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Date: Sat, 14 Jun 1997 23:02:48 -0400 (EDT)
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fordtrucks80up-digest Digest Volume 97 : Issue 22

Today's Topics:

Re: Ford Ranger [ir002129 mindspring.com (Dave Armbr]
Diesel or Gas?? [zeb utalk.org (Lamar Zabielski) ]
Re: Horsepower [skidoguy cyberbeach.net ]
Re: fordtrucks80up-digest Digest V97 [Bill Funk ]
Ford F250 Powerstroke [Gizmow swbell.net ]
RE: Diesel or Gas?? ["DAVID MUMMERY"
Re: Diesel or Gas?? ["chita" ]
RE: Ford F250 Powerstroke ["DAVID MUMMERY"
RE: Diesel or Gas?? ["DAVID MUMMERY"
Re: Diesel or Gas?? [Ken Miller
RE: Ford F250 Powerstroke [Ken Miller
Re: Ford Ranger vs. Ford F-150 [Lehmandp aol.com ]
Re: Diesel or Gas?? ["chita" ]
Re: Ford F250 Powerstroke ["chita" ]
Re: Ford F250 Powerstroke [Swell61 aol.com ]
Re: fordtrucks80up-digest Digest V97 [Samily aol.com ]
Re: fordtrucks80up-digest Digest V97 [Randy Brewer ]

Administrivia:

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

Date: Thu, 12 Jun 1997 21:03:27 -0500
From: ir002129 mindspring.com (Dave Armbruster)
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: Re: Ford Ranger
Message-Id:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

>Date: Tue, 10 Jun 1997 15:46:41 -0400 (EDT)
>From: Chip256 aol.com
>To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
>Subject: Ford Ranger
>Message-ID:
>
>does anyone have a problem with drivetrain vibration with a new 97 ranger?

I have a '97 4X4 (4.0/auto tranny), but I am not sure just what you are
describing by "vibration." I did take it in just a couple of months after
getting it (for an unrelated leaky sliding rear window seal) and the dealer
mentioned something about a repair he did on it dealing with the transfer
case from a service bulletin. But, it was a driveline clunk when going
into reverse, rather than a sustained vibration. If it is an early in the
model year truck, bought around end of 1996, *maybe* could be the front
tires need to be rotated, the front suspension on the Rangers is still the
old Twin I-Beam set-up, which tends to wear tires out faster. Mine was
starting to have visible unequal (front to back) wear at just over 10K, but
I also hadn't checked on my tire pressure, which also is important.

Dave

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

Date: Thu, 12 Jun 1997 22:32:02 -0600 (MDT)
From: zeb utalk.org (Lamar Zabielski)
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: Diesel or Gas??
Message-Id:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hi All,

New to the list here, 1 day.

I am shopping for an F250 S-Cab, 4 WD, $6-8,000 range. Around here, that's
something in the '87 to '91 range. I've put $100 down on an '88 4 wd, 7.3
diesel, 5 speed w/ F-350 rear axel and suspension, many reciepts, 95k miles,
body is aged, needs TLC, can deal with.

The guy is selling cause diesel isn't his cup of tea. He's going back to
gas. I've only driven diesels in the army, 25 years ago.

I want a 5-10 year truck for occasional loads and a future RV trailer. 12k
mi/yr is alot at first, but may increase. Have read that the 460 is a good
choice for this, but which will be most reliable over the years.

Calling on 460 ads, I found a '91, 5 spd, tow package, with 195k
Wyoming/Nevada employee driven miles for $8000, but it slips out of reverse,
good looking tho. Is that a big deal? Does a 195k engine have much life
left typically?

Am wondering!

Being new here, I hope this isn't a 'flame' war generating question of which
is best!

Please CC me as I'm on the digest list here but would like any info asap.

Like an expectant papa,
Zeb

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

Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 02:19:31 -0400
From: skidoguy cyberbeach.net
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: Re: Horsepower
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

Dave,
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to look into that.

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

Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 11:31:22 -0700
From: Bill Funk
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: Re: fordtrucks80up-digest Digest V97 #21
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

> From: R Mills
> Subject: Re: How to break in a new engine?
>
> Hi:
> I am buying a new Ford truck (4.6 engine). I am getting conflicting
> instructions from the dealerships on how to proplerly break in a new
> engine. Some say drive it at any speed, just varry the speed every 5
> minutes, others say keep it under 55mph for the first 500 miles etc.
> What is the correct way? the owners manual is vauge. Should I change
> the oil before 500 miles?
>
> How about some help from you mechanics that really know?
> I apreciate your help. Thanks!

Drive it as normal, changing the speed every 5 minutes or so, is
correct.
"Normal" shouldn't mean jackrabbit starts, of course.;-)
Leave the oil in. It's not a break-in oil or anything special. The
filter will catch any harmfull particles.
--
Bill Funk
President, ASCII User Group
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.starlink.com/~ascii

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

Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 19:36:10 -0500 (CDT)
From: Gizmow swbell.net
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: Ford F250 Powerstroke
Message-Id:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hello,

I am looking for some information on Ford Powerstroke diesels.
I have a new 97 F250 crew cab swb Powerstroke w/ 5speed. I have always used
K&N filters on all my trucks, and they made a real difference in power and
mileage. I noticed that K&N makes one for the Powerstroke. Anyone ever use
one? If so how did it work?

I am also thinking fo switching to synthedic oil after the first couple of
oil changes..Think its woth it????

Let me know


Mike

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

Date: Sat, 14 Jun 97 00:49:24 UT
From: "DAVID MUMMERY"
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: RE: Diesel or Gas??
Message-Id:

This is a hard choice. I personally went with the diesel. Here is why, the 460
is a great motor I have one on the stand just do not know what to do with it.
It sucks down fuel. If you are planning on towing with it get ready to feed
it. I had on in a older F350 and it got about 4-6 miles per gallon. Any motor
with 195K on it is tiered and could use some refreshing. I would stay awy from
buing something that already has problems you are just asking for headachs. I
do not think that body rot is as bad as a trans problem. Also that 5spd is
going to get old fast. IF you are pulling something I would get a auto. The
diesel is an all out workhorse. Why do you think they are used in the big
rigs? The only thing I do not like, is the fact that if not treated right
diesel fuel turns to gel in the winter. I use mine for work. It pulls trailers
over the recomened weight a lot. I also use to snow plow, My other truck F150
w/351ci plows also but it sucks fuel. With the F350(1996) I can go about 20 to
30 hours with out filling up the F150 (great little truck) only goes about
half that. You should still be able to get another 100K out of that diesel,
Well I hope that helps and good luck. Let us know what you picked. OH, by the
way I would go for the diesel. Both should be good trucks. SCOTT MUMMERY

----------
From: Lamar Zabielski
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 1997 11:32 PM
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: Diesel or Gas??

Hi All,

New to the list here, 1 day.

I am shopping for an F250 S-Cab, 4 WD, $6-8,000 range. Around here, that's
something in the '87 to '91 range. I've put $100 down on an '88 4 wd, 7.3
diesel, 5 speed w/ F-350 rear axel and suspension, many reciepts, 95k miles,
body is aged, needs TLC, can deal with.

The guy is selling cause diesel isn't his cup of tea. He's going back to
gas. I've only driven diesels in the army, 25 years ago.

I want a 5-10 year truck for occasional loads and a future RV trailer. 12k
mi/yr is alot at first, but may increase. Have read that the 460 is a good
choice for this, but which will be most reliable over the years.

Calling on 460 ads, I found a '91, 5 spd, tow package, with 195k
Wyoming/Nevada employee driven miles for $8000, but it slips out of reverse,
good looking tho. Is that a big deal? Does a 195k engine have much life
left typically?

Am wondering!

Being new here, I hope this isn't a 'flame' war generating question of which
is best!

Please CC me as I'm on the digest list here but would like any info asap.

Like an expectant papa,
Zeb


____________________________________________________________________
Message distributed via http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.lofcom.com/
For help send subject "HELP" to:fordtrucks80up-request lofcom.com
Comments and suggestions are welcome, use: kpayne mindspring.com

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

Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 18:33:08 -0700
From: "chita"
To:
Subject: Re: Diesel or Gas??
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

----------
> From: DAVID MUMMERY
>The only thing I do not like, is the fact that if not treated right
> diesel fuel turns to gel in the winter.

Go to the Diesel Injection Services page and get the Stanadyne Performance
fuel additive. Not only does it help fuel "gel" problems, it really seems
to keep the fuel system itself clean and functioning. After talking with
diesel mechanics around the country, I think there IS a difference between
additives. Stanadyne works best.

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

Date: Sat, 14 Jun 97 03:13:44 UT
From: "DAVID MUMMERY"
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: RE: Ford F250 Powerstroke
Message-Id:

Great choice on the truck Mine's a 1996 F350 Crew cab 4X4 w/7.3 powerstroke. I
put the K&N fiters in all my trucks. The F350 included. It has made a small
improvement in throttle response. I also get about 2 miles to the gallon
better. Awsome! The biggest improvement is in the winter. I plow with my truck
and that filter gets wet and soggy in the winter. With the K&N it does not
slow the air flow. This is why I put it in. As for synthetics I do not think
they are worth the money. I have seen no improvements with them.

----------
From: Gizmow swbell.net
Sent: Friday, June 13, 1997 7:36 PM
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: Ford F250 Powerstroke

Hello,

I am looking for some information on Ford Powerstroke diesels.
I have a new 97 F250 crew cab swb Powerstroke w/ 5speed. I have always used
K&N filters on all my trucks, and they made a real difference in power and
mileage. I noticed that K&N makes one for the Powerstroke. Anyone ever use
one? If so how did it work?

I am also thinking fo switching to synthedic oil after the first couple of
oil changes..Think its woth it????

Let me know


Mike


____________________________________________________________________
Message distributed via http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.lofcom.com/
For help send subject "HELP" to:fordtrucks80up-request lofcom.com
Comments and suggestions are welcome, use: kpayne mindspring.com

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

Date: Sat, 14 Jun 97 03:06:42 UT
From: "DAVID MUMMERY"
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: RE: Diesel or Gas??
Message-Id:

Chita, sorry I forgot to mention that around the Chicago Il. area there are
plenty of gas stations that carry bblended fuel. I still carry so additive
with me just incase. Also if your are in a cold climate invest in a block
heater. It only takes a few mminutes(about 20) to install it. It replaces one
of the freeze plugs. It sells at NAPA for $19.99. Cheep help.GO BULLS!!!!

----------
From: chita
Sent: Friday, June 13, 1997 8:33 PM
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: Re: Diesel or Gas??



----------
> From: DAVID MUMMERY
>The only thing I do not like, is the fact that if not treated right
> diesel fuel turns to gel in the winter.

Go to the Diesel Injection Services page and get the Stanadyne Performance
fuel additive. Not only does it help fuel "gel" problems, it really seems
to keep the fuel system itself clean and functioning. After talking with
diesel mechanics around the country, I think there IS a difference between
additives. Stanadyne works best.



____________________________________________________________________
Message distributed via http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.lofcom.com/
For help send subject "HELP" to:fordtrucks80up-request lofcom.com
Comments and suggestions are welcome, use: kpayne mindspring.com

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

Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 21:20:06
From: Ken Miller
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: Re: Diesel or Gas??
Message-Id:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

> Go to the Diesel Injection Services page and get the Stanadyne Performance
>fuel additive. Not only does it help fuel "gel" problems, it really seems
>to keep the fuel system itself clean and functioning. After talking with
>diesel mechanics around the country, I think there IS a difference between
>additives. Stanadyne works best.
>
> > > > > > This is an Important Note made above. Not just because it
helps keep the system running better. But because of the EPA's
requirement's for LOW SULFUR diesel fuel, there maybe problems with an
older diesel's injection system if you run low sulfur fuel without an
additive. I also run Stanadyne fuel additive in my 86 6.9L diesel, and at
120K it is still getting 18 mpg highway. I have read many articles about
the low suflur issue. It is still not a clear cut case as to if this is
the culprit to many recent fuel system problems for both the BIG rigs and
us smaller diesels. Something to consider in regards to buying an older
diesel truck.

Good luck
******************************************************************
Ken Miller & Personal: KRMiller Vegas.Infi.Net
Kim Foss Work: KMiller2 ci.Las-Vegas.NV.US
650 Whitney Ranch #3213 W (707) 229-4709 H(702) 458-6529
Henderson, NV 89014 Fax (707) 474-4764
******************************************************************

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

Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 21:32:06
From: Ken Miller
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: RE: Ford F250 Powerstroke
Message-Id:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Howdy,
Ok, if you are running the K&N filters (I assume air) at what intervals
are you changing them? I have consulted the diesel manual and maintenance
schedule, and they only say to change the air filter when the air flow
restriction indicator reaches the Red. I agree that this is a good backup
for a filter that might get dirty before you expect it to. But I would
rather change at a more typical interval, like every 5000 miles. Also,
what is the recommended oil filter out there? Same?

Oil: If you have not used synthetic oil in the first couple of oil
changes, then forget it, or at least that is what I have been told. The
seals and gaskets get "use to" an oil when the engine is new. I have heard
many stories about engines leaking bad when synthetic is put in after
normal oil had been used for a long time. Which, brings up the oil I plan
on using. Has anyone had any problems, or heard of anything bad, with
running Chevron Delo 400 in the Powerstroke? I have used this for years in
bigger diesels, and have never had any problems. But that may not be so
for the Powerstroke.

Thanks for the input.
******************************************************************
Ken Miller & Personal: KRMiller Vegas.Infi.Net
Kim Foss Work: KMiller2 ci.Las-Vegas.NV.US
650 Whitney Ranch #3213 W (707) 229-4709 H(702) 458-6529
Henderson, NV 89014 Fax (707) 474-4764
******************************************************************

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

Date: Sat, 14 Jun 1997 01:35:22 -0400 (EDT)
From: Lehmandp aol.com
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: Re: Ford Ranger vs. Ford F-150
Message-ID:

In a message dated 97-06-10 20:17:54 EDT, you write:


with the Fords. I've sort of fallen in love with the Ranger "Rebel
Youth" package, but with the deals being offered by our local dealers, I
can lease a nicely equipped F-150 for about the same price over two
years. I would appreciate any comments from drivers of these two
vehicles to assist with my choice. I will be getting into a Supercab,
two-wheel drive. Thanks.
>>

It's been fun watching this thread!

To make a long story short, I had a similar choice about six years ago. I
had two vehicles; a two-wheel drive "extended" cab mini-pickup w/V6 and
Mustange GT. Needed to "downsize" finances and get into a single vehicle. A
friend advised that I take my favorite characteristics from each and roll it
into one vehicle. That advice helped me decide on the F150! And I got a
couple things extra in the process: four-wheel drive and automatic trans.

Now that it's paid off, I've made plans to upgrade its performance to better
match that of the Mustang--in power-to-weight ratio, that is. The conversion
is scheduled in about two weeks. I'll keep you posted.

- David

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

Date: Sat, 14 Jun 1997 00:58:18 -0700
From: "chita"
To:
Subject: Re: Diesel or Gas??
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

----------
> From: Ken Miller

>I have read many articles about
> the low suflur issue. It is still not a clear cut case as to if this is
> the culprit to many recent fuel system problems for both the BIG rigs and
> us smaller diesels. Something to consider in regards to buying an older
> diesel truck.

Another SUPER important point to consider when buying a used diesel -
coolant additive. Diesels of the era of the Ford 6.9L International have
been widely afflicted with pinholes in the cylinder walls (cavitation). It
has something to do with the casting getting perforated over time - UNLESS
you use the special coolant additive made to prevent this. People go along
for 50-100,000 miles and suddenly, one day, they've got gooey coolant
mixing in with the fuel. It has oozed through the walls. It's a very
expensive fix (they put in cylinder sleeves and usually tear it down to
nuts and bolts), but the vaccine is cheap: use the special coolant
additive. On time, no excuses. Ever.

If I were buying a used diesel, I'd check that this has been done with
totally anal attention. You'd be surprised how many Ford dealers never made
clear how critically important this is. I went to a new Ford dealer for a
coolant change just a few weeks ago and I had to remind them. Which means
more than one diesel owner is going around begging for a dead engine. There
really aren't any clues that this thing is coming on, there's no real test
for it that I know of, so an honest seller could unknowingly turn over a
perfectly working truck to an unknowing buyer - and have a gross failure
two weeks later.

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

Date: Sat, 14 Jun 1997 00:47:04 -0700
From: "chita"
To:
Subject: Re: Ford F250 Powerstroke
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

----------
> From: Ken Miller

> Ok, if you are running the K&N filters (I assume air) at what intervals
> are you changing them?

The K&N is a washable, reusable air filter. You don't throw it away. It
should be good for 1,000,000 miles. You buy a little kit of cleaning and
re-oiling stuff. Periodically, you blow out the crud from the filter, wash
it with the cleaner, dry it, re-oil it with the special oil in the kit and
put it back on.

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

Date: Sat, 14 Jun 1997 06:24:37 -0400 (EDT)
From: Swell61 aol.com
To: fordtrucks80up lofcom.com
Subject: Re: Ford F250 Powerstroke
Message-ID:

Howdy

The K/N air filter is washed out with a spray and renced with water' after
it drys you spray the oil treament for K/N filters.
On the subject of OIL I use Shell Rotela 30 wate in my 84 6.9 and have over
309996.0 miles on it and it still pulls good. In 90 I started using that
brand of oil and it started using less oil between oil changes and is not
that much more expencive.
The only thing about deisal is watch were you by your fuel. If they sell a
lot that's were I buy mine' like truck stops. The oil can be bought a Walmart

A fiend of had a 460 F350 crewcab and we both pulling 35 foot fifthwhell's.
He when't 132 miles on 26 gallons of gas. He asked me if i was going to fill
up I still had over 3\8 of a tank in the main tank and the rear was full. He
could not beleive it and he did not run of and leave me in the moutians
eather I will ALWAYS buy a deisel trucks.

Steve Coldwell

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

Date: Sat, 14 Jun 1997 17:05:32 -0400 (EDT)
From: Samily aol.com
To: fordtrucks80up ....

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