First truck
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New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4
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From: www.fakelife.com
First truck
Hi,
I've decided to buy a truck for the winter to get around in, and I think I've narrowed my choices to the following:
90-92 F250
90-95 F150
This would not only be my first truck, but my first vehicle as well. Is there any reason NOT to buy a 7.3L F250? My dad thinks I should go for the gas engine, but I like the way the diesel sounds. I don't really NEED an F250, but I sure want one. I figure if I can afford it, why not? Is there anything I should look out for?
Is there any reason to buy an F150 over the F250 besides that I won't really use it for much besides getting around? I like big trucks..Before I forget, about how many miles to the gallon can I expect from the F250 (7.3L)? What about the 8 cyl. gas engines?
Thanks
I've decided to buy a truck for the winter to get around in, and I think I've narrowed my choices to the following:
90-92 F250
90-95 F150
This would not only be my first truck, but my first vehicle as well. Is there any reason NOT to buy a 7.3L F250? My dad thinks I should go for the gas engine, but I like the way the diesel sounds. I don't really NEED an F250, but I sure want one. I figure if I can afford it, why not? Is there anything I should look out for?
Is there any reason to buy an F150 over the F250 besides that I won't really use it for much besides getting around? I like big trucks..Before I forget, about how many miles to the gallon can I expect from the F250 (7.3L)? What about the 8 cyl. gas engines?
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 315
Likes: 1
From: Alabama Gulf Coast
Well SlowToady,
If you want a diesel, you got to be prepared for dollars you're going to spend on parts that go bad, or just general maintenance. Everything is expensive, from the stock tires to fuel filters, from rotors to the injection pump. Ebay, however, has been a real saver for me. I've found many parts and have gotten them for at least a third off, some a half or more.
The most important thing to look for in a diesel, and particularly the 7.3L is the previous owner maintaining the nitrite additive in the coolant. The additive protects the cylinder liners from cavitation which is death for the engine and very costly to repair/replace. Lack of nitrite (Ford's part# is FW-16) will eventually cause pinholes in the cylinders to form and allow coolant to enter the affected cylinder(s), allow the coolant into the oil, and hydrolock the engine. The reason the 7.3L is so susceptible is it is a 6.9L block which has been bored out to the 7.3L displacement, making for thinner cylinder walls.
Do archive searches here at FTE.
type in cavitation and read the results.
R.A.
If you want a diesel, you got to be prepared for dollars you're going to spend on parts that go bad, or just general maintenance. Everything is expensive, from the stock tires to fuel filters, from rotors to the injection pump. Ebay, however, has been a real saver for me. I've found many parts and have gotten them for at least a third off, some a half or more.
The most important thing to look for in a diesel, and particularly the 7.3L is the previous owner maintaining the nitrite additive in the coolant. The additive protects the cylinder liners from cavitation which is death for the engine and very costly to repair/replace. Lack of nitrite (Ford's part# is FW-16) will eventually cause pinholes in the cylinders to form and allow coolant to enter the affected cylinder(s), allow the coolant into the oil, and hydrolock the engine. The reason the 7.3L is so susceptible is it is a 6.9L block which has been bored out to the 7.3L displacement, making for thinner cylinder walls.
Do archive searches here at FTE.
type in cavitation and read the results.
R.A.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Camp Pendleton
I would go with the diesel, my father just picked up an 1984 F250 for my little brother, it is 4WD and has the 6.9 diesel and 4.11 gears. He paid 500 for the truck because the heads were bad, my father (luckily for my brother) has a fresh rebuilt 6.9 in the garage. He had it done when he had his old truck (86 F250) and now he is going to throw it into my little brothers truck. Talk about a lucky dog, my father never bought me nothing. But anyways, enough jaw jacking. The diesel will last a long time and if the truck is in good shape my brother will be able to spend his money on other things besides gas. So I say go for the diesel and take care of it. About the only thing you really have to pay attention to is changing the oil and keeping the old girl pointed straight down the road and you will have quite a few years of life out of the truck. Scotty
