Hey guys I have the opportunity to buy a 1992 F-250 with a 7.3 IDI that has been sitting for many years. I believe it's to be 10-15 years although right now I don't know for sure. I can have it for $200 (scrap price) so I'm interested. I know the PO, that's why I'm getting the deal. He parked it because the glow plugs went bad and he already had another truck so he had no interest in putting money into it. My question is, when I go this weekend to fool around with it, what should I do to get it to fire? I'm going to bring 5 gallons of diesel, new oil, and filters. It's been cold here so given what I've learned about IDIs and bad glow plugs I will be bringing ether (sorry). I don't know much about IDIs, I own Powerstrokes only. So how should I go about it? Just replace the fluids and filters and see if it'll come to life?

 

You only need three things,

1. Two hot batteries, can't stress this enough, you will fight it all the way with just jumper cables
2. A 5/8 wrench
3. The can of ether you mentioned

Crack the injection lines and crank it over until five or so of them are squirting fuel, close them off and while someone is cranking on it shoot a puff or two of ether at it.

The return lines are going to be shot and leaking diesel everywhere so it probably won't idle but it will run.

I wouldn't bother with the filter/oil changes until you know she's a runner, don't sweat the old diesel in the tanks too much, about the only thing an idi won't burn is water.

If you buy it be sure to USE ONLY MOTORCRAFT/BERU glowplugs. Don't let the guy behind the parts counter say the autolites are "just as good"

Also have a wet shirt/rag ready incase it runs away, very unlikely but you never know

 

If you do bring filters along you could fill the fuel filter with ATF instead of diesel to give the IP and injectors a good cleaning. Even if you don't bring filters, drop the old fuel filter and fill it with ATF.

 

Here are some articles I wrote a while back that should help you get that beast started up:

What to do if no Diesel Fuel is coming out of the Schroeder Valve on a 6.9 / 7.3 IDI ? IDI Online

How to Crack Injector Lines and Purge Air on a 6.9 / 7.3 IDI Diesel Engine ? IDI Online

 

Also, I would be really worried about the condition of the inside of the tanks. Maybe it would be prudent to run a hose from the lift pump to a diesel can. Who knows, that old diesel in the tank could be jelly.

 

since you know the PO and trust his explanation I think I would tow it to my house or lot and transfer the title,

If it really was just glow plugs you don't want him to see you fire it up after an hour's work and then have seller's remorse,

chances are good for success and it would just be easier to work on at your location.

 

If the engine can be turned over by hand(breaker bar on crank bolt), get it and it'll end up running with some work. Just needs fuel, bleeding etc. Floor the throttle when bleeding it, so the IP gives you more fuel than it would at idle.

 

The first concern that hit me is cylinder lubrication, they'll be pretty much dry and at cranking speed they won't get much if any love. Unless someone knows of a good reason not to; I'd squirt a little oil down each intake runner, disable the glow plugs, and ether it to get it to fire. Other option would be to pull all the glow plugs, squirt oil, and crank so the motor spins easily allowing you to bleed the fuel system without fighting compression.

10-15 year old fuel, I'd be a concerned about what's in the tanks. Before trying to start it I'd disconnect the line and suck some out to know what's in there. Things that happen to fuel aside, I've discovered abandoned vehicle tanks to become waste sites people use to get rid of stuff. Old gas, oil, coolant, etc.

 

@ aqnhfd - any update on this thread ?