I am having trouble decoding a 1985 Ford F-600 I am looking at. Would like to know engine size and anything else.

I tried the Decoder on this site, but no results...

VIN 1FDMF6079FVA34753

Any thoughts on this model for a property work truck? It has a flatbed and is propane powered.

Thanks!

 

'85 Gas V8 would be a 370 or 429. Can't tell them apart as they are the same externally. Other than stickers etc that are OEM.

Can you get the warranty plate/data plate (or sticker) on the driver's door? That has axle, GVW, trans and other info.

Tubeless on this one I hope?

 

I am certainly hoping for tubeless! I love the older vehicles, but do not really need any more headaches than already exist...

I do know it is propane and wonder if this brings any additional concerns.

The seller indicated he had new tires put on the front and the rears are good.

I have asked for door tag information and supplied a small list of questions for the seller.

This one is about 300 miles closer to home, licensed and has been running around on the road recently.

The amount of "fluff" people put in their ads when selling vehicles can sometimes be bewildering. i'm looking forward to finding a decent truck sometime soon!

 

Propane can be an issue for engine valve wear etc. But if it's still running good at this date, I wouldn't worry about that. Do you have a source for fueling it up?

It will be down on power compared to a gas engine, but should still be quite serviceable for the needs you described earlier.

 

There is a gas station about 5 miles down the road. prices are higher because I'm out in the sticks, but I should not need to fuel up too often. I expect the truck to be home based 99% of the time.

Did not consider the valve wear, but since we discontinued lead in gas I suppose it's a bit more of an issue for a lot of vehicles. The old '61 Buick Electra I had with the nailhead sure missed the lead!

Thanks for your continued input 85e150six4mtod!

 

1FD = FoMoCo USA - Ford Truck - Incomplete Vehicle.

M = Class 5 Hydraulic Brakes - 16,001-19,500 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

F60 = F600 2WD (gas, in this case-propane).

7 = 6.1L V8 (370 cid) LP (Propane).

9 = Check digit, FoMoCo use only.

F = 1985.

V = Kentucky Truck Assembly Plant.

A34753 = 1985 Numerical Sequence of Assembly, the trucks specific serial number.

 

Thanks for the VIN Decoding!

 

Is propane cheaper in WA than 87 octane regular?

Here in CA, a special blend of gasoline is used...that is not used anywhere else. Some stations here in LA LA Land are currently selling 87 octane for 5 bucks a gallon.

A Union station in Beverly Hills is charging 6 bucks a gallon for 87 octane. 89/91/93 octane much higher at all CA stations.

It's the usual "CA summer drive time rip-off." Some refinery's are operating at less the 50% due to (as they claim) 'maintenance.'

One refinery here in LA LA Land is operating at 20% due to a fire. It won't be operating 100% for several months.

 

I'm looking into propane costs and availability as well as an annual tax on alternative fuels.

I'm also looking into a brake issue. The brakes are said to stop the truck fine, but I noticed a potential problem.

I did not have time for a test drive when I looked at the truck but it fired up and sounded great, until I stepped on the brakes...

When the brakes are stepped on the power steering pump makes an unusual hydraulic pump noise. When I squeeze the hose with my fingers I feel pulsating instead of a normal constant flow.

Also, the Emergency brake light stays on even when the emergency brakes are released. The emergency brakes do release, but the light does not go off.

There is the backup electric motor under the master cylinder, but it remains quiet. I have not yet tried to see if it activates with the engine n to running.

Any ideas on the brake issue? I moved the truck forward and backwards some and the brakes did work, but had the pump noise.

The truck will see mostly use on the property (if purchased) and not much road use so cost of propane may not be a huge issue, but brakes are another matter.

The truck is in very good shape in most other areas looking and sounding great, but brakes and disconnected heater core were noticed. I may take it for a test drive, but had concerns about the brakes and time constraints.

I'm pretty sure this has the Lucas Girling hydraulic over hydraulic brake system which I understand might be pricey to stay on top of...

 

I'm not sure there is another hydraulic system for these years. The LG system is bad mouthed regularly as being expensive to work on.

We have a similar system (if not the same, not sure) on our trucks at work. With the engine off, you should hear that electric backup working to provide power for the brakes. You should not hear it with the engine running. This happens from time to time, but I'm not sure of the most common reason.

If the noise is coming from the PS/brake pump, it could be low fluid, air in the system or the pump giving up. Again, not uncommon to hear that on our trucks, but they usually get fixed by the next day when written up, so it can't be that big a deal.

Since the steering, brakes and parking brake all rely on that hydraulic system, leaks are not uncommon due to all the lines and seals involved.

This post contains some good info, and links to other posts with lots more info. I hate to link you to links, but this one is a good gateway to about 6 other threads, each brimming with useful info:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ng-brakes.html

 

Look on the Emergency Brake Control, see if there's a switch mounted on it.

If there isn't, the light staying on has nothing to do with the emergency brakes. It's probably a defective low brake fluid warning lamp switch.

 

The noise is coming from the PS/brake pump. I will check for a switch on the E-Brake control. I have yet to find a replacement PS/brake pump to check on pricing.

I will also look at fluid levels, but initial check seemed as though everything was full.

Great looking truck otherwise... Would kind of like to have it!

Thanks a lot for your input!

 

This one has been sold and moved down the road.