Shag Wagon Revival

Ianthomas59

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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!
 

Danielle

No, it's not finished
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That sounds like a killer project!! Can't wait to see photos

Sent from my VS835 using Tapatalk
 

IDIBRONCO

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It sounds like your glow plugs are working correctly. They never stay on for anywhere close to a minute unless something's stuck on.
 

Ianthomas59

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Thanks guys for all the positive feedback!!! Van looks great with the new rear tint! I'll post a pic in the sun tomorrow. Thanks IDI Bronco for letting me know the glow plugs are working correctly. That was a worry.

Did some more poking around in the engine today and discovered two loose vacuum lines. After a bunch of reading and searching around I discovered they were both related to the coffee can vacuum reservoir. I connected the line back up that goes from the pump to the reservoir but cant find where the other line on the reservoir should connect. I've read online that its possible it goes to my cruise control switch but can't find it for the life of me... I really enjoy cruise control and want to get this connected back where it should go. If anyone knows where the hose should connect that'd be great help.

Also, the front portion of the brake system apparently leaks as it was empty. Bought some brake fluid today to fill it up and search for leaks. Nothing yet... I'll have to bother my girlfriend to push the pedal down while I search. Brakes are important lol

Side note:
Just picked up all the supplies needed to paint the beast! Once this rain stops It's getting a metallic blue finish rolled on with bedliner across the bottom.
 
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Ianthomas59

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Tint on the rear! Going to make roll up canvas on snaps that can cover the rear windows and separate the cab.

Dove in yesterday and fixed the power steering. Last kid lost the bolt holding the pump onto the bracket so I replaced those and filled it up. Found the return hose leaking so replaced the soft part of that. Threw it back together then found the high pressure line crimps also leaking!!! Replaced that and we’re good to go! Thank god lol. My arms were getting too big :p

Still looking for where the cruise control vacuum line connects. Then onto the fuel air leak!
 

laserjock

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Vacuum hooks to the cruise module and to the dump valve on the brake pedal. Idea is it’s vacuum assist for the cruise modulator that pulls the throttle (not sure if I used the right term there). There is a valve that opens when you push the brake pedal to dump the vacuum and hence redundancy. No vacuum, actuator can’t pull the throttle.
 

raydav

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...I discovered it’s a good idea to replace ... the water/fuel separator.

I long ago replaced the whole thing with this. It makes the van much easier to work on. I recently got a deal on several Ford branded that include the water sensor. I never installed a sensor. I have never seen water in it.

Scroll to the bottom and go back eight pics.
Click the pic to get the description.
https://goo.gl/photos/LJNV4esgmYmSzKdL8
 
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Ianthomas59

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I long ago replaced the whole thing with this. It makes the van much easier to work on. I recently got a deal on several Ford branded that include the water sensor. I never installed a sensor. I have never seen water in it.

Scroll to the bottom and go back eight pics.
Click the pic to get the description.
https://goo.gl/photos/LJNV4esgmYmSzKdL8


After doing research I saw that the raacor brand filters were the best. Do you know which model is recommended? That’s definitely my next investment when I sell some wheels/tires
 

Ianthomas59

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Vacuum hooks to the cruise module and to the dump valve on the brake pedal. Idea is it’s vacuum assist for the cruise modulator that pulls the throttle (not sure if I used the right term there). There is a valve that opens when you push the brake pedal to dump the vacuum and hence redundancy. No vacuum, actuator can’t pull the throttle.

Thanks! I searched a little today for any vacuum near the brake pedal but with no luck. Search continues soon.
 

raydav

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Thanks! I searched a little today for any vacuum near the brake pedal but with no luck. Search continues soon.

My 84 E350 did not come with cruise control. I pulled the stuff of another van. The servo has full vacuum, there is no dump valve. The brake light disingages it.

I just replaced mine with this. I have had one on my 65 Mustang for a couple years. The only part in the engine compartment is the cable.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZCQD9S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
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raydav

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After doing research I saw that the raacor brand filters were the best. Do you know which model is recommended? That’s definitely my next investment when I sell some wheels/tires

The filter is three parts. There are options for each. Pick a top that mounts the way you want. There are several micron ratings for the filter. A translucent bowl makes it easy to see if you have picked up a bunch of junk. I also replaced the filter assembly on my E350 PSD with the same.
 
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genscripter

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I long ago replaced the whole thing with this. It makes the van much easier to work on. I recently got a deal on several Ford branded that include the water sensor. I never installed a sensor. I have never seen water in it.

Scroll to the bottom and go back eight pics.
Click the pic to get the description.
https://goo.gl/photos/LJNV4esgmYmSzKdL8


I too replaced my van diesel filterhead with the R&D IDI Performance Stage 1 filter setup on the frame rail. It's so nice to free up room in the engine bay to get better access to the driver's side injectors.

Link to filter setup: http://www.idiperformance.com/store/p62/R&D_Fuel_Systems.html
 
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