I just inherited a F350 Xtended Cab (part of settlement for loan to friend who passed) Hasn't run in about 3 years. I'm a gas engine guy, with just enough knowledge to get in trouble.
I replaced batteries, front universal, and solenoid on fender wall. A few taps on the starter and the ole screw driver and we got her turning. Little starter fluid and she started for 5 secs.
So far that's it. Gonna change fuel filter & clean water ketch. Recondition fuel in Front tank Diesel 911 & then add fresh fuel and then some Seafoam. Main concern is making sure oil is getting to turbo and it's ok. Once we get it running, then I'll get it to a mechanic to go through.
I am considering reverting it back to a 5th wheel setup for a trailer hauler. My friend, was s certified diesel & gas engine instructor @PTEC so he beefed it up suspension wise changed it to a utility bed w/2500lb elec crane on it cause he did a lot of Fleet repair & road calls on disabled trks. Sterling, Inter, Volvo, Ford ect.
I'm not sure what I'm gonna do yet, gotta see what we have first. Have I covered the big stuff in rejuvenation process?

 

Be careful with the starting fluid. It's not suggested to be used on a diesel. I hear the warming glow plugs can cause ignition before you want it.

When changing the fuel filter there's a little screen at the bottom of the fuel bowl. Clean that guy out too.

 

They get upset when they sit. Check the oil. It depends on oil pressure to fire injectors.

 

^^^^ what he said. 3 years is a long time I would recommend going ahead and changing the oil. It is the life blood of these engines. On top of the engine, right behind the front accessories, pretty close to center there is a reservoir for the high pressure oil system. There is a fill plug on top. Pull it out and verify the oil level is about a quarter inch below the top of the reservoir.
I would discourage the use of starter fluid as well. It is not the best for diesels
Congrats on the new truck

 

Well, replaced solenoid, got her running and idling, but we forgot to make sure the fuel gauge was right. Nada in it so I've put 10 gal in and some diesel 911. New prob is it won't start with the key. Key turns on but no starter connection. I heard there may be a fuseable link in that line. Haynes shows 2 possibles, but not where. Not even sure that's it. Time to break out continuity tester. Thanks.

 

Is it a manual or an auto ?

 

Starting fluid is fine, as long as you disable the glow plug system

 

Manual trans. I'm familiar with the Bigger hammer scenario, but this is an ignition switch, you don't beat on em it's elektromics.

 

Check the clutch safety switch on the clutch master cylinder push rod. There should be a plastic bushing in the eye of the push rod where the rod connects to the clutch peddle. That bushing wears out, and if not cought in time, will wear the eye and the pin on the clutch peddle. This in turn doesn't allow the safety switch to engauge when the clutch peddle is depressed.

 

and there is also an actuator in the upper column that connects the key cylinder to the actual ignition switch. if it breaks it will allow the ignition to turn on but not go far enough to start the engine.

 

Thanks, I'll chk those this wk when I get bk ovr there.
It has to be in that circuit since solenoid is ok - 1 of the 2
I'm replacing a M5OD-R1 in our 94 Ranger Splash right now, and then a front trans to drvshft universal on our 84 F 150 4 x 4 clunker
Love my new Tiger Tool U-Joint remover, it makes it so easy & you don't have to drop shafts to remove. 15 - 30 min max.