Hey, Im new to diesels and wanting to buy one, what would be a good starter truck for me? I heard nothing but good things about the 7.3 and wanting one. Where can I get some good info on self learning the 7.3 engine so I can do my own work on it. I don't want to be a guy that knows nothing about my truck at all. If you could help out it would be great! I have found an 99 250 6 speed, that has 230,000 miles on it. I drove it and it shifts well, there was no blow back on the back fire wall, cause someone told me that was a bad sign. Dealer is asking 11,900 for it, he also said that he doesn't have any maintenance records for it. But the only thing he told me was that he bought it from a heavy equipment operating company. Any help on this would also be a help, especially looking at the truck more in depth then what I have. I don't want to be sold on a bad truck that needs alot of work, and kinda worried it has 230,000 miles on it already. Thanks!

 

Sounds like you pretty much have an idea on a direction you would like to go, with the 7.3! I would happen to agree with you on that as well!

Lets see what I can list for good info to pick up on these things..
97-15A 7.3L DI Turbo Workshop Manual

Now this is a real good site to visit and download technical information about these engines and also has some really great educational downloads as well. I suggest the download on the 98,99 for the truck you are looking at! This will give you the most info and understanding on the diesel engines you are looking for!
Diesel Technician Society

My biggest advice with looking at a new purchase, is looking for leaks. Thats going to get you the furthest with the least knowledge. Peak under that hood and really scan that engine for leaks! If you have leaks under or around that turbo, then you "may" be looking at some more investments financially. With some of the manuals that are out there, you can really learn to work on these things with ease, and save yourself some huge $$$!

If you have a few extra $$ you can drop on inspecting a potential new purchase, one good thing to check out is the oil in the engine. I went through Blackstone labs to test the oil I sampled out of a motor prior to purchasing the truck. It will give you data on engine you cant see before you purchase it.
Blackstone Labs

This is the place to ask questions too!

 

Awesome! That workshop manual was great I read through it and its got some great stuff for me, especially for someone like with little to no knowledge. Appreciate the advice, when i go drive it again I will definitely look for those leaks, and I will for sure look into getting the oil sent off! Cause as you said I am looking at the truck as an investment, and I would much rather pay more in the beginning rather then having little or even big surprise fixes in the future. Thanks again I appreciate everything you gave me.

 

Glad it helped! Hope to hear what you decide on and what direction you go! Keep us informed!