Ryan Cowper
Registered User
I just burned through my first tank of fuel on my 1989 f250 7.3 N\A M\T. So long as the Oracle is correct in suggesting that I have a 18.2 galon auxiliary tank - I'm gettin less than 9 mpg unloaded. 3\4 of this tank of fuel was highway miles @ 60 mph. Good lord I hope it gets better as I fix things up. With fuel prices the way they are, If this keeps up, I'm fixing to be out of money before I even get started. I'm going through things, trying to service what I can as I go. I have no experience working on diesel trucks and I got this truck to learn, so that's what I'm fit to do.
I can't find a service manual. I got the Haynes gas engine manual to tide me over with until I find a good one. I'm sure I'm not the first one to wonder why the Chilton's issued both a gas and gas\diesel repair manuals under the same #26664. There's gotta be something better anyhow... recommendations? Is there an online manual or does anyone have a digital manual they could send me?
I can tell already it's a good thing I'm single because I'm about to spend all of my time and money getting this old thing going. I started putting together a list of issues:
When I cycle the glow plugs in the morning, after the "wait to start" indicator turns off, my emergency brake and rear anitlock dash lights flash twice. Wait a few seccons and flash twice again. They don't actually flash all the way off, just dim and bright, dim and bright. They do it a few times and return to normal (well... the rear antilock stays on, but I hear thats "normal") Is the flashing just batteries kicking on to cycle the glow plugs or is it some sort of indicative flash?
I just changed the oil and it looks fine. I checked the front and rear diff. Rear was dark brown and in need of a change. However, the front was a very dark green color and there's some metal shavings in there too. Anybody got thoughts about that?
Fuel return lines, from end to end look like their made out of a garden soaker hose. Is it cheaper\better to piece together my own return line kit or buy one pre packed? Which kit do yall recommend? Links? I like cheap but I will spend money if it saves me time and headaches in the long run.
PO used autolites and I'm going to replace with ZD9's. Hopefully that goes well.
I want to tune down the injection. PO said her mechanic tuned it up for hauling her trailer. With only factory gauges to guide. Any tips on getting tuned back to spec? I can only find videos of folks tuning up I have to keep a real light foot or else a ********* cloud goes blowing all over that poor old lady in the crosswalk.
Additional things that need attention: Washer motor, power locks, RABS, brake pads, tie rods (all of em), ball joints (all of em), valvecover gaskets, door lock cylinders (missing key)....
Well, that was a mess of questions and a mess of issues to work through. Sure hope this beast is worth it.
I can't find a service manual. I got the Haynes gas engine manual to tide me over with until I find a good one. I'm sure I'm not the first one to wonder why the Chilton's issued both a gas and gas\diesel repair manuals under the same #26664. There's gotta be something better anyhow... recommendations? Is there an online manual or does anyone have a digital manual they could send me?
I can tell already it's a good thing I'm single because I'm about to spend all of my time and money getting this old thing going. I started putting together a list of issues:
When I cycle the glow plugs in the morning, after the "wait to start" indicator turns off, my emergency brake and rear anitlock dash lights flash twice. Wait a few seccons and flash twice again. They don't actually flash all the way off, just dim and bright, dim and bright. They do it a few times and return to normal (well... the rear antilock stays on, but I hear thats "normal") Is the flashing just batteries kicking on to cycle the glow plugs or is it some sort of indicative flash?
I just changed the oil and it looks fine. I checked the front and rear diff. Rear was dark brown and in need of a change. However, the front was a very dark green color and there's some metal shavings in there too. Anybody got thoughts about that?
Fuel return lines, from end to end look like their made out of a garden soaker hose. Is it cheaper\better to piece together my own return line kit or buy one pre packed? Which kit do yall recommend? Links? I like cheap but I will spend money if it saves me time and headaches in the long run.
PO used autolites and I'm going to replace with ZD9's. Hopefully that goes well.
I want to tune down the injection. PO said her mechanic tuned it up for hauling her trailer. With only factory gauges to guide. Any tips on getting tuned back to spec? I can only find videos of folks tuning up I have to keep a real light foot or else a ********* cloud goes blowing all over that poor old lady in the crosswalk.
Additional things that need attention: Washer motor, power locks, RABS, brake pads, tie rods (all of em), ball joints (all of em), valvecover gaskets, door lock cylinders (missing key)....
Well, that was a mess of questions and a mess of issues to work through. Sure hope this beast is worth it.
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