Quick checks on the lot
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 29
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From: northern mn
Quick checks on the lot
What visible things should i be checking for on the dealer lot when i look at a rig with the 7.3idi that will encourage or discourage the purchase? What would you be looking for?
Thanks
Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 905
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Leaks. Have them cold start and listen for any out of the ordinary sounds. Once again, look for leaks, especially when everything is running... Look for white smoke when warmed up. Since your username is E350, i'm assuming this is in a van not a truck?? thats what i would look for...someone else will probably respond with more...
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
E350North,
Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.
Please come visit often and feel free to ask questions.
Other than the coolant test strips to check the SCA levels in the coolant, and noticing smoke levels and colors the rest of the quick checks are right much what you would check on any vehicle.
Test strip test
Nitrates should be ideally 1200 PPM
Ph should be 8
This test monitors the level of SCA in the coolant to prevent cavitation.
White smoke - unburnt fuel or coolant - some is normal on cold startup but should clear up quickly after running.
Blue smoke - signs of oil consumption
Black smoke - normal under high engine loads, not normal just sitting there idling
Abnormal tire wear
Appearance
Battery condition
Battery cable and connection condition
Belts
Damaged parts
Hoses
Leaks
Lights
Signs of body repairs
Excessive under body rust is also good to look for, these things run forever if properly maintained.
Service records are nice, but usually not available on a lot.
Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.
Please come visit often and feel free to ask questions.
Other than the coolant test strips to check the SCA levels in the coolant, and noticing smoke levels and colors the rest of the quick checks are right much what you would check on any vehicle.
Test strip test
Nitrates should be ideally 1200 PPM
Ph should be 8
This test monitors the level of SCA in the coolant to prevent cavitation.
White smoke - unburnt fuel or coolant - some is normal on cold startup but should clear up quickly after running.
Blue smoke - signs of oil consumption
Black smoke - normal under high engine loads, not normal just sitting there idling
Abnormal tire wear
Appearance
Battery condition
Battery cable and connection condition
Belts
Damaged parts
Hoses
Leaks
Lights
Signs of body repairs
Excessive under body rust is also good to look for, these things run forever if properly maintained.
Service records are nice, but usually not available on a lot.
Last edited by Dave Sponaugle; Mar 11, 2006 at 06:52 PM.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: northern mn
Thanks for the welcome... and the help.
On the test strips, I hear that there are a couple of different kinds for the two different coolants. I picked up the wix brand from NAPA. Not sure how to figure it out though if they used the other coolant type. I believe I heard that the nitrites are combined with another agent so the levels of nitrites wouldn't be as high. Do you know anything about this and if there is a way to tell what coolant or additive was used (color difference?)?
Also, if there are holes from cavitation, what would the signs be?
If the nitrites aren't up, but there's no indication of the dreaded pin holes, is it reasonable to expect that it's just a matter of time... and I should walk away from it? OR will treating with SCAs before driving it home and then flushing and properly filling keep any cavitation that may have started from getting worse?
Thanks again for the help - I'm asking questions wherever I can.
On the test strips, I hear that there are a couple of different kinds for the two different coolants. I picked up the wix brand from NAPA. Not sure how to figure it out though if they used the other coolant type. I believe I heard that the nitrites are combined with another agent so the levels of nitrites wouldn't be as high. Do you know anything about this and if there is a way to tell what coolant or additive was used (color difference?)?
Also, if there are holes from cavitation, what would the signs be?
If the nitrites aren't up, but there's no indication of the dreaded pin holes, is it reasonable to expect that it's just a matter of time... and I should walk away from it? OR will treating with SCAs before driving it home and then flushing and properly filling keep any cavitation that may have started from getting worse?
Thanks again for the help - I'm asking questions wherever I can.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
Likes: 1
From: Manitoba
If there is cavitation.......coolant in the oil. Engine hydrolocked, possible large amounts of smoke with sweet smell at tailpipe, engine miss with possible ticking noise(could be other things too)
As far as when cavitation would occur.... were all rolling the dice every time we start our trucks/vans. If you don't have it now, just ensure the SCAs are up to par from now on in.......and it may never appear.
If your area requires a Safety inspection hinge the deal on what repairs may be required.......better to spend a few buck for the inspection first.
As far as when cavitation would occur.... were all rolling the dice every time we start our trucks/vans. If you don't have it now, just ensure the SCAs are up to par from now on in.......and it may never appear.
If your area requires a Safety inspection hinge the deal on what repairs may be required.......better to spend a few buck for the inspection first.
