My First Diesel
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New User
Joined: May 2005
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From: Clear AFB, AK
My First Diesel
Hi all,
Just bought my first diesel ever - a 2003 F-350 7.3L PSD. It has 60K on it, but seems to be in great shape. Bought from a local dealer, so I wasn't able to talk to the previous owner about the truck, but it obviously hauled a 5th wheel. The reason that I went to a diesel is that I just got transfered up to Fairbanks for a 1-year stint, and my family will remain down in Anchorage. I will be hauling back and forth every other weekend or so (about a 700 mile round trip), and wanted the diesel for the miles I'm about to drive. I just had my first filler-up, and all-city mpg was 14.5. Not bad, consiering my 97 F-150 I just sold got about the same (and diesel was .06¢ cheaper than gas!)
I'm looking for basic maintenance info now that I'm no longer in the gasoline world. I'm no mechanic by any means, and I have always just stuck with the $50 "21-point" service check down at the local Jiffy Lube every few months. They keep a detailed history and let me know when it's time for a filter change, or whatever. I'm not afraid to get in and get my hands dirty, but I don't have the tools or knowledgebase to get too into it. Also, since I'm heading up to Fairbanks, where -50°F is common during the winter, I'm looking for any and all advice in cold weather operations. It's not uncommon for a 70°-80° difference between Faibanks and Anchorage (-50°F in Fairbanks, while it's +20° or +30° in Anchorage). If I do "cold weather "stuff", and then drive down to balmy Anchorage, can that be bad?
Before I head up north in September, I will also be hauling a 24' travel trailer on short trips (between 200-300 mile round trip) throughout the summer. It's a fairly lightweight trailer - maybe 6000 lbs loaded.
In the course of my research, I've come across "Edge Chips", and monitoring cetane amounts, and using fuel additives, and a handful of other "stuff" that people seem to be doing to or with their diesels. How much of this is really necessary, and what should the "average Joe" like myself be concerned with?
Again, looking for any and all tips for driving/maintaining my "new-to-me" PowerStroke, especially in the extreme cold of Northern Alaska. This board looks like a wealth of info, and I've already learned from this forum that I need to let my turbo cool down for about 10 minutes before shutting down after a long trip. See, I would never have thought about something like that. :^)
Jimmy
Just bought my first diesel ever - a 2003 F-350 7.3L PSD. It has 60K on it, but seems to be in great shape. Bought from a local dealer, so I wasn't able to talk to the previous owner about the truck, but it obviously hauled a 5th wheel. The reason that I went to a diesel is that I just got transfered up to Fairbanks for a 1-year stint, and my family will remain down in Anchorage. I will be hauling back and forth every other weekend or so (about a 700 mile round trip), and wanted the diesel for the miles I'm about to drive. I just had my first filler-up, and all-city mpg was 14.5. Not bad, consiering my 97 F-150 I just sold got about the same (and diesel was .06¢ cheaper than gas!)
I'm looking for basic maintenance info now that I'm no longer in the gasoline world. I'm no mechanic by any means, and I have always just stuck with the $50 "21-point" service check down at the local Jiffy Lube every few months. They keep a detailed history and let me know when it's time for a filter change, or whatever. I'm not afraid to get in and get my hands dirty, but I don't have the tools or knowledgebase to get too into it. Also, since I'm heading up to Fairbanks, where -50°F is common during the winter, I'm looking for any and all advice in cold weather operations. It's not uncommon for a 70°-80° difference between Faibanks and Anchorage (-50°F in Fairbanks, while it's +20° or +30° in Anchorage). If I do "cold weather "stuff", and then drive down to balmy Anchorage, can that be bad?
Before I head up north in September, I will also be hauling a 24' travel trailer on short trips (between 200-300 mile round trip) throughout the summer. It's a fairly lightweight trailer - maybe 6000 lbs loaded.
In the course of my research, I've come across "Edge Chips", and monitoring cetane amounts, and using fuel additives, and a handful of other "stuff" that people seem to be doing to or with their diesels. How much of this is really necessary, and what should the "average Joe" like myself be concerned with?
Again, looking for any and all tips for driving/maintaining my "new-to-me" PowerStroke, especially in the extreme cold of Northern Alaska. This board looks like a wealth of info, and I've already learned from this forum that I need to let my turbo cool down for about 10 minutes before shutting down after a long trip. See, I would never have thought about something like that. :^)
Jimmy
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 217
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From: NH
maint suggestions
According to the manual, change your oil every 5K miles, change fuel filter every 15K miles. Run a fuel additive when below 0 to prevent gelling, I use power service, it can also be used in warm weather without a problem.
In between oil changes monitor your oil level, my diesel burns 1.5qts per 3K miles , make sure you air filter is clean.. These are basics, the other guys on this site know alot more than me.. Enjoy your truck..
In between oil changes monitor your oil level, my diesel burns 1.5qts per 3K miles , make sure you air filter is clean.. These are basics, the other guys on this site know alot more than me.. Enjoy your truck..
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New User
Joined: May 2005
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From: Clear AFB, AK
Now that winter is looming on the horizon, and I make my first trip up to Fairbanks at the end of the month, I'm starting to think about my above questions again. Anyone have any advice about operating in the -50° range? I recently installed an autostart, and it comes with a temperature sensor that I can program. For example, at -20°, start up every 6 hours and run for 30 minutes. Is there an "ideal" setting for this?
Jimmy
Jimmy
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 48
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From: Cambridge, MN
I guess I would suggest getting your battery's performance checked. Maybe you could install a dual battery setup if you truck doesn't already have one? I think there may also be some sort of fuel heater out on the market for the superduty.
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Joined: Aug 2001
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Hasn't been mentioned, maybe because it is so obvious, but PLUG IT IN! There is a cord near the driver side "hole" in front bumper. It opperates a core heater. Use it every time you get out of the truck. My mom lived in Anchorage for over 25 years and I recall that there are 117V plug-ins at all the parking meters downtown. If they are still there . . .USE THEM! Fairbanks should be no different.
Ask other Fairbankians where they buy their fuel. The stations probably include a "winter additive" in the fuel.
~ OR ~
Store it for the winter and get a dog sled. (lol)
Ask other Fairbankians where they buy their fuel. The stations probably include a "winter additive" in the fuel.
~ OR ~
Store it for the winter and get a dog sled. (lol)
