Subject: Re: Gas gauge is flakey

This started (both tanks) 6 months after I bought my 1987 F-150 new in
Jan. 1987. Took it in for warranty repair and they fixed it (said they
replaced the tank sensors). 6 months later, same condition.

What I like about it is that both tanks can show "bone dry" and for $2
gas in each tank, they're "both" full.

Would also like to know how to fix this...

> Gas gauge is flakey. Doesn't matter what tank I'm on. It'll stay at
> full for 150+ miles and then dance around near full. Suddenly it'll
> drop to Empty, but by the time that happens you better hope the second
> tank has some gas left in it because you are DONE. I suspected a
> sending unit but this happens the same on both tanks. Anyone ever see
> this and successfully fix it?

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 10:45:17 -0400
From: "Chad Royse"
Subject: RE: Saleen Explorer

FYI: Your post seems to be more appropriate for the Small Truck list. But
being as you asked, I would like to share my opinion. Has anyone ever seen
an Explorer on the drag strip? How about an F1 style race track? You know
why... It's too heavy and it's center of gravity is too high to be truly
competitive. Two things you can never remove from an Explorer. But I'm
sure it looks fine. Now I may be wrong (and I can handle it if I am) but I
think most people (not all) in this list are more concerned about their
trucks being trucks first and looking good second. They expect them to work
hard, tow hard, haul hard, go places cars don't, and take almost anything.
And when you find a list member who's truck does all that for him *AND*
looks good doing it... you have found one content Ford truck owner.

Now I do like the Explorers but, I would rather see a 4x4 Explorer with a
nice suspension lift, big $$ All/Mud terrain tires, some really tall gears
and ARB lockers in the diffs, a full compliment of nerf and brush guards,
and enough Hella or Piaa lights to bring daylight to the darkest nights, and
watch it beat the pants off the Brits in one of their Rover off road
expeditions. I feel like grunting like Tim Taylor now.

Just my phat opinion :),
Chad

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-fordtrucks80up ListService.net
[mailto:owner-fordtrucks80up ListService.net]On Behalf Of PhatStang
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 1998 9:51 AM
To: fordtrucks80up ListService.net
Subject: Saleen Explorer


Hey all.
Hey, has anyone seen that Saleen Explorer that Saleen is going to make for
1999? It looks so phat, it has the saleen stripes, 18" magnesium rims,
leather saleen seats, a custom saleen fin on the tail gate, etc. Anyone
else
who has seen it, I would like to hear your input. Thanx.

Thanx,
Dan

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 10:25:02 -0500
From: "Rick Wojciechowski"
Subject: Re: Gas gauge is flakey

Charles Neff wrote:

> This started (both tanks) 6 months after I bought my 1987 F-150 new in
> Jan. 1987. Took it in for warranty repair and they fixed it (said they
> replaced the tank sensors). 6 months later, same condition.
>
> What I like about it is that both tanks can show "bone dry" and for $2
> gas in each tank, they're "both" full.
>
> Would also like to know how to fix this...

Well,
This problem seems to come up a lot on my Bronco list as well.
And evidently if you guys here on the truck list see it alot then it
must be an all around Ford design flaw(IMHO). Yes more than
likely it is the sender unit. A suggestion I have is if you have EFI,
then on the frame rail you probably have a large fuel filter. I would
check it for being plugged or of needing being replaced.

- --
Rick Wojo
'83 Fsize Bronco "The BROWN BULL"
'92 Mstng 5.0L
'95 eclipse-Wife's(For Sale)

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 15:33:21 EDT
From: DAA7490
Subject: Diesel Motor Upgrade

I'm considering upgradeing my '94 F350 dually from the 7.3L gas motor to a
Diesel. I use the truck as a tow vehicle for my drag racing addiction. How
much does the "correct" diesel cost and what is the model # of the motor.
Should I expect a lot of grief with this change and/or are there places that
can do the conversion? This isn't really in the works for the next year or so
but I'd like to understand the scope of extent of the effort. BTW, the 7.3L
engine only has ~11,000 miles (race tracks are relatively close) so is it a
saleable piece? I expect to put another 2K miles on before the switch. Or
should I just go ahead and trade up for the Powerstroke? The truck is paid
for and I really don't want another thick payment book.

Dave A

Dave

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 15:10:16 -0500
From: "Jeff Schapker"
Subject: Re: Saleen Explorer

DITTOS Chad


>FYI: Your post seems to be more appropriate for the Small Truck list. But
>being as you asked, I would like to share my opinion. Has anyone ever seen
>an Explorer on the drag strip? How about an F1 style race track? You know
>why... It's too heavy and it's center of gravity is too high to be truly
>competitive. Two things you can never remove from an Explorer. But I'm
>sure it looks fine. Now I may be wrong (and I can handle it if I am) but I
>think most people (not all) in this list are more concerned about their
>trucks being trucks first and looking good second. They expect them to
work
>hard, tow hard, haul hard, go places cars don't, and take almost anything.
>And when you find a list member who's truck does all that for him *AND*
>looks good doing it... you have found one content Ford truck owner.
>
>Now I do like the Explorers but, I would rather see a 4x4 Explorer with a
>nice suspension lift, big $$ All/Mud terrain tires, some really tall gears
>and ARB lockers in the diffs, a full compliment of nerf and brush guards,
>and enough Hella or Piaa lights to bring daylight to the darkest nights,
and
>watch it beat the pants off the Brits in one of their Rover off road
>expeditions. I feel like grunting like Tim Taylor now.
>
>Just my phat opinion :),
>Chad
>

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 16:15:11 -0400
From: Chris Hedemark
Subject: Re: Diesel Motor Upgrade

DAA7490 wrote:

> I'm considering upgradeing my '94 F350 dually from the 7.3L gas motor to a
> Diesel. I use the truck as a tow vehicle for my drag racing addiction. How
> much does the "correct" diesel cost and what is the model # of the motor.
> Should I expect a lot of grief with this change and/or are there places that
> can do the conversion? This isn't really in the works for the next year or so
> but I'd like to understand the scope of extent of the effort. BTW, the 7.3L
> engine only has ~11,000 miles (race tracks are relatively close) so is it a
> saleable piece? I expect to put another 2K miles on before the switch. Or
> should I just go ahead and trade up for the Powerstroke? The truck is paid
> for and I really don't want another thick payment book.

A 7.3L gas motor with 11,000 miles on it? Hmmm... I don't think you can
get much of anything for it. Tell you what, I'll help you out and give
you about $50 for it. Maybe I can make due with it in my 87 F250. :-)

- --

Chris Hedemark - chris yonderway.com - http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.yonderway.com
"From the fury of the Norsemen, oh Lord, deliver us!"

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 15:24:31 -0700
From: "Mike Miller"
Subject: F 250 turbo diesel lousy fuel economy

I have an 85 F250 4x4, xcab, 6.9l diesel with the Banks turbo. The truck has
a 3.54 limited slip rear end.
My problem is fuel economy - crusing at 60mph (2200rpm) on level ground, I
get about 18mpg. Towing a 28 foot travel trailer that weighs in at about
7000 pounds, I get about 10.5 mpg. I have talked to people that get 20+
hiway and towing heavier rigs than mine, get 15+.
I get a lot of black exhaust, especially when towing, which to me indicates
I am running a little too rich and the injection pump needs adjusting to
lean it out. Yet the max I get on the pyro meter is about 900 degrees. This,
as I understand it from talking to Banks, should be around 1100 degrees,
which means I need to richen the mixture to get more power from the turbo.
Is there something I am missing here? Anyone have any ideas what to check
that would cause these symptoms? The air filter ( K&N) is brand new.

mike miller

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 98 17:46:04 +0100
From: h7819 rea-alp.com
Subject: 1997 F150 Engine Problems

We have a 1997 Ford F 150 Lariet Extended Cab that has been sitting in
the shed for a few months due to the death of my father. Anyway we drove
it out of the shed about a week ago and the lifters were ticking when it
was put back in the shed the lifters were still ticking. What could be
the problem? I would have thought that should have stopped before it was
put bacl into the shed. If any one on the group can help me out please
post or email me at h7819 rea-alp.com

Thanks
Matt Hemming

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 19:35:59 -0400
From: Ken Payne
Subject: Re: 1997 F150 Engine Problems

At 05:46 PM 4/15/98 +0100, you wrote:
>We have a 1997 Ford F 150 Lariet Extended Cab that has been sitting in
>the shed for a few months due to the death of my father. Anyway we drove
>it out of the shed about a week ago and the lifters were ticking when it
>was put back in the shed the lifters were still ticking. What could be
>the problem? I would have thought that should have stopped before it was
>put bacl into the shed. If any one on the group can help me out please
>post or email me at h7819 rea-alp.com
>
>Thanks
>Matt Hemming

Go to your nearest auto parts store and buy a quart of "Marvel
Mystery Oil". Its a solvent that will ungum and free up sticky
lifters. Run a quart of it though the engine until the tick
goes away. Make sure you change the oil before and after the
MMO application.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 18:56:52 -0500
From: "Jeff Schapker"
Subject: Re: F 250 turbo diesel lousy fuel economy

Mike,
Check out The Ford Diesel Website at www.abol.com/users/jlester. This site
might help you find some answers.
Jeff

------------------------------

Date: 15 Apr 1998 18:51:44 EDT
From: Hawk sktc.net
Subject: F 250 turbo diesel lousy fuel economy

FO>I have an 85 F250 4x4, xcab, 6.9l diesel with the Banks turbo. The truck has
FO>a 3.54 limited slip rear end.
FO>My problem is fuel economy - crusing at 60mph (2200rpm) on level ground, I
FO>get about 18mpg. Towing a 28 foot travel trailer that weighs in at about
FO>7000 pounds, I get about 10.5 mpg. I have talked to people that get 20+
FO>hiway and towing heavier rigs than mine, get 15+.
FO>I get a lot of black exhaust, especially when towing, which to me indicates
FO>I am running a little too rich and the injection pump needs adjusting to
FO>lean it out. Yet the max I get on the pyro meter is about 900 degrees. This,
FO>as I understand it from talking to Banks, should be around 1100 degrees,
FO>which means I need to richen the mixture to get more power from the turbo.
FO>Is there something I am missing here? Anyone have any ideas what to check
FO>that would cause these symptoms? The air filter ( K&N) is brand new.

FO>mike miller

The first step is to change the fuel filter(s) and service the water
separator (if equipped).

Buck Shoff

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 19:11:40 -0700
From: Thundercraft
Subject: Re: Diesel Motor Upgrade

Chris Hedemark wrote:
>
> DAA7490 wrote:
>
> > I'm considering upgradeing my '94 F350 dually from the 7.3L gas motor to a
> > Diesel. I use the truck as a tow vehicle for my drag racing addiction. How

If your upgrading because you want to get better milage, just how much
are you planning on spending. Let's say you spend $3000. At the milage
you drive, just how long does it take to burn $3000 worth of fuel. More
importantly - how long will it take to make up the difference from what
you spend now to what you would spend on diesel. - 5 years? 10 years? 20
years?

If you want some more power, maybe a couple engine mods will more more
economical and much less of a headache.

My $0.02 worth.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 19:15:20 -0700
From: Thundercraft
Subject: Re: F 250 turbo diesel lousy fuel economy

Mike Miller wrote:
>
> I have an 85 F250 4x4, xcab, 6.9l diesel with the Banks turbo. The truck has
> a 3.54 limited slip rear end.
> My problem is fuel economy - crusing at 60mph (2200rpm) on level ground, I
> get about 18mpg. Towing a 28 foot travel trailer that weighs in at about
> 7000 pounds, I get about 10.5 mpg. I have talked to people that get 20+
> hiway and towing heavier rigs than mine, get 15+.
> I get a lot of black exhaust, especially when towing, which to me indicates
> I am running a little too rich and the injection pump needs adjusting to

Your running rich all right. That's money you see coming out of the
pipes.

> lean it out. Yet the max I get on the pyro meter is about 900 degrees. This,
> as I understand it from talking to Banks, should be around 1100 degrees,
> which means I need to richen the mixture to get more power from the turbo.

Not true - too rich a mixture can drop the exhaust temps as well.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 23:54:15 -0700
From: Randy
Subject: Re: Reading: URL sites

No problem Joshua, here are some catalog online sites for you. Some
mags are free, some are pay, but usually 5 bucks or less and some are
Ford specific:
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.summitracing.com -Summit Racing (free)
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.jegs.com -Jegs Racing (free)
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.4wheelparts.com -4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers (5 bucks)
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.accplus.com -Accessories Plus Truck Center (5 bucks)
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.performanceproducts.com (Make specific - free?)
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.protruckoutfitters.com (Can't remember if online only but I
think I have a print cat)
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.deezee.com -DeeZee accessories (free)
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.catalogsite.com -hundreds of catalogs but not too many
automotive
Also Josh, I recommend 4x4 Power magazine to read and check some of
the 4 Wheel and Off-Road, sometimes they'll have a catalog special
where you can order tons of catalogs. Just let me know if I can be of
any more assistance.
Happy reading,
Randy

Joshua W Dronkers wrote:
>
> Randy,
> Could you post all of the site adressess for us any way, I only know of
> summit and get their catalog regularly. Maybe you know of one exclusivly
> for Ford products?
>
> Thanks
>
> Joshua Dronkers

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 22:57:52 -0500
From: Sven Setterdahl
Subject: re: 250 vs. 2500

Here is an excerpt from the dodge-truck newsgroup. I've been watching
it to gage dodge owners talk on their trucks. Just another proof of
chryslers poor service system:

- ------------
John R. Borek wrote:
>
> Any one else have problems with their Rear Differential Bearings
going? The
> Truck has seen only highway. Dealer says it was defective bearings or

> improper factory installation.
> Feedback would be appreciated.
>
> --

My 97 had a pulsation at 6000 miles that took 3 months to diagnose.
After tearing the engine apart twice and replacing the torque converter,

they replaced the rear end as a last resort. Fixed the problem.
Rumor has it that data is being collected for a recall on certain 97 Ram

rear differentials.

Dick Eriksson
- ------------

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 22:50:08 -0800 (AKDT)
From: Joshua W Dronkers
Subject: Re: Reading: URL sites

Thanks I appreciate it. I'll check those out. I just got my Bronco, and I
want to go through it completely.


Joshua Dronkers
**************************
*'84 Bronco 351w *
*32" BFG's 3" body lift *
**************************
Fairbanks, Alaska
fsjwd1 aurora.alaska.edu or
fsjwd1 uaf.edu

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 23:01:37 -0800 (AKDT)
From: Joshua W Dronkers
Subject: Re: Diesel Motor Upgrade

I have heard that a new diesel motor can cost upwards of $10,000. A
rebuild can cost in the neighborhood of $5,000. I like a diesel, and would
probably get one in a new Ford if I were to ever buy one. Correct me
if I'm wrong, but that's just what I've heard

Joshua Dronkers
**************************
*'84 Bronco 351w *
*32" BFG's 3" body lift *
**************************
Fairbanks, Alaska
fsjwd1 aurora.alaska.edu or
fsjwd1 uaf.edu

On Wed, 15 Apr 1998, DAA7490 wrote:

> I'm considering upgradeing my '94 F350 dually from the 7.3L gas motor to a
> Diesel. I use the truck as a tow vehicle for my drag racing addiction. How
> much does the "correct" diesel cost and what is the model # of the motor.
> Should I expect a lot of grief with this change and/or are there places that
> can do the conversion? This isn't really in the works for the next year or so
> but I'd like to understand the scope of extent of the effort. BTW, the 7.3L
> engine only has ~11,000 miles (race tracks are relatively close) so is it a....

---

To access the rest of this feature you must be a logged in Registered User Of Ford Truck Enthusiasts

Registration is free, easy and gives you access to more features.
If you are not registered, click here to register.
If you are already registered, you can login here.

If you are already logged in and are seeing this message, your web browser is blocking session cookies. Change your browser cookie settings to allow session cookies.