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Hello,
I just bought my first diesel a few months ago; its a 1989 Ford F250 XLT Lariat, single cab long bed 7.3L IDI, 104,000 miles, automatic, non turbo. Since I'm a greenhorn to the diesel world I want to learn as much as I can here. I'm going to be using it for driving about 30 to 40 miles to work almost every day.
Are there any problems I need to watch out for? What sort of things do I need to do to it first? (I.e. get a tune up). Is running vegetable oil safe?
I just bought my first diesel a few months ago; its a 1989 Ford F250 XLT Lariat, single cab long bed 7.3L IDI, 104,000 miles, automatic, non turbo. Since I'm a greenhorn to the diesel world I want to learn as much as I can here. I'm going to be using it for driving about 30 to 40 miles to work almost every day.
Are there any problems I need to watch out for? What sort of things do I need to do to it first? (I.e. get a tune up). Is running vegetable oil safe?
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,562
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
welcome to FTE.
vegetable oil is ok if properly treated, and it does not get too cold where you are. alternative oils tend to gel up rather quickly when it gets cold out.
30-40 miles is a perfect workout for an IDI.
things to look our for are clean fuel and air filters, don't buy fuel from stations that do not sell a lot of diesel fuel, and make sure the glow plugs circuit is working properly.
vegetable oil is ok if properly treated, and it does not get too cold where you are. alternative oils tend to gel up rather quickly when it gets cold out.
30-40 miles is a perfect workout for an IDI.
things to look our for are clean fuel and air filters, don't buy fuel from stations that do not sell a lot of diesel fuel, and make sure the glow plugs circuit is working properly.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,072
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From: California
I run WVO in my IDI's for years. Be sure to invest in high quality parts. Also, you should do a two-tank system with a purge. Do not use copper, steel, or brass. Use only alum or high temp plastic. Viton seals would be prudent. Nickel plated heat exchangers are best.
If all this sounds new to you, do more WVO research first. BioD is a risk. I don't go near that stuff. But a 2-tank WVO system with properly dewatered and filtered oil can go a long way. Feel free to AMA if you have any questions.
If all this sounds new to you, do more WVO research first. BioD is a risk. I don't go near that stuff. But a 2-tank WVO system with properly dewatered and filtered oil can go a long way. Feel free to AMA if you have any questions.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,072
Likes: 48
From: California
The other thing to take into consideration is the amount of WVO fuel you will need. You will likely need up to 5 gallons of WVO per day for your commute. I don't think you could filter and store 25 gallons per week without three or more restaurants supplying you.
Is it a necessity to have a truck for your commute? If you can get by with a car, you could get a VW TDI that will only require 5-10 gallons per week for your commute. That's manageable. Plus you would only need one decent sized restaurant to give you 5-10 gallons per week. Or maybe two small restaurants.
Ultimately, that's too much of a commute for such an old and low-mpg vehicle. You should consider swapping for a more efficient diesel vehicle, unless you are required to have a truck. Then an IDI is a pretty affordable option.
Is it a necessity to have a truck for your commute? If you can get by with a car, you could get a VW TDI that will only require 5-10 gallons per week for your commute. That's manageable. Plus you would only need one decent sized restaurant to give you 5-10 gallons per week. Or maybe two small restaurants.
Ultimately, that's too much of a commute for such an old and low-mpg vehicle. You should consider swapping for a more efficient diesel vehicle, unless you are required to have a truck. Then an IDI is a pretty affordable option.
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