Tomorrow I plan on going to look at a 95 F-350 for a friend who is considering buyin it. I know there is a guideline on what you should look at and what to watch out for. But I was wondering if the same guideline that applies to our trucks applies to the OBS trucks. I know the OBS have a few differences. Truck looks good but I told him I wanted to see it first. Thanks Cody.

 

To me the biggest things arent vehicle specific unless the vehicle has a huge known defect (Such as a bow tie on the grille).

The stuff that matters to me is the little stuff. Want to know its City/Hwy lifestyle? look at the brake pedal. A worn lower corner indicated more braking, probably meaning more city life if its a got reasonable miles.

How does the engine bay look? Clean?
Basically look for pride of ownership. If the owner took care of it, it will show in the small details. Anyone can change the oil, but did they use a good filter?

Are the batteries well maintained? How is the air filter? Look at the spare tire. What shape is it it? Most people dont pay attention to this, but a good owner keeps a good spare just in case. All of those basic small things alone dont mean much, but if they are all present, the owner probably took good care of the vehicle.

 

i dig the, flip cap on filler tube, test.

 

the what to the what?

 

From the pictures he sent me I can tell it leaks oil because of the spots under it. That's the main reason I wanted to check it out

 

remove oil fill cap, set upside down on filler tube, and with motor run'n, watch to see if any "pressure" pops the cap off the filler tube

 

Oh ok. Just never heard it called that.

 

I was gonna check for blowby.

 

The only thing I usually mention is check where you'd hook up the chains if towing. If you see much wear there, then well it's towed a lot in it's life.

 

Overall the truck looks ok but 4000 I told him not to expect that much.

 

Well I went and looked at the truck today and in my opinion it was a complete disaster. The whole under body was soaked with oil. I checked the valley and it was full of oil. It looked like the ebpv actuator was leaking along with some other stuff. Truck had excessive blowby, no air filter what so ever and 4th gear was grinding in the tranny. Not to mention the other things I saw. I told my buddy to simply walk away.

 

no air filter
RUN.

 

What a shame, another truck down because of complete ignorance...(proper maintence)

 

It was a shame. The guy even told me he knew nothing about them I just shook my head and walked away.

 

Shame.... can't even use it for parts. I gave somebody a jump the other day (OBS 7.3L turbodiesel). Exposed wires, grease/oil everywhere, corroded batteries, broken windshield, dents, rust, etc.... They said it was for sale and my thought was "you can try".