Looking at a 97 Crew Cab
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 0
From: Baldwin, ND
Looking at a 97 Crew Cab
I know this is off topic but I know who to listen to in this forum so I want feedback from you guys. Plus there is way less traffic in the the Powerstorke forum!!!!
I went over today and gave this rig a once over:
1997 F350 XLT 4x4 CC 7.3 5sp for $8,900. 150,000 miles.
Before Startup:
Upon visual inspection the only things I noticed before I started it was oil residue on the top of the engine under the turbo, the battery connections all had slight corrosion on the terminals and the coolant reservoir was on the low side.
Startup:
The rig had not been started in a few days at least. The temperature outside was -1F. I cycled the glowplugs twice and the rig started up and after a few seconds it settled on the high idle. The heater/defroster works fine and warmed up the rig in a hurry.
Warmup:
While I was letting it idle I noticed the engine was vibrating alot but it smoothed out after it warmed up. (It understand diesels dont like cold but is that NORMAL?) At this point I saw a little red coolant drip and red spot in the snow . It was dripping off the oil pan and looked to be coming from up around the rear of the engine.
Short Drive:
I pulled the rig around to the front of the shop to have the mechanic look at it. Went in to 4x4 easily and shifted through the first few gears without issue!!! While it was parked by the shop it was still leaking coolant. Total it looked to be about a coffee cup of fluid that had leaked out.
What are the possible issues? I am thinking leaky hose or cracked head. How much would a cracked head cost? What other issues could be related to the coolant leak?
Otherwise the only things wrong with the truck is that the back seat middle seat belt is cut and the drivers side rear window switch is inoperative. The window was operating fromt he drivers seat but not the switch in the rear seat.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Thad
I went over today and gave this rig a once over:
1997 F350 XLT 4x4 CC 7.3 5sp for $8,900. 150,000 miles.
Before Startup:
Upon visual inspection the only things I noticed before I started it was oil residue on the top of the engine under the turbo, the battery connections all had slight corrosion on the terminals and the coolant reservoir was on the low side.
Startup:
The rig had not been started in a few days at least. The temperature outside was -1F. I cycled the glowplugs twice and the rig started up and after a few seconds it settled on the high idle. The heater/defroster works fine and warmed up the rig in a hurry.
Warmup:
While I was letting it idle I noticed the engine was vibrating alot but it smoothed out after it warmed up. (It understand diesels dont like cold but is that NORMAL?) At this point I saw a little red coolant drip and red spot in the snow . It was dripping off the oil pan and looked to be coming from up around the rear of the engine.
Short Drive:
I pulled the rig around to the front of the shop to have the mechanic look at it. Went in to 4x4 easily and shifted through the first few gears without issue!!! While it was parked by the shop it was still leaking coolant. Total it looked to be about a coffee cup of fluid that had leaked out.
What are the possible issues? I am thinking leaky hose or cracked head. How much would a cracked head cost? What other issues could be related to the coolant leak?
Otherwise the only things wrong with the truck is that the back seat middle seat belt is cut and the drivers side rear window switch is inoperative. The window was operating fromt he drivers seat but not the switch in the rear seat.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Thad
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,100
Likes: 1,510
From: western SD
I can't think of anything that might cause a coolant leak from that area. There are some sensors on the fuel system that can leak, and they will drain into the engine valley and down the back of the motor. If it is coming from the passanger side about mid engine the heater hose goes there.
The slight shake on startup- possible a bad glowplug or valve covergasket as the glowplug connectors go threw the valve cover gasket. Is there any white smoke when cold? The guys up in the obs stroke forum can probably help out more, I'm still learning about the strokes. That said I have not had much trouble with my 97 in the two years I have had it.
The slight shake on startup- possible a bad glowplug or valve covergasket as the glowplug connectors go threw the valve cover gasket. Is there any white smoke when cold? The guys up in the obs stroke forum can probably help out more, I'm still learning about the strokes. That said I have not had much trouble with my 97 in the two years I have had it.
