Hi all! I don't usually post in this forum since I don't have a diesel, but as I am in the process of acquiring one, I have a few questions.

Fiirst, the specifics. It is a Banks turbo'd 6.9, currently in an '85 F250 4X4. I get the engine and tranny, and probably the Gear Vendors O/D in exchange for swapping the body onto another truck. I may get the entire chassis, I don't know yet. When I made the deal I was under the impression that the truck ran but had been sitting for some time. Now I come to find out that the engine has internal problems. Since I've had a chance to look at it closely I find that the glow plugs are gone (all 8 of them) and the fuel lines have been disconnected from the driver's side injectors. I'm guessing that a compression test was done, and I'm now told that a local tractor shop worked on it some time ago and said it was dead.

So, I'm wondering what are some of the characteristics that these engines are known for?
Blown head gaskets, maybe? (I should be so lucky!)
Cracked head(s)?
Holes in piston(s)?
How do you check compression on these engines anyway, with an adapter through the glow plug hole, or does it require injector removal, and is checked through the injector hole?
I haven't tried cranking the engine yet, so I don't know if we're looking at a potentially deeper problem here.
My experience with diesels is pretty limited, but I'm a pretty fair hand with a wrench so I'm not at worried about tackling the problem, no matter how deep it may be. And I know that parts for this thing are gonna be spendy.
So, if anyone has some insight here, and what to look for, I'd appreciate it. -TD

 

Sounds like a butt load of work for very little in return. The used turbo and the GV OD are the only things worth much. Swapping bodies is a lot of work. Have you ever done that before?
The 6.9 might not even be good enough for a core. They are notorious for blown headgaskets. Cavitation is the nemesis of the 7.3.
If the local tractor shop said it was dead, and it is missing the GP's. then it probably had a comp. test and failed. Has it rained on the engine/has water gotten into the cyl's? A rebuild is $3500 minimum.
I'd swap the bodies for a fair price and then use the money towards a complete running truck. You will be way ahead in the long run.
Keep reading this forum and do some searches, you will learn a ton, will keep you out of a lot of headaches.

 

By the way, That is just my opinion. Good luck with what you do.

 

Well, perhaps I'll get lucky then and just find blown head gaskets. I'm not too worried about the amount of work involved with swapping bodies. Let's say the 6.9 IS shot, are there any internal differences between a regular 6.9 and Banks Turbo'd 6.9? Different pistons, whatever? If I find another 6.9, can I swap the Banks components onto it without any internal mods? I do appreciate your input. Looking back on your post, I see you asking about rainwater in the engine, and that's a no. It's been covered, all dry under the hood. As long as there isn't any water in the cylinders from the headgaskets or whatever... I'm going to take a look at it today, if the rain holds off for a while. -TD

 

The 6.9 should have the same innerds either way. It was a non-turbo to start with. The BANKS is aftermarket turbo stuff. Good stuff at that. I'm sure that Ford never did a factory turbo on the 6.9. They did on some of the 7.3s (1993-94?) pre PSD days.
Water should not be a problem if it has been covered. Sometimes the heads crack and or the block can crack. Hard to tell until you magnaflux everything. Oil cooler should be rebuilt, or at least checked. Blown head gaskets are by far the most common problem with the 6.9 from what I have read here. Also want to check for cavitation while it is apart. That problem was/is more common with the 7.3s.
There is so much involved here that I can not do it justice. Do a search or two and you will get a few more pointers and an idea of the range of possibilities that you might run into. Be prepared for a lot of time and money.
I'm still realatively dumb when it comes to these toys. BUT I have learned a lot in 2-3 months of reading almost everyday on this site. Good stuff.
Members are real helpful. I am greatful to them for all their help.