Reviving a 1990 F250

Va_Mike

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Hello All,

I have lurked on the site for a long time and recently bought a 1990 F250. Figured I would join and try to be a active member while I get this old truck worked out. I will use this post to continue my journey with this truck and document everything. I will post some pictures when I get them loaded to my computer.

So where to begin... The truck was sitting for a while before I purchased it. I am not sure how long, previous owner said a couple months. That kinda fits the condition of the interior and engine bay (no spiders or bugs had moved in)

I have yet to try to really start the truck. I wanted to check the oil (dip stick broke first time I pulled on it) I have fixed that (pulling the starter sucks). I have verified that the fuel is still fuel and I have fuel to the schrader valve in the engine bay.

I also replaced both of the dead batteries and turned the key ( things did things) wait to start light came on and went off, the water in fuel light was on but that turned out to be the relay was melted so I pulled that and the light went away. after the wait to start light goes out there is a electrical clicking under the hood I am assuming from the glow plug controller. I did crank it for about 5 seconds to see if any warning lights came on and if the starter worked. well the starter works nothing adverse happened when I cranked it. It didn't try to start and no smoke of any kind out the exhaust.

Now I would like to get it started to see if it will run or if I simply have a parts truck. How should I proceed with trying to start this old beast?

Thank you all in advance.
 

Kizer

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I'd change the oil and filter #1.
Then probably add some additive (find your favorite flavor) to the fuel #2 ... maybe change the fuel filter too, up to you.
#3 ... I'd crank it for about 20 seconds at a time (few min to cool between cycles) until I saw exhaust smoke
Go from there.
 

Va_Mike

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I am on the fence about changing the oil at this point. I assume the system is properly primed and everything has oil right now, it is filled to the proper level and the oil doesn't smell like fuel and I pulled the drain plug just enough to verify that there is no water/coolant in the bottom of the oil pan. If i change the oil I will be re-priming the engine by cranking it with the starter. I could be over thinking it but that just doesn't sound good to me. Chime in and tell me if I am wrong.
 

Thewespaul

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The oil pretty much stays primed in these, you won’t ever drain 100% of the oil out, lots of oil stays in the oil cooler and lifter valley so you won’t do any damage draining the oil and starting it on fresh oil. And if you’re planning on driving this truck you ought to change the oil anyways before getting it on the road
 

IDIBRONCO

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I think a little bit differently. I say start it up without changing the oil. I doubt that the old oil could do any damage. You're also not sure if it's going to be a runner or just for parts. If the engine's no good for some reason, why waste the time and money on an oil change? If it's good to go, you can (and should) always change the oil later.
 

Va_Mike

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Thanks Wes and thank you Kizer. I am not familiar with the 7.3, So my experience comes mostly from gas engines and a few diesel tractors I have owned.

If this truck runs properly It is definitely something I am going to keep for a long time. Its a truck I have always wanted. But I have never see this truck run. So I am just trying to make sure I am going about starting it the proper way, but also I dont want to throw to much money at it until I know it runs.

I plan on changing all fluids and would never drive it on the oil in the truck now. That being said I am thinking along the lines with IDIbronco, I think I am going to just try starting it with the oil that is in it and see if it starts. If it does I will change the fluids along with anything else that I am sure it will need.

I did promise a picture... its dirty.

You must be registered for see images attach
 

Thewespaul

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Good lookin truck, you won’t hurt a thing going with the oil that’s in it. Keep us posted!
 

Macrobb

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Make sure to crank it with the throttle floored. That will make sure the IP is sending max fuel to the injectors.
(priming at idle is basically a fools errand).
 

IDIoit

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one of the biggest issues people have is air intrusion.
if you have a steady supply of fuel at the Schrader, youll be ok, but if you cant get a steady flow of fuel, I would suggest
some diesel in a jerry can to the lift pump to bypass any issues for now and to add fresh fuel while youre determining the worth of the engine.
 

Va_Mike

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IDIoit the previous owner installed a new 38 gallon aft tank with a bottom sump setup and a aft water separator to a holley blue fuel pump and all new supply and return hose (pushlock type). So when the key is in the run pisition and i push Schrader valve i get a stedy strong flow of fuel and can hear the pump running.

The truck will need nee return lines on the injectors. But they dont look to be currently leaking.
 

Va_Mike

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So I was poking around in the engine bay last night for a few min and noticed the glow plug wires are in fairly bad shape. can they be temp wired easily? if so what should I use. Long term I would buy the upgrade system from Wes.
 

chillman88

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How short term are we talking? Really short? Disable it completely and use a small whiff of starting fluid, just don't overdo it.
 

Va_Mike

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Short term enough to try to get it started. I was thinking about pulling the glow plugs and testing them and perhaps just making temporary wire and bullet connector leads. If I need to disconnect them and try starting fluid would I just trace the wiring harness from the glow plugs and disconnect that cable from the glow plug controller?
 

chillman88

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I was thinking about pulling the glow plugs and testing them and perhaps just making temporary wire and bullet connector leads

No reason not to if the plugs are good.

If I need to disconnect them and try starting fluid would I just trace the wiring harness from the glow plugs and disconnect that cable from the glow plug controller?

Yeah there's more than one way to skin this particular feline. That's how I personally would do it. Unhook the plug harness from the controller and the plugs since you need to replace it anyway.

Pull off your air filter. The controller is waaayy in the back there. It's not bad to reach but you'll be leaning in a ways. Usually under a plastic cap that's there to keep the air filter housing from accidentally lighting it on fire by shorting it out LOL
 

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