Here it goes -- Got a 92 F250 XLT 4x4 with an 8 ft bed. Car Fax said mileage is clean. 5.8L V8 EFI HD. It has 153000 miles on it.
It has all the power windows,locks,steering etc. I dont really know about trucks - this is my first and my hubby bought it for me as my run around and to pull the boat (25').
It runs excellent - nice and smooth, starts right up and makes no unusual noises (knocks/ticking etc.)
Right off - Husband is not mechanically inclined so I am the one to stay on top of things - This is a great truck and I like it alot!

I dont know how to check the transmission fluid. The transmission feels weak especially when we pull the boat. Like it is working real hard. Its not slipping though -- perhaps normal wear and tear?

When i acelerate it sounds as though I am really revin the engine even though I am not.

There was no owners manual with the truck so I sort of guess at things.
The bottom line is I dont know anything and want to keep this truck running good and even fix it up as I can. Needs new paint, emergency brake is messed up, stereo sucks, and it needs a bed liner. Hopefully thats all. Plus is has a 6" lift on it.

So what I need to know is what engine is in it and how can I tell? 5.8L V8 EFI HD ???? EFI = Electronic Fuel Injection and HD = Heavy Duty?? What exactly does that mean?
Where is the transmission dip stick?
Are there known problems with this year F250 that I should watch for?

Any advice? I sure could use it

Ignorant in Seattle

 

Welcome to FTE!

The transmission dip stick should be back by the firewall. To check the level, you should have it at operating temperature, and running in park. Make sure the level is at the full line, and the oil is red, NOT brown.

 

If you're starting out with working on trucks, I would get a Chilton's AND a Haynes manual. Both manuals complement each other nicely. One of them (can't remember which) has an excellent maintenance section that will get you started with the truck.

As for common problems, just keep on on reading the forums and see what gets asked a lot. You'll learn more about the truck that way, too.

 

Welcome! BTW, Ignorance can be fixed but stupidity is forever!!!

5.8 engine is a 351 windsor engine. the hd means that it was the heaveier version of the f250. Ford maded two versions, a light and heavy duty truck. The heavy version had a greater tow capacity, better cooling, etc.

I would just do a complete fluid change. tranny, front and rear differentials, etc. This will give you a good baseline on your maintenance. Also, it will help eliminate fluid causing the problem.

 

Couldnt find the tranny dip stick -- looked back by the firewall - perhaps its under the truck?
I went to Schucks yesterday - they didnt have either book for this particular year!!! I have used them both before (what I could understand) and they do answer a lot of questions. I will keep looking. We are new to Washington state from Alaska so I am still learning my way around!

My experiences with places like jiffy lube and quality tune have not historically been good. There is always something else that needs to be done. Could I change the fluids in the truck myself?? Say in one day at home?
I have never done that before, but I have been exposed to my brothers and my dad running a garage in AK. I should have a bit of an inate knowledge of at least the basics.

I am going to a couple more auto stores today and if all else fails I will order the books online.

Thanks for your help

 

dipstick cap i think has yellow or red handle, side of motor near the back, might say "TRANS" on the top. yes, oil in 30 minutes, diff's in about i hour and trans about the same.

 

There is an article in the tech section that will help with the transmission oil change. The trans dipstick is kinda low, with that lift you probably need a step ladder to find it.

If the truck has a 6 inch lift it probably has big tires. Big tires will change your gear ratio and make the truck work really hard to pull that boat. Not a good combination. Get used to changing the trans fluid, you will need to do it often if this is the situation.

You can find an owners manual on eBay sometimes. Probably '89 to '93 would be about the same. Someone else can tell better.

Flushing the brake fluid would be a good idea too.

 

Hey Thanks ---

YOu're right I do have to step up on the tire and basically crawl into the hood to find anything. Thank goodness we have a garage so my butt is not sticking up in the air for the neighborhood! I still cannot find the tranny dipstick. I will get a manual. I cannot find the powersteering fluid either! Mabey I am not looking hard enough.
Fortunately we decided to moor our boat on Lake Wahington so we would not have to pull it in and out of the water everytime we use it. Plus I was against using the truck to pull it in the first place because of the age and mileage.

The lift does throw something off. I cannot turn it sharp at all! I always embarass my 15 year old daughter when i drop her off at school because I am running over all of the curbs and the sidewalks. Parking in a parking lot is an entire differnt story. I try to avoid it if I can, otherwise I have noticed that people DO get out of my way.... The truck seems to get a lot of attention, so it must still look good.


I am going to check out the tech sight and will let you all know what I figure out.
Thanks for all the info --- I am gonna look again for the tranny dipstick

 

When I first bought my F150 the dipstick was covered with some insulation and I really had to look for it. It should be located on the passenger side in the back, low, next to the engine.

Hope this helps

Chris

 

Clear on the passenger side of the engine, down low, by some shiny insulation that's protecting the cooling system. it's not labled, it's grey and round. You'll see it. Promise. I posted the same thing a few days ago.

 

If you really want to get some attention, wear cammos, even a cammo hat, and drive that truck, the guys will love you for it.