Been doing some research on these trucks never owned a diesel these look like a good one to learn on. I would really like to find one that is in running condition but i found a 4x4 f350 that i might be able to get for cheap but it has been sitting since 2011 It was abandoned at a auto shop i have been looking at if for 2 years and decided to go and ask if it was for sale and the guy told me he actually was starting the process to get a mechanics lein on it and get a title so it might be a month or 2. He told me he would sell it for the tow bill that is owed and how much it cost him to get a title.was wondering what i should do to it to prepare it for first start. I know i might have to drop the tanks clean them maybe clear lines from the lift pump to tank and filter but is there other things i should do. I know this is kind of early since i dont have it yet but i like be as prepared as i can be before i start a project. this truck is a 87-92 6.9.

 

i would go with a set of batteries and a jug of diesel fuel. put the batteries in, pull the fuel filter off and fill it with clean diesel, put it back on and see what happens. if it was running in 2011 it should still run.

once running, then you can make a determination if it is worth bothering with.

what was it at the shop for in the first place?

if it starts and drives, it really should not need any more than fluids and filters.
oil change and filter, air and fuel filters, maybe a trans fluid and filter service, coolant system flush and new coolant, some belts, and check/drain and fill of the differentials and transfer case if it has one.

 

Sorry if this is a stupid question but does diesel not go bad like gas does? I talked to the guy that runs the shop he said when i got it 2 years ago it was because the starter was bad i think the truck has 206000 miles. He said the guy was from texas but had a house up here in kansas and i think maybe this might have been his kansas truck or his old everyday drive he quit using the interior is clean for the age and shows no wear it is a crew cab with no rust but will need paint some day and a bedside replaced. I think this might be one of those deals where i will have to buy it before i can mess with it. I don't want to get it running and him want more money for it. Im thinking i will get it for round 600 the tow bill as for about 150.

 

Assuming it is a towing company, I'd ask him to tow it to your house. If you tell him to do it at his convenience the charge shouldn't be as bad. If you determine it is the starter you can get a new DB Electrical on amazon cheap, and they seem pretty reliable.

And to answer your question, diesel fuel lasts a LOT longer than gas. Two years is nothing.

 

yup, i still have a few hundred gallons in the tank from when i was in business, it has to be at least 12-13 years old as i closed shop back in 04.
i am using it in the trucks when i notice i need fuel at home to get rid of it. and the fuel in the rear tank of the 88 is close to 8 years old. i was looking at fuel records the other day and realized that only the front tank has been filled for the past 8 years.
i switched to the rear tank and have put around 50 miles on it so far, still runs fine.