Should I Buy?
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 311
Likes: 4
From: Omaha, NE
Should I Buy?
There is a guy in my area selling an 89 E-350 extended cargo van with the 7.3, not running for $500.
Says it hasn't been started in about a year and a half. Claims his son replaced all the glow plugs, fuel filter, new batteries, and put fresh fuel in it. Still won't start. Their hypothesis is that it just needs a gallon of solvent to de-gell the fuel pump and she shoud be sure to start.
However, they want $500 with it not running. Said if it starts and runs he'll sell it for $2500. Really want to jump on it, been looking for a diesel for a while, but i just can't bring myself to hand someone cash for a vehicle that doesn't run (am a college student after all...) but it seems like a hell of a deal!
Biggest fear is that he gives me the title, and i can't get it started, then i have to get a 3 ton van towed across the city to my house, where it can't sit very long before it gets towed...
Guess just looking for some input. It's only got 189,000mi, and the tranny was rebuilt at 80,000.
Thanks for any comments or inputs. Sorry for the ramble.
Says it hasn't been started in about a year and a half. Claims his son replaced all the glow plugs, fuel filter, new batteries, and put fresh fuel in it. Still won't start. Their hypothesis is that it just needs a gallon of solvent to de-gell the fuel pump and she shoud be sure to start.
However, they want $500 with it not running. Said if it starts and runs he'll sell it for $2500. Really want to jump on it, been looking for a diesel for a while, but i just can't bring myself to hand someone cash for a vehicle that doesn't run (am a college student after all...) but it seems like a hell of a deal!
Biggest fear is that he gives me the title, and i can't get it started, then i have to get a 3 ton van towed across the city to my house, where it can't sit very long before it gets towed...
Guess just looking for some input. It's only got 189,000mi, and the tranny was rebuilt at 80,000.
Thanks for any comments or inputs. Sorry for the ramble.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 311
Likes: 4
From: Omaha, NE
No friends that could store it. After $500 i don't think i could afford to get it towed, or stored anywhere. Think my budget is just too low to take it on if it doesn't run.
What are the chances of rollin up with a gallon of anti-gell, and the beast starting right up? The guy made strong note that that should be it, but it it is then i wonder why he hasn't done it himself so he could sell it for more...
What are the chances of rollin up with a gallon of anti-gell, and the beast starting right up? The guy made strong note that that should be it, but it it is then i wonder why he hasn't done it himself so he could sell it for more...
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
The de gell the IP does not sound like the problem to me, gelling is a cold temp thing.
My guess is the glow plugs were not Beru plugs and are not working.
The son may not have filled the fuel filter before he tried to start it.
And he may have killed the starter trying to get it started.
My guess is the glow plugs were not Beru plugs and are not working.
The son may not have filled the fuel filter before he tried to start it.
And he may have killed the starter trying to get it started.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 597
Likes: 0
Sounds like a gamble on your part. Too bad you don't have a little more cash to work with because you'd most likely come out ahead (or at least even) in the end.
Best to unhook the glow plugs before using ether, just in case they are actually working.
Some swear by WD-40 and that glowplugs won't pre-ignite it...
Best to unhook the glow plugs before using ether, just in case they are actually working.
Some swear by WD-40 and that glowplugs won't pre-ignite it...
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Conway, AR
You could get way more than that out of it in parts if it doesn't start. It would be well worth it. Maybe you could talk him down $35 and have enough to get it towed ?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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its a nice deal but if you cant store it... your putting yourself under the gun to get it going with no money... I don't think it would be a very smart choice to buy it with so many unknowns. If it doesn't run, you can only assume the worst. Most times it is.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Something to good to be true usually is.
The problem is probably not to much, but diesel parts are expensive.
After putting a couple hundred in the van with batteries, filter and glow plugs, why did he stop if all it needed was a bottle of Diesel Kleen that is under 10 dollars?
I think he knows more than he is saying.
The problem is probably not to much, but diesel parts are expensive.
After putting a couple hundred in the van with batteries, filter and glow plugs, why did he stop if all it needed was a bottle of Diesel Kleen that is under 10 dollars?
I think he knows more than he is saying.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 311
Likes: 4
From: Omaha, NE
Thanks for all your input. If i had a place to store it, i would hop on it. But since i don't, and there is that iffy situation, i'm going to let it slide..
It's just tough letting something like that pass you by, but i guess you need one or two to tell people about in the future, lol.
Thanks again.
It's just tough letting something like that pass you by, but i guess you need one or two to tell people about in the future, lol.
Thanks again.