1st post - 1st diesel
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New User
Joined: Jan 2006
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1st post - 1st diesel
Hello All,
Been lurking for a while now. reading and getting lots of great info, and now I'm ready $wise to get a truck. I've got my choice of 2, both F250s with turbos, extended cabs, at/ps/ac and under 125k on them. One is an 86 2wd with a 6.9, the other is an '88 with a 4wd and a 7.3. Prices are real close, and the bodywork is great on each one. Can y'all help me choose?
I also would like to know what issues I should expect to have to deal with regarding upgrades for performance. I can't seem to find any online sources of parts for Ford diesels of that vintage, and don't know of any suppliers in my area (Chico, CA).
Thanks.
Been lurking for a while now. reading and getting lots of great info, and now I'm ready $wise to get a truck. I've got my choice of 2, both F250s with turbos, extended cabs, at/ps/ac and under 125k on them. One is an 86 2wd with a 6.9, the other is an '88 with a 4wd and a 7.3. Prices are real close, and the bodywork is great on each one. Can y'all help me choose?
I also would like to know what issues I should expect to have to deal with regarding upgrades for performance. I can't seem to find any online sources of parts for Ford diesels of that vintage, and don't know of any suppliers in my area (Chico, CA).
Thanks.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2006
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well i just bought a 86 f350 2wd 6.9 non turbo and it seems pull good and hasnt run out of power i hooked to a 20 foot trailer today with a load around 12000 and it pulled it fine and i bet a 6.9 turbo would be great and the say the 7.3 aint built as good as the old 6.9s
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
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From: Cabot, Arkansas
Hi jojosdad. Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts.
All things being equal I'd go with the 4x4. Stick around this forum long enough and you can learn how to hop up either one....though since they both have turbos they have already been modified since neither one came with one from the factory.
All things being equal I'd go with the 4x4. Stick around this forum long enough and you can learn how to hop up either one....though since they both have turbos they have already been modified since neither one came with one from the factory.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,292
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
Welcome to FTE. I would check to see if either has coolant additive in it and how it was taken care of. Pull the dip stick and see if there is a lot of smoke coming out.
There are a lot of things you can do for more power, but start with a solid truck.
There are a lot of things you can do for more power, but start with a solid truck.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Seneca, SC
do the checks that trike suggested, My biggest question is why is the 4x4 piced comparable to the 2wd of similar mileage. It should be significantly more. Check this one out thoroughly, and if it looks ok mechanically, then it's the one I would go with. More low end torque, and a bit more support in terms of parts. Plus you can't go wrong with a 4X4.
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Thanks for the advice. Both trucks are being sold by motivated people - one as a result of divorce and the other needs to make space in their yard (landlord complaint). They want 3k obo for the 2wd, and the 4wd is going for 2k. The guy with the 4wd is waiting to here from his mom in VA before he sells the truck, and I'm going to go with that one if I can.
If the coolant hasn't been taken care of what problems should I look to have?
If the coolant hasn't been taken care of what problems should I look to have?
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From: West Palm Beach, Florida
Get the 4X4 for sure if you can. They will use the same amount of everything(care, fuel, maintenance, insurance, etc.) and you will rarely get stuck with a 4X4. The drivetrain parts are generally better-built on a 4X4, too.
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I went ahead and got the 4x - the owner was a little confused about what it was - turned out to be an '87 with a 6.9, tranny (C6) was rebuilt 40k mi ago, and brakes about a year ago. Got an ATS turbo, pyro installed already.
It started right up - but has a pretty steady miss. Don't know if it's bad fuel (hasn't been run in about 5 months, or something else. I've read the posts about removing air from the fuel lines, but since this is my first diesel I think I really need a good shop manual. Can anyone suggest one?
thanks
It started right up - but has a pretty steady miss. Don't know if it's bad fuel (hasn't been run in about 5 months, or something else. I've read the posts about removing air from the fuel lines, but since this is my first diesel I think I really need a good shop manual. Can anyone suggest one?
thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Manitoba
Not the best, but Haynes diesel engine repair manual has engine stuff..... keep an eye on Ebay for manuals. Ask for info here anytime or learn the search feature as best you can.......
Could be a bad injector, warm engine running at idle, crack open the injector line cap nut 1/2 turn or until there is a definite miss, tighten line cap nut.
Caution: cover the injector with a rag squirting fuel at high pressure.
Do this to all the injectors one at a time. If there are any cylinders that when injector is taken off line makes no difference to the engine performance that would indicate bad injectors. It could mean another problem, but old injectors would do that......double dose the fuel with additive for a few tanks.
Could be a bad injector, warm engine running at idle, crack open the injector line cap nut 1/2 turn or until there is a definite miss, tighten line cap nut.
Caution: cover the injector with a rag squirting fuel at high pressure.
Do this to all the injectors one at a time. If there are any cylinders that when injector is taken off line makes no difference to the engine performance that would indicate bad injectors. It could mean another problem, but old injectors would do that......double dose the fuel with additive for a few tanks.