Ianthomas59
Registered User
Hello everyone,
I just picked up my first diesel vehicle: a 1984 E-350 econoline with a 6.9 idi and c6. Been enjoying the fun of the van life and dove right into the project. The previous owner had build a bed platform in the back as he lived in it for a year during college. I went ahead and tore that out along with all the old wooden panels and insulation behind them. Clean start.
Before I get too far into interior though I’d really like to solve a few problems regarding drive ability. Here are the known problems:
-Power steering leak (belt removed until fixed)
-Leak in fuel lines (hard start after morning of sitting)
-Glow plugs controller?
As far as the power steering leak it’s just something I haven’t gotten to yet. Previous owner installed a new pump and it worked for a few months before leaking out all the fluid. I assume it just came loose when the two bolts holding the pump to the engine removed themselves lol.
For the fuel line leaks I’ve done some reading through the forum I discovered it’s a good idea to replace injectors and the water/fuel separator. I’m also a college kid with little money though so this is going to have to wait.
Lastly, I don’t know much about diesels (drove them for work) but I assume the glow plug light is supposed to stay on for a minute or so before i turn on the engine? Mine glow plugs seems to come on for about 5 seconds, wait 10 seconds, and then turn on again for another 3 seconds. They seem to go through this cycle over and over when the engine is cold. Is this normal? Also, when really cold, the glow plugs/indicator light seem to continue this cycle even after the engine is started. Sometimes it will even keep cycling for 10 minutes into a drive. Is this normal??
Thought I’d write up where I’m at for hopes of tips and instruction. All input is appreciated!
I just picked up my first diesel vehicle: a 1984 E-350 econoline with a 6.9 idi and c6. Been enjoying the fun of the van life and dove right into the project. The previous owner had build a bed platform in the back as he lived in it for a year during college. I went ahead and tore that out along with all the old wooden panels and insulation behind them. Clean start.
Before I get too far into interior though I’d really like to solve a few problems regarding drive ability. Here are the known problems:
-Power steering leak (belt removed until fixed)
-Leak in fuel lines (hard start after morning of sitting)
-Glow plugs controller?
As far as the power steering leak it’s just something I haven’t gotten to yet. Previous owner installed a new pump and it worked for a few months before leaking out all the fluid. I assume it just came loose when the two bolts holding the pump to the engine removed themselves lol.
For the fuel line leaks I’ve done some reading through the forum I discovered it’s a good idea to replace injectors and the water/fuel separator. I’m also a college kid with little money though so this is going to have to wait.
Lastly, I don’t know much about diesels (drove them for work) but I assume the glow plug light is supposed to stay on for a minute or so before i turn on the engine? Mine glow plugs seems to come on for about 5 seconds, wait 10 seconds, and then turn on again for another 3 seconds. They seem to go through this cycle over and over when the engine is cold. Is this normal? Also, when really cold, the glow plugs/indicator light seem to continue this cycle even after the engine is started. Sometimes it will even keep cycling for 10 minutes into a drive. Is this normal??
Thought I’d write up where I’m at for hopes of tips and instruction. All input is appreciated!