Reviving a 1990 F250

Va_Mike

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So a update here, I did a compression test with what I would call not great results.

Cylinder
1 = 165
2 = 180
3 = 180
4 = couldn't get the fitting connected under the hard lines.
5 = 205
6 = 250
7 = 200
8 = 195

Doing the compression test was done as follows:
Disconect the white control cable on the glow plug controller and disconnect the two cables from the injection pump. I purged the cylinders and didn't observe anything exit them. I then Installed the test fitting in the glow plug port and then connect the test gauge, crank engine over 6 times ( gauge stopped going up after 5 cranks) I did the two times per cylinder. Then recorded the 2 sets of numbers, first and second set of numbers were within 3-5 psi of each other most were exactly the same.

I had to cut the test fitting down to fit and I am not sure if it is mating to the bottom of the glow plug port properly. I didn't hear and pressure release after the cranking, but doesn't mean it wasn't.

I had also tried starting the truck the day before and when I pulled the glow plugs they were dry except for number 2 cylinder.

Not sure what to do now.
 

Va_Mike

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I am leaning in the direction of finding another one. I don't have the funds to do a rebuild so I will start looking for a used one.
 

Va_Mike

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I found a used engine that the guys says runs, it is currently in a truck. I am going to try to see the truck this weekend if possible. So would it be out of line to ask to do a compression test on the engine? I really want to know the condition before I buy it. I did a search on the forum for 7.3 removal. Lots of stuff comes up, is there a removal guide that is recommended and better than others? Are there any special tool that I am going to need?
 

renjaminfrankln

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Pull the oil fill cap when its idling and check for excessive blow-by. If it starts easily, runs smooth and does not smoke at all (except for a little white smoke on start up that quickly clears out). Then you can be pretty well assured the engine is in good health.

This is fairly normal blow-by. Just a little bit of smoke. If there is a lot of smoke you have a problem.

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IDIBRONCO

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So would it be out of line to ask to do a compression test on the engine?
I don't feel that it would be. In fact, I think that it would be a good idea. These engines are pretty simple to pull out if you've ever done that sort of thing before. Just make sure you have a swivel for your sockets. Before I forget to mention it, you will need a way to remove the radiator fan. That's about the only specialty tool(s) that I can think that you'd need.
 

Va_Mike

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I have pulled engines out of land rovers, Mercedes, BMWs and jeeps. I just like to do my research and try to be wise enough to take the advice of those who have done it before. What does the fan take to get it off?
 

IDIBRONCO

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What does the fan take to get it off?
A special set of wrenches. If the other truck is going to be scrapped after you get the engine out, maybe the owner would let you remove the radiator and shroud and the cut the radiator support so that you can pull the engine with the fan still attached. You could probably rent those wrenches form Auto Zone or another parts store as well.
 

Va_Mike

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I will look into the wrenches, if I don't already have them I will get them. I am looking at buying the whole parts truck because it has a good radiator support that I need for my truck. Plus I'm sure some other things I need too.
 

IDIBRONCO

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In that case, you can just pull the core support and make it easier to pull the engine with or without the fan.:)
 

Selahdoor

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I don't feel that it would be. In fact, I think that it would be a good idea. These engines are pretty simple to pull out if you've ever done that sort of thing before. Just make sure you have a swivel for your sockets. Before I forget to mention it, you will need a way to remove the radiator fan. That's about the only specialty tool(s) that I can think that you'd need.
Why would you pull the engine to do a compression check?
 

IDIBRONCO

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Why would you pull the engine to do a compression check?
I thought he was going to buy just the engine. i didn't mean to pull the engine to check the compression. I thought he was going to check the compression on the "running" engine and then buy just that.
 

Va_Mike

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I was definetly planning to pull the core support first and pull the engine out of the front verses picking it up that high to get it out. I have the ZF-5 trans and was planning on leaving it in place. anything special I need to pay attention to with that?
 

Selahdoor

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I thought he was going to buy just the engine. i didn't mean to pull the engine to check the compression. I thought he was going to check the compression on the "running" engine and then buy just that.
Ah. I wasn't paying attention. I'm sorry.
 
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