Hi,

I'm new to diesels but came across a 1987 F-250 with a 6.9 and auto trans, for $200. It has 7k on the odometer but i'll bet it's 207k. Also has a new starter, water pump and batteries. The owner said he got tired of workin on it, but thinks it needs an injector pump, so he bought a new truck and let it sit for 18 months. My questions are:
1. How long will diesel last in the tanks (18 months old)?
a. can I use the diesel in it to troubleshoot the problem (will it still burn)?
2. Will it have alge in the tank?
a. how do I remove it?
3. Is there an easy way to test the pump?

I've rebuilt gas vehicles but have always been scared of diesels, any help would be appriciated.

 

dont think diesel goes bad. Algae?? dont know about that one.

 

I agree with 7.3, your diesel should be OK. I would try starting it and see what the injector pump does.

 

There has to be water in the tank to have an algae problem. You could dump a few containers of Diesel 911 additive in the tank if you are worried. That will help dry the tank and kill any algae that may be there.

I would be more concerned about the oil in the truck and the condition of the batteries than the diesel in the tank.

 

Thanks for the quick response. I'm charging the batteries today to see if they take and hold a charge, then will try to start. As for the alge, you here alot of things when you ask around. I dont know enough to know better at this point. Also I just changed the oil and filter< fuel filter and drained the water seperator

 

Algae grows in the part of the tank that has water in it. My understanding is that water gets into the tank in a few ways: 1) bad diesel fuel or 2) condensation. If the tank has water in it, and algae that gets sucked up by the fuel pickup it will clog the fuel filter. With a new fuel filter you should be ok. I would not worry about algae until the filter clogs and you the water in fuel light comes on.

I don't know why there are so many posts about algae in the fuel system out there, and I can understand how a guy could be concerned about it given how much is written on the subject.

Oh, and WELCOME to FTE!

 

Yes, from what Im told You can have alge in the tank, just add some diesel additive to the tank ( diesel kleen/ diesel 911) whatever you want would be fine, maybe some ATF just to be on the safe side...

 

If the previous owner used bio diesel and the truck sat for months then you might be on target on the algae in the fuel system. If bio diesel sits for a few months in a diesel vehicle unused it spoils to the point where algae grows in large amounts. I learned this when I worked for Caterpillar in Dallas Texas when one of our customers even though warned not to let this praticular rarely used vehicle sit with bio diesel in it. Every year we would get the truck in and do the same injector pump rebuild and fuel system drain and flush. After this repair and adding diesel fuel the truck would run excellent, that is until they put bio diesel in it and let it sit in there yard. The reason which the injection pump needed cleaning and rebuilding was due to algae growing in the system past the fuel filter from sitting so long.

I suggest that you completely drain the fuel tank, blow out the fuel lines and change the fuel filter and start off fresh. This eliminates several possible causes of your problem.

If bio diesel caused algae and it is extensive then fuel additives will not due the trick, especially considering the time you state the truck has sat.

If you end up needing an injection pump then you can get a good deal on Ebay for a reman or new pump.

BTW, Awsome deal! Wish that I could find a complete 6.9 or 7.3 equipped truck for $200.00

Andy

 

There's a thing you can pour in the tanks that can destroy the algae (actually, tis some sort of fungus), tis called "Kill Em" and apparently works very well. Google it, and see where you can get some.

 

Ok, so the truck cranks but no start, right?
First, I would not crank for more than 20 seconds then let the starter cool for 2 min. Also make sure its not dragging while starting and that you have 2 good fully charged batteries. While cranking, It probably wouldn't hurt to hook jumper cables up to another vehicle just to help keeps the voltage up and the starter cooler. A Low voltage will kill (overheat) a starter quick.

1.Check and see if you have power to the front of the ip.

2.Check and see if the ip clicks when you add/remove power

3. Check the glow plug system. They should stay on for a few seconds when the Ignition is turned on then go off. If not, you may have some bad plugs. Check for open plugs with a ohm/continuity/test light meter. If any are open, Replace them. (recommend motorcraft buro plugs. O-rilies sells them.) Otherwise the controlling system could be bad.

4.I would see how much fuel pressure your getting to the ip from the lift pump. Also check to see how much air you getting out of the fuel filter housing. The fuel filter housing should have a shreader valve on it to check for pressure and air. This is the point where you can bleed the air out of most of the fuel system. (you may have a different fuel filter housing considering my is a 93).

5. If you have alot of air in the lines, check your fuel level. These trucks are bad about the fuel pick up in the tank going bad and cracking and requiring more than a 1/4 tank to pick up fuel. Infact this is probably one of the more common problems these trucks encounter. I would also check all your fuel lines and selector tank actuator.

6. You should get atleast 2 psi of fuel pressure when your cranking out of the lift pump (could go up over 7 psi). If not, I would consider replacing the lift pump. It is on the front passenger side of the engine. Cheap and easy to replace. Almost like an older chevy gasser.

7. Crack some injector lines and see if you start getting fuel out of them. If so, It should fire unless the IP is not creating enough pressure to pop the injectors. Then It could be the IP.

This is just me but if you want to try it to help reduce starter use and increase rpm, UNPLUG YOUR GLOW PLUG CONTROLLER and use a little either to get it running. Some guys shy away from this but It has helped me many times. Just make sure you unplug the glowplugs or it will BACKFIRE.

I probably missed a few things but this may help in your diagnostics of it. If I did, someone else may add or subtract to it. Good luck

 

First, I really want to say thank you to all of you who responded to this newbie, If any of you are down near Houston Tx drop me a line and I'll buy you a cold one. Well.... the batteries are charged but there was a drain on them, seems the old CB radio had a short and was pullin down the batteries. Now the glow plugs are all on. I have power to the IP and the fuel is going into the unit. I purchased the Diesel 911 online and its on the way (as a preventitive measure). I am bleeding the lines tomorrow night to see if I get fuel at the injectors. Hopefully it will, and it might start....