I am looking at buying a 1986 F250 S/C with a 7.3 in it. The guy swapped running gears and put a 1990 under the 1986. It now has the 7.3 and a 5 speed. It had 89K on it when put in and now has 110K. I asked him about maintenance of the coolant and he wasn't to uptodate on it. Said he just kept coolant in it. He bought a newer pickup to pull his fifth wheel with. His asking price is $4000, I can probably get him down to $3500 does this sound like a good price. I know that prices differ from area to area.

My question is about the coolant, which is my biggest concern when buying a used diesel. Is there a point when cavitation begins and should I be concerned about it in this pickup? If I use the pH test strips will this give me an indication of what is going on with the coolant?

Any help is apprecaited. I just don't want to have to put a lot of money in it after I get is, especially a new engine.

 

It sounds like he did not use any additive at all. I am no expert on cavitation. Possibly the process of cavitation starts when the engine is new. If that is the case I would be concerned. The test strips will tell you the present condition, but not the history. The additive is cheap. I don't know why people won't use it. Also I think the price is high, but that is just my opinion. Something is only worth what you are willing to pay. How does it start and run? Does it smoke? How is the clutch? How does it shift? What is the body like? Can you take it to a nearby mechanic or dealer for a second opinion? Alot to consider. Maybe someone else reading this can give you more info on the cavitation. Or how about doing a thread search. Good luck with it.

 

With the owner admitting lack of care for cavitation I would walk away, unless you plan on finding a donor truck for a different engine or spending 3 to 5 grand on a rebuilt, why enen take the chance?

 

I have a 1994, 1-ton,7.3 turbo diesel, 4x4, 5spd. pickup that has 4:10's. I would like to put 3.73's in it. How much does the kit cost and where can I buy it? How much better fuel mileage am I looking at? Right now it gets 10 mpg with really aggressive tires.

 

Welcome to FTE. Try posting your question further down in the tranny/ differential section. You'll get more responses there.