need advice!
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New User
Joined: Jan 2005
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need advice!
Hi, I am new to forum and very new to diesels. I have ran into a 88 4wd 7.3 reg cab, 143,000k, with a fairly newer snoway snowplow on it. They want 4900.00 for it. Things I know about, crack in windshield, cracked side mirror, decent interior, ok exterior except above the rear wheels a little rust. Has an oil leak but he said it needed a oil pan gasket. Drove good. The thing is I think I could get a better deal somewhere else but I need a second plow truck right away, and if bought different truck I'd have to find a plow or buy a new one. I know the plow cause I have the same one on my ram, and new they are 3000.00 to 3600.00. So I'd say used worth 2200.00 or so maybe a little more. How hard is the pan gasket to do or how much would it cost to have done at a shop? Will motor need to be tilted to do a gasket like I've seen on here but when they have to replace pan? I try to look at it like say 4900.00 - 2200.00 for the plow, makes me paying 2300.00 for the truck
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,292
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
Welcome to FTE. I guess the deal isn't too bad. Do you know about how they took care of it? Records? Did they use coolant additive? If not stay away from it.
Check and see if it is the pan gasket leaking. Could be a crack in heads or block too.You can fix a pan gasket after you finish the plow season, but a cracked head will cost you.
Check and see if it is the pan gasket leaking. Could be a crack in heads or block too.You can fix a pan gasket after you finish the plow season, but a cracked head will cost you.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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oil pan gasket leak? Not sure where you are from, but if they use road salt in the winter, you may be looking at a rusted oil pan. Either way a pan gasket is gonna be a bear to fix. 143,000k so thats about 90-100,000 miles, thats not bad, but ck coolant for sca's etc.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 519
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From: CT
How bad is the pan gasket leaking?
If its the oil pan being pourous jb weld can get you by for a long while.
verify that it is the oil pan leaking and not a faulty sending unit, main seal, leak up near top of the block etc.
I've fixed oil pan leaks by loosening the pan bolts in the area of the leaks squeezing in RTV letting sit then retorque the bolts.
If buying a plow truck I'd check out the tranny, 4wd ,drive train carefully as well.
I'd look for maintenance records for a used truck - none walk away or get it for a price that allows room for rebuilds. My 88 has needed a new alternator, hubs, tranny rebuild (c-6), and now it has a fuel delivery,air in fuel, stall issue. I'm not at $4900 yet for total investment but getting close.
If its the oil pan being pourous jb weld can get you by for a long while.
verify that it is the oil pan leaking and not a faulty sending unit, main seal, leak up near top of the block etc.
I've fixed oil pan leaks by loosening the pan bolts in the area of the leaks squeezing in RTV letting sit then retorque the bolts.
If buying a plow truck I'd check out the tranny, 4wd ,drive train carefully as well.
I'd look for maintenance records for a used truck - none walk away or get it for a price that allows room for rebuilds. My 88 has needed a new alternator, hubs, tranny rebuild (c-6), and now it has a fuel delivery,air in fuel, stall issue. I'm not at $4900 yet for total investment but getting close.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
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From: Manitoba
Gaskets are available, but silicone is used now more and more. Be sure the leak is not just a loose oil filter, many do not tighten the filter as required plus 1 complete turn after seal contact.
The other could be valve cover leakage, they spew tons if not correctly tightened.
The front seal can send mucho over the pan too, the 4 pan corner/block joints can leak too as there are a couple of joints at the same area, pan to block/front cover to block......
The other could be valve cover leakage, they spew tons if not correctly tightened.
The front seal can send mucho over the pan too, the 4 pan corner/block joints can leak too as there are a couple of joints at the same area, pan to block/front cover to block......
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
With the plow I would say that is not a bad price.
Maintence is the big question though.
You did not say if it was a 250 or 350.
If it is a 250 does it have a Dana 44 IFS or a Dana 50 IFS front axle?
I have a 44 (44's have a 3.5" diameter lockout hub, 50's are much bigger) that is not up to plowing big snows with chains on the front axle in my opinion.
Maintence is the big question though.
You did not say if it was a 250 or 350.
If it is a 250 does it have a Dana 44 IFS or a Dana 50 IFS front axle?
I have a 44 (44's have a 3.5" diameter lockout hub, 50's are much bigger) that is not up to plowing big snows with chains on the front axle in my opinion.
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New User
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Im sorry it is a f250. I am not sure what axles are in it, I do know that it doesn't even know the plow is there! I did go ahead and bought it tonight. One thing for sure driving diesel is fun! Thanks guys for all your input.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 201
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From: Los Angeles
you might just want to spend alittle cash on changing all the fuilds. i'm sure you'll not have to but it might be a good idea.
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