what to look for
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: East Texas
what to look for
I am looking at buying a 97 F250 Crew cab, diesel. I have never owned a diesel, so what should I look for or listen for when I drive it and or look at it. I was also wondering what the difference is in a HD and a super duty.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: DALLAS TEXAS
what to look for
Okay how many miles does the truck have what kind of transmission all important questions because I belive around that year they were having trouble with clutches.When you open the engine compartment do you smell deisel if you do might be a sign of injectors leaking as for the differance between heavy duty and super duty look on the grill if it has a blue oval you are getting a tough truck not sure if any of this will help but good luck...
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what to look for
one of the main things about owning a diesel is that the fuel filters are changed regularly, and that you plug the block heater in under 40F. Since the diesel relys only on heat and fuel for combustion, its very important to make sure the fuel is clean and unrestricted. Plugging in the block heater in when its cold will help keep cold engine galloping to a minimum, and the engine oil will be thinner and move through the engine easier on start up.
Also, the high heat and massive torque of a diesel are hard on an auto trans. If you are considering one, make sure it has a large trans cooler. Personally I prefer a manual trans, because I tend to tow a lot.
Hope this helps,
Eden
Also, the high heat and massive torque of a diesel are hard on an auto trans. If you are considering one, make sure it has a large trans cooler. Personally I prefer a manual trans, because I tend to tow a lot.
Hope this helps,
Eden
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Central KY
what to look for
In 1997, the Heavy Duty package on an F-250 or F-350 was simply an upgraded electrical system and possibly tougher springs. The Super Duty was the equivalent of today's F-550.
NOW, Ford calls ALL of their trucks F250 - F350 "SuperDuty". And there is now an F-450 and F-550.
That is the difference. Just buy one that has service records and looks like it's been properly maintained and you'll be very happy with it. Especially now that gas costs almost as much as milk.
NOW, Ford calls ALL of their trucks F250 - F350 "SuperDuty". And there is now an F-450 and F-550.
That is the difference. Just buy one that has service records and looks like it's been properly maintained and you'll be very happy with it. Especially now that gas costs almost as much as milk.
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Denton,TX
what to look for
Originally posted by edenroadmaster
one of the main things about owning a diesel is that the fuel filters are changed regularly, and that you plug the block heater in under 40F. Since the diesel relys only on heat and fuel for combustion, its very important to make sure the fuel is clean and unrestricted. Plugging in the block heater in when its cold will help keep cold engine galloping to a minimum, and the engine oil will be thinner and move through the engine easier on start up.
one of the main things about owning a diesel is that the fuel filters are changed regularly, and that you plug the block heater in under 40F. Since the diesel relys only on heat and fuel for combustion, its very important to make sure the fuel is clean and unrestricted. Plugging in the block heater in when its cold will help keep cold engine galloping to a minimum, and the engine oil will be thinner and move through the engine easier on start up.
One thing to do is remove the air filter hose from the box and look inside for signs of dust. Also, has the coolant been maintained with the proper additives? Service records? Excessive smoke at start up?
