I just had my blinkers stop working completely in my 1986 f250. Is there something that always goes out on these trucks? Or anything that I should check first?

 

Could try swapping the emergency flasher dealio with the turn signal dealio (the thing that clicks)

 

Do the brake lights and/or emergency flashers work?
I would check the "flasher unit" first.

 

Try this thread:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...vac-is-on.html

If using the original style thermal blinker, be aware that type is very sensitive to low voltage. In that thread, although the "fix" was a new blinker, he also discovered a charging problem soon after that, detailed in a different thread. Very likely the low system voltage aggravated the blinker fault, so make sure you check the charging system.

 

Obviously you're low on blinker fluid.

I suggest using the newer fully synthetic fluid.
​​​​​​​It seems to last much longer and doesn't stutter.

 

​​​​​​​There are pros and cons when upgrading to synthetic. Better blinker performance, no question. But any leaks can ruin the muffler bearings, so be careful if you keep having to top off the reservoir.

 

Thanks for all of the replies guys, I ended up figuring it out though. I'm pretty sure it's because of a short caused by my radiator blowing yesterday and spraying coolant everwhere. I replaced the radiator yesterday right after it blew and they started working again when I drove it home after work tonight (presumably because everything has had some time to fully dry out). Blinker fluid was full, it was the first thing I checked of course.

 

Interesting. I'd suggest running a quick check to make sure the alternator is charging properly. I can't imagine the turn signal wiring being much affected by a coolant bath. The alternator is a different story if it ingested a bunch of coolant. If the brushes got soaked, charging would drop off or quit altogether until they dried out.

Since the thermal type of blinker is very sensitive to low voltage, it may have stopped working because you were unknowingly running off just battery for a while. Hook up a battery charger overnight and then test the alternator to make sure it has fully recovered.

 

Thanks, I'll make sure it's doing alright.