How about a simple dumb question...
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 89
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How about a simple dumb question...
I am looking for a E350 cube van for my new business.I don't know much about the older diesels, so I am trying to figure this out.I do know that I love Ford trucks, and have MANY serious compliments to pass on about my experiences,(mostly gas) My dumb questions are these.
Are all the 6.9s' turbo,or would that be aftermarket?(as it pertains to a 1985 E350 6.9).
Is there a suspect,(common) problem,if it smokes for 15-30 seconds ,after it starts?
Should I go gas, or is the 6.9 a good motor.
I will be using this around town,as a delivery vehicle for furniture.
Fuel economy counts.What MPG would you expect around town?(Automatic trans)
Thanks for your patience.
Are all the 6.9s' turbo,or would that be aftermarket?(as it pertains to a 1985 E350 6.9).
Is there a suspect,(common) problem,if it smokes for 15-30 seconds ,after it starts?
Should I go gas, or is the 6.9 a good motor.
I will be using this around town,as a delivery vehicle for furniture.
Fuel economy counts.What MPG would you expect around town?(Automatic trans)
Thanks for your patience.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,870
Likes: 47
From: Tennessee
The 6.9 was a good engine . It may be hard to find what you are looking for though . Good engine , trans , body . If you find one , well maintained , I wouldn't hesitate to buy a good example . Just my thought .
Clueless spectator!
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Denver, CO
Maf,
First of all, welcome to the forum.
Ford didn't turbo any 6.9 factory. The first factory diesel was the 93 7.3 which was fitted with an ATS 093 turbo with Ford markings.
Smoking for 15 to 30 seconds is absolutely nothing to worry about, it is somewhat normal, and might indicate it needs some routine maintenance, as long as the smoke is whitish, and doesn't smell sweet you are o.k. How does it cold start? That is something you should be more concerned about.
The 6.9 is made by International Harvester, and is not just a good motor, it is one of the most reliable motors Ford ever put in a truck.
MPG's are determined by a number of factors: rear end gear ratio, type of auto trans, condition of the truck, timing, your right foot! It is safe to expect anywhere from 12 to 16 mpg city.
Again welcome to the Dino-diesel forum!
Good luck,
Mac.
First of all, welcome to the forum.
Ford didn't turbo any 6.9 factory. The first factory diesel was the 93 7.3 which was fitted with an ATS 093 turbo with Ford markings.
Smoking for 15 to 30 seconds is absolutely nothing to worry about, it is somewhat normal, and might indicate it needs some routine maintenance, as long as the smoke is whitish, and doesn't smell sweet you are o.k. How does it cold start? That is something you should be more concerned about.
The 6.9 is made by International Harvester, and is not just a good motor, it is one of the most reliable motors Ford ever put in a truck.
MPG's are determined by a number of factors: rear end gear ratio, type of auto trans, condition of the truck, timing, your right foot! It is safe to expect anywhere from 12 to 16 mpg city.
Again welcome to the Dino-diesel forum!
Good luck,
Mac.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
That 85 will have the same setup as my '85 E350 car go van, non turbo 6.9 with a C6 3 speed auto.
I manage to hit 16mpg on an 8 hour trip, doing 60. I have 4.10 gears and i'm revving right around 3000RPM at that speed. So considering that, I did very well.
Something more comparable to a cube van would be my motorhome. It is a 26ft class C (same as a cube van, with an overhead bunk), it weighs around 12,000 lbs loaded for a long vacation, it's a 87 6.9 C6 with 3.54 gears, and I regularly get 11-14mpg with it. That is highway only. You should see about the same with a cube van like that, providing it has a fresh tune up, and well maintained driveline.
Great engines otherwise! Very cheap to maintain, and very reliable.
I must warn you though, they aren't big power houses.... the 6.9 pushes a great big 170HP @ 3300RPM and 325ft Torque @ 1600RPM at the crank.
I manage to hit 16mpg on an 8 hour trip, doing 60. I have 4.10 gears and i'm revving right around 3000RPM at that speed. So considering that, I did very well.
Something more comparable to a cube van would be my motorhome. It is a 26ft class C (same as a cube van, with an overhead bunk), it weighs around 12,000 lbs loaded for a long vacation, it's a 87 6.9 C6 with 3.54 gears, and I regularly get 11-14mpg with it. That is highway only. You should see about the same with a cube van like that, providing it has a fresh tune up, and well maintained driveline.
Great engines otherwise! Very cheap to maintain, and very reliable.
I must warn you though, they aren't big power houses.... the 6.9 pushes a great big 170HP @ 3300RPM and 325ft Torque @ 1600RPM at the crank.
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Clueless spectator!
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Denver, CO
John,
Calm your "Disease"! Chico is in Northern California, (home of Sierra Nevada Brewery...YUMMM). The fuel alone would double the price for you! LOL
Calm your "Disease"! Chico is in Northern California, (home of Sierra Nevada Brewery...YUMMM). The fuel alone would double the price for you! LOL
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Fly out and drive it home!