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I have owned 4 Ford trucks over the last 20 years. A '70 with a 360, and '83 with 300 six, a '96 with a 351, and an '00 with a V10. I am going to look at an '87 F350 with a 6.9 IDI this week. I know my Ford trucks pretty well, but they have all been gassers. What should I know about oil burners before I go to check out this truck?
This engine, if taken care of, is not an oil user first of all XD. What you should know:
1)know how many miles on Injection Pump.
2)Check to see if a return line kit has been put in
3)Check glow plug controller, plugs, and solenoid.
4)Check fuel filter, fuel lines.
5)Check Injectors, how many miles on them ect.
6)Check the Radiator for the ph level/SCAs are in it.
7)Check for blow-by if over 150k
8)General Service history
start it dead cold though. don't let the guy warm it up before you get there feel the engine. if it feels like its warm like its been driven in recent hours you wont get an accurate reading on the cold start situation. \
SCA's are important as well they keep the cylinder walls protected from cavitation. much more important in the 7.3's though
The 6.9 isn't much prone to cavitation. I wouldn't worry much about it even if it hasn't been treated. I personally treat my 6.9 but it's simply cheap insurance.