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Sep 26, 2023 | 03:29 PM

Ashton_1012

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 143

Likes: 8

Looking to buy

Hello all
I am going to go check out a 94 F250 Super Cab today. 4x4, 7.3L power stroke with 215k miles. 5speed manual. Looks fairly clean and has had a lot of upgrades to include a tuner, south bend clutch, 4” exhaust, and more.

This is my first diesel so I’m hoping for some advice on what to look for and inspect while I’m there.

price is 9k, does that sound fair?

thanks for all your help!

Last edited by Ashton_1012; Sep 26, 2023 at 05:24 PM. Reason: Incorrect KBB value

Sep 27, 2023 | 09:32 AM

knottyrope

Lead Driver

Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 7,217

Likes: 1,342

From: Bahstun

check for blowby and go over everything that you can

price depends on location and demad

Sep 27, 2023 | 10:58 AM

Ashton_1012

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 143

Likes: 8

Hey Knottyrope

Do you have any tips on things I should go over? This is my first Diesel, not entirely sure where to even start. I am familiar with checking for blowback and will do that. Anything else super easy I can check with some basic tools?

Sep 27, 2023 | 11:36 AM

knottyrope

Lead Driver

Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 7,217

Likes: 1,342

From: Bahstun

compression test would be great if possible
look for leaks on front cover but oil pump usually is the cause
oil cooler rebuild is easy if leaking
check for vibes
check for smooth running

check front end out well, mine was trashed from hauling 500 gal of water from PO

might have orange boot of death on turbo inlet, they crack below that most dont see

Be prepared to spend some money in repairs, at 25 years old, they will need some TLC

Read up on some builds and see what some of us have gone though

Sep 27, 2023 | 03:31 PM

BuckHammer

Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 3,014

Likes: 115

Quote:

Originally Posted by knottyrope

check front end out well, mine was trashed from hauling 500 gal of water from PO

+1
My first thought was that I guess the front end is worn out with that many miles. The original poster probably knows this, but beware of crazy/weird wear pattern on the tires that the twin traction beam axles will cause when they’re worn out. Of course, the owner could conceal that a little bit by swapping tires before you get there, but still something to watch for.

Sep 27, 2023 | 07:08 PM

fordman67

Hotshot

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 14,377

Likes: 609

From: evansville in

Make sure it is in fact dit and not idi. Being a 5 speed it may be dit

Sep 27, 2023 | 08:22 PM

Harveyearlolstad

More Turbo

Joined: Aug 2019

Posts: 540

Likes: 119

From: Norcal

I would say it depends on what your mechanical skill level is. Some things such as glow plugs, brakes and accessory items can be done by you, I wouldn't consider a deal breaker. But expensive items like tires, injectors or worse, are. I would ask the owner if you could start her up while cold without the block heater being plugged in prior. You can check with your hand when you get there to see it. But even the small items can add up.
also, check the fuel filter to see if it has been taken care of. And from what I heard, if it has a k&n filter don't buy it.
A weak pont in these trucks are the automatic transmission if it's equipped. Pay attention to the feel of the shifting.