1984 F350 - No idea what i'm doing

nick2020

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So I don't know anything about diesel trucks but I purchased a 1984 with IDI 6.9 with banks trubo on top. Again, I don't know anything about diesels and I was wondering if I can by pass the tanks and just feed into the engine with a gas can. The tanks are dry and I don't know what condition they are in. Should I just add fuel anyways?
 

bbjordan

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Yes you can. Disconnect the short rubber line from the lift pump and connect it to a hose that goes into your jug of diesel. The hose is 3/8", IIRC. The fuel will get used up fast because of the excess fuel used to cool the IP goes to the return line which will return to the tank, unless you re-plumb the return line too.

Check that short hose you disconnect. They tend to fail and collapse over time.

BTW, welcome to Oilburners!
 
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nick2020

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I got the hose disconnected. should I bleed the line? The oil on the stick is black and think, probably a good idea to replace it before turning the engine. The truck has been sitting for 4 years.
 

riphip

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I would change the oil & filter if oil is black & thick. Use a Motorcraft oil filter & Delo oil. Will not be expensive for a start.
 

Knuckledragger

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Welcome to OB! Plenty of good advice, information and people here.

Since you know little about diesels, let's start with some pertinent information, if you know it or can get it from the seller. Why did it sit for 4 years? If there is fuel in the tanks, don't worry, it will be fine, it does not go bad like gasoline does.

The early engines (1983-84) sometimes had coolant leaks in the area of the block heater. Occasionally even a crack in the block. You will want to check that out. The 6.9 engines all had a head gasket failure problem that generally showed up between 80,000 and 100,000 miles. It is a hassle, but worth the trouble changing them if that has occurred.

Since you have a turbo, you will want to invest in a set of ARP studs to keep the heads in place in case you do need to change gaskets.

Good luck, and keep asking questions.
 

david85

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Also take the fuel filter off and make sure it's filled with diesel before you start cranking it.

Do not crank for more an 20 seconds (I usually stay at 10) or you will risk burning the starter.
 

Cubey

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I would change the oil & filter if oil is black & thick. Use a Motorcraft oil filter & Delo oil. Will not be expensive for a start.

My RV's oil was chunky when I got it. I use the FL-1995 filter. I got the Valvoline premium blue on deep sale back then. Walmart Super Tech is some of the cheapest oil, but Tractor Supply's in house brand is very cheap too, especially if you get the 5 gallon bucket.
 

nick2020

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OK, So I replaced the oil and oil filter. I also replaced the fuel filter and filled it with fuel before installing. Then I started bleeding the fuel lines as per YouTube videos giving the starter 10 second cranks. I have a fuel jug connected to the pig tail hose going into the fuel pump. After about 5 cranks the started stopped engaging. The solenoid sounds good but the started just spins.
just dropped the started and on my way to replacing it. Thanks to everyone so far.
 

IDIBRONCO

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After about 5 cranks the started stopped engaging. The solenoid sounds good but the started just spins.
just dropped the started and on my way to replacing it.
Sorry to hear about your bad luck, but this happens sometimes. Especially on older vehicles like our trucks.
 

chris142

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Keep in mind that a diesel puts lots of black smoke past the rings and into the oil. It's normal for a diesel to have black oil. It does not mean that the oil is contaminated and needs to be changed.

It's ok.
 

nick2020

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I'm about to replace the rear and front tank sending units. Should I buy OEM or Ebay the parts? I'm about to press buy now but i hate to work on the tank again if the part does't last.
 

frankenwrench

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I took a shot in the dark with eBay 3 times now on 3 different trucks. Two work great, last one not so much. Doesn't read correctly at all.
 

Knuckledragger

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Around 1987-88, Ford changed the resistance direction for the sending units. If you use a later one in an early truck (they fit just fine and look the same), they will register empty until they start using fuel up and will show full (or thereabouts) just as you run out of fuel. Ask me how I know.

BTW, If I knew if a source for new sending units for the 84-86 trucks, I would be all over that. I have to calculate my driving distance every tankful. If anyone has a link, please share.
 
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