IDI rookie here....
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IDI rookie here....
Just bought a 1986 6.9 idi after reading about how robust the thing is. Got a great bodied reg. Cab with manual and 4x4 for 1100.00. The truck fires up runs great and such but leaks like mad. In fact the guy I bought it from used Royal purple synthetic so I can't tell what fluid is leaking. Appears to be clearish orange??? It does blow a whitish smoke kinda brown as well.
I pop the hood and have no clue what to look for.
He said he would put a half quart every week and a half to two weeks of good driving........is that excessesive?
Please help
I pop the hood and have no clue what to look for.
He said he would put a half quart every week and a half to two weeks of good driving........is that excessesive?
Please help
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Northern Arizona
Synthetic oils will make these things leak out of places it normally wouldn't, and in amounts that might alarm you. Try going back to a quality Dino oil. Also, clean your cdr valve (crank case depression regulator). If its clogged they drink oil also. And finally, the 6.9 is known for slightly loose valve guides, so expect that it will use some oil. New valve stem umbrellas may help. As far as the smoke, it could be fuel related, timing, air intrusion, return line restriction etc., or it could be a leaking head gasket. Are you loosing any coolant?
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Northern Arizona
Head gaskets not exactly "problematic" on these, but it is a weak point... and if you ever let them overheat... well....
If you do end up needing to do any head work at some point, I strongly suggest looking into ARP head studs, even if you're not going turbocharged. They can be had on eBay for around 220$, and worth every penny. Especially since a pair of gaskets is around 100$, and if you need to be towed... well... Let's just say they easily pay for themselves. For now, just watch your coolant very carefully, and read up on the fuel system. New return line o-rings, hoses and clamps are a must to keep these running and starting properly. For diesel questions try the pre-power stroke forum here at FTE. Great group of very knowledgeable guys, and killer info in the archives if you dig around with the search function. Do it, it will save your sanity.
If you do end up needing to do any head work at some point, I strongly suggest looking into ARP head studs, even if you're not going turbocharged. They can be had on eBay for around 220$, and worth every penny. Especially since a pair of gaskets is around 100$, and if you need to be towed... well... Let's just say they easily pay for themselves. For now, just watch your coolant very carefully, and read up on the fuel system. New return line o-rings, hoses and clamps are a must to keep these running and starting properly. For diesel questions try the pre-power stroke forum here at FTE. Great group of very knowledgeable guys, and killer info in the archives if you dig around with the search function. Do it, it will save your sanity.
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that oil consumption ain't bad at all. there's a reason the stuff comes in gallons not quarts 
every question you have on these engines has probably been answered on the pre-power stroke side of the forum here, so kick off your boots and read awhile
every question you have on these engines has probably been answered on the pre-power stroke side of the forum here, so kick off your boots and read awhile
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Hey thanks guys I will check around the forums for more info you guys are great for getting back to me I've been on other forums and they NEVER once got back to me. Thanks its great to be a member here.
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You know now that I think about it the PO said he did overheat it but limped it home. Are these motors more sensitive to over heating than a gasser. I've overheated many vehicles but never blow a head gasket. And also it doesn't smoke at idle only if its cold or accelerating.
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Postmaster
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i don't know how far he overheated it, but unless he was really low on coolant, i doubt he did damage that way.
as a general rule for all engines, if theres still coolant in the heads, you don't have much to worry about, but if you overheat with the coolant level below the heads, you'll probably blow the gaskets.
when i blew a head gasket in mine, every car on the freeway knew it!
as for your smoke, a little white/gray smoke is normal when cold, and its normal to get some black smoke when you really put your foot down. black smoke means you're giving it more fuel than it had air.
you said the leaking fluid is clearish orange, there are some brands of coolant that are about that color, as well as some brands of windshield washer fluid (rainx brand for one). or possibly power steering fluid if its a mix of PSF and ATF as they often are. i would suggest you look at what color all your different fluids are to see what matches. engine oil is probably black - usually turns black within a minute of running after an oil change, so that probably isn't what you're seeing down there in that color.
as a general rule for all engines, if theres still coolant in the heads, you don't have much to worry about, but if you overheat with the coolant level below the heads, you'll probably blow the gaskets.
when i blew a head gasket in mine, every car on the freeway knew it!
as for your smoke, a little white/gray smoke is normal when cold, and its normal to get some black smoke when you really put your foot down. black smoke means you're giving it more fuel than it had air.
you said the leaking fluid is clearish orange, there are some brands of coolant that are about that color, as well as some brands of windshield washer fluid (rainx brand for one). or possibly power steering fluid if its a mix of PSF and ATF as they often are. i would suggest you look at what color all your different fluids are to see what matches. engine oil is probably black - usually turns black within a minute of running after an oil change, so that probably isn't what you're seeing down there in that color.
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Welcome to FTE.
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums probably has a lot of good info for ya....
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums probably has a lot of good info for ya....
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Thanks Joshofalltrades makes me feel a little more at ease. You guys are great, is there a Utah group? I really like the attitude here. A lot of forums are full of people who try and make you look stupid. You guys make me feel welcome I will return that sentiment in every post. Thanks ctubutis you guys rock.
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