Howdy all - considering buying a '94 F250, 5.8 liter w/170,000 miles, new tires. I live in the Cincinnati area (Ohio). Fairfield to be exact.

It belongs to one of my neighbors, but I don't know much about it's history, except that it appears to be a former fleet vehicle of some sort (has a round spot on the door where a logo apparently used to be - also has a decal on the cracked windshield (completely across horizontally) for the National Fire Protection Association, and the outline of P-40 on on the front bumper where those numbers used to be.

The paint is a dull gray with a little blotching on the hood (fading from heat I guess?), over the engine. Hardly any rust anywhere else (except underneath). No rust in the truck bed and only minor dings around the inside of the bed. Interior is in very good condition, no discoloation or tear in seat or dash.

My neighbor has only had it for about a month.
When I test drove it, it started immediately and ran perfect. I put the pedal to the floor (short distance to check for power - had plenty) and only learned later that there was no oil showing on the dipstick.

Now wondering how long it has been this low on oil. Neighbor hasn't driven it much, but wondering how much is required, that low on oil, to do damage.

I were to take it to a shop to have the engine checked out, what tests should be done on the engine to determine if any damage has resulted from running it this low on oil? (and what visual inspection items should I look for in the engine compartment and underneath).

No oil leaks under the vehicle, no air conditioning leaks from around the compressor shaft - engine compartment is dry.

Is there a PCV valve on this thing that I could remove, to look for blow-by gases? Will have check for exhaust symptoms, didn't do that yet - probably would have noticed, though, if there was much smoke coming from it.

Is it possible for the vehicle to use oil, but not show any symptoms from the exhaust or a removed PCV valve (if that's possible)?

Thx very much for any help, in advance.

 

You would have better luck posting in the correct forum.

This is the 1980-1986 forum.

However to answer your question, a compression test is a great way to tell the overall condition of an engine.

You can also run a computer diagnostic, see if it shows any problems.

And yes all vehicles, use a little oil. It just depends on how much.

A brand new engine will burn more oil than a broke in one will etc...

However if you are using a quart of oil between fill-ups on gasoline, I'd be greatly concerned where it was going.

If you use a half a quart, between oil changes, that isn't very much. 5000 oil change etc...

 

check the pipes for smoke (white-blue) when it starts also...

 

He's only had it one month? Red flag.
Possible engine problems? You're gonna be living right by the guy. Red flag.
He might have had it all set up for you for you to start....already warned up, engine starter spray in the intake......
A compression test will tell all.

 

No bad knocking noises is a good sign no engine damage occured from the low oil condition.

 

Sorry for posting in the wrong place, and thx much for your replies - all points well taken.

I'll post in the right forum (or maybe I already did earlier today - have forgotten now).