Recently purchased a 91 4x4 7.3 Diesel F250. Looking for some basic tips on upkeep (I am completely new to diesel).

My vehicle experience is limited to unleaded gasoline engines (know how to check and replace fluids, gap/replace sparkplugs, etc., just the basics).

My saving grace has always been I drive like a grandpa (almost am!). I usually drive in the low RPM ranges and get 200K-300K before I let them go.

That being said. Glowplugs? Fuel filter to remove water? Anyway like the post stated any tips would be appreciated (any online manuals?).

Also the only thing that appeared to be wrong with the vehicle was the starter. It doesnt work, you turn the key and then open the hood, then short two solenoids to start it (making sure it isnt in gear!). The seller knocked a hundred bucks off if I promised to fix that asap. Any thoughts on that would be helpful.

Thanks in advance,
-J

 

Had a similar problem with my starter solenoid in the past. Shorting the solenoid to start the truck tells you your starter is fine. Check to make sure you get a signal to the solenoid when you try to start the truck. If you get voltage, then you just need a new solenoid. My money is on the solenoid.

As far as diesel maintenance goes, the number one problem diesels have is fuel delivery. Your injectors not only deliver fuel, but also deliver fuel in time for correct cylinder firing. You have two fuel pumps on your diesel, a lift pump which acts as a standard fuel pump, and an injector pump which delivers high pressure fuel to your injectors.

When maintenance/tune up time comes, diesel injectors can be easily tested for proper spray at proper pressure. They don't have to replaced nearly as often as spark plugs as most diesel shops can rebuild injectors for a fraction of the cost of replacing them.

Glow plugs just help to heat up your cylinders as it is a combination of heat and pressure that causes diesels to fire, instead of an ignition system. That is why most diesels have a 'wait' light upon startup.

The only time your glow plugs are crucial to starting is during the colder months. I hope the winters aren't too harsh there. If so a block heater may help with the cold starts.

Finally, diesels make all their power at low rpm's. No need to rev your engine high at all.

 

Welcome to the world of 7.3 IDI's. Ain't much else like these old tractor engines, huh?

Here is your new bible. If you don't follow this, your engine will go pop before its time.

The guys down in the Pre-Powerstroke section are infinitely more knowledgeable than I am on these things, I only just got my truck a few months ago so I'm still learning.

 

grab yourself a 93 or older f-series (or '94,just make sure it's for the idi) diesel owners supplement for a nice place to start with your routine basic maintenance schedule.example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1993-Ford-Truck-Owners-Manual-Diesel-Supplement-Reference-Operator-Book-OEM-/360469978373?pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item53edaf5d05&vxp=mtr

 

Be careful when you go to the auto parts store for the faulty "solenoid". The thing on the fender is actually the starter RELAY. There is a separate solenoid on the starter itself. If you will look at your positive battery cable after the second battery, there are two wires coming off it. A smaller gauge wire goes to the starter relay, and a large gauge wire goes down to the starter. The key activates the relay, and the relay activates the solenoid. I had to double-check myself on this when I first saw it.