First post - bear with me.
While shopping for a suitable truck to haul my camper, I came across an interesting 1986 F250 Diesel and I couldn't pass up the deal. I know very little about the IDI engine, but the tech articles here gave me the knowledge to conduct an inspection and at least identify my first round of issues.
The truck seems a bit unique. It wears F350 badges, has an ATS turbo kit, is a manual 4 speed with 4x4, and has been converted to run dual rear wheels. It also has some sort of decal on the fender below the F350 badge, and on the rear flares that I can't quite make out. It's a name and then says "signature series" - pic attached. Perhaps a dealer package? Any input would be appreciated!
When I showed up to inspect the truck I found a warm engine. I had asked the seller to ensure the truck was COLD, but apparently he was trying to avoid that situation. I asked when the last time he had run it was and he told me two days, but that he had plugged in the block heater for the past 24 hours. Strike one and two.
I noticed a couple issues immediately. First, the driver side rear injector is bubbling diesel from the top. Second, the passenger side valve cover is leaking a bit. And third, the rear brakes are locking up WAY to fast, not allowing for full power of the front brakes. Despite these issues, I made an offer, came to an acceptable price, and drove her home. I made 15.8 MPG during the trip at an average of 60MPH.
The next morning, as I somewhat expected, she didn't want to start. Temperature outside - about 35-40 degrees. After a several 5-10 second burst from the starter (after following the correct procedure for starting an IDI) we finally achieved liftoff. I have some work to do, but I'm happy overall. Here is my initial list:
-Test glow plugs / glow plug system and replace or repair as necessary
-Inspect brakes, figure out bias issue and repair as necessary
-Replace all fluids
I'd like to have it timed and replace the valve cover gasket soon as well. But as far as I can tell, the completion of these few things should get me on the road somewhat reliably. Any thoughts, comments, input? Thanks!
While shopping for a suitable truck to haul my camper, I came across an interesting 1986 F250 Diesel and I couldn't pass up the deal. I know very little about the IDI engine, but the tech articles here gave me the knowledge to conduct an inspection and at least identify my first round of issues.
The truck seems a bit unique. It wears F350 badges, has an ATS turbo kit, is a manual 4 speed with 4x4, and has been converted to run dual rear wheels. It also has some sort of decal on the fender below the F350 badge, and on the rear flares that I can't quite make out. It's a name and then says "signature series" - pic attached. Perhaps a dealer package? Any input would be appreciated!
When I showed up to inspect the truck I found a warm engine. I had asked the seller to ensure the truck was COLD, but apparently he was trying to avoid that situation. I asked when the last time he had run it was and he told me two days, but that he had plugged in the block heater for the past 24 hours. Strike one and two.
I noticed a couple issues immediately. First, the driver side rear injector is bubbling diesel from the top. Second, the passenger side valve cover is leaking a bit. And third, the rear brakes are locking up WAY to fast, not allowing for full power of the front brakes. Despite these issues, I made an offer, came to an acceptable price, and drove her home. I made 15.8 MPG during the trip at an average of 60MPH.
The next morning, as I somewhat expected, she didn't want to start. Temperature outside - about 35-40 degrees. After a several 5-10 second burst from the starter (after following the correct procedure for starting an IDI) we finally achieved liftoff. I have some work to do, but I'm happy overall. Here is my initial list:
-Test glow plugs / glow plug system and replace or repair as necessary
-Inspect brakes, figure out bias issue and repair as necessary
-Replace all fluids
I'd like to have it timed and replace the valve cover gasket soon as well. But as far as I can tell, the completion of these few things should get me on the road somewhat reliably. Any thoughts, comments, input? Thanks!
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