This is my first post, and as best I can tell this is where it belongs. I currently own a 93 F-150 XL, but I'm shopping for a new truck. At any rate, I am checking out a '93 F-250, Standard Diesel, 4X4, Extended Cab, Long Bed this weekend that I will most likely purchase. I plan on running it by my mechanic before I purchase it, but I was wondering if there are any inherent defects or typical red flags I could be on the lookout for. I am looking for a work truck/daily driver and this seems like a pretty dependable truck but I want to make sure I'm not stuck with a lemon as it is my first Heavy-Duty Truck.

 

ask if the owner used the proper coolant additive. block cavitation is the biggest killer of the thin-cylinder-walled 7.3 IDI. you can get test strips to test the coolant at a Ford or International dealer. NAPA might have them too.

if the coolant was not maintained properly, you may want to pass on this one.

check out www.ford-trucks.com for great forums on Ford diesel pickups. search the 7.3 IDI forum for "cavitation"

btw, a '93 is not a Super Duty. SD's came out for the '99 model year in '98.

good luck

ROB

 

Give me the VIN and I'll run it on Carfax.com

 

69oiler - thanks for clearing that up about the super duty - I'll check on those strips.

paul407 - I'll get that VIN to you asap - thanks!

 

Also, get an oil sample frome the engine and send it out. Cost about $20, but it will tell you the health of the engine, how the guy ran oil, and whether or not there is any coolant in there. If there are fragments or coolant pass big time.

 

Where do you send the oil to?

Thanks

Paul