Crud in my coolant overflow tank and no coolant

jstewF250idi

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Hello everyone, I'm a diesel newbie and just bought a 93' 250 idi with 190k on it a few weeks back. I've been getting myself acquainted with the truck, trying to figure out what's "normal" for this vehicle and I've come across a few different things that have me worried.

1. Persistent blue(?) smoke while at idle but almost no other smoke except for....

2. I get a good billow of blue and white smoke at start up but it subsides quickly and exhibits prob #1 thereafter.

3. I just looked at my coolant tank and saw a bunch of crap in there and that's got me worried. Also there isn't any coolant in the tank which there should be right? What kind of coolant should i fill it with, I've read all sorts of stuff about extended life this and SCA that but I'm not sure whats in there already, can I mix two different kinds of coolant?

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I'm hoping that black stuff is just degraded hose bits or something
 

pelky350

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Looks like just stuff that wnd d up in there, a coolant change wouldn't be a bad idea but could just top off with water for now should be a line that says cold full on that tank full it up to the line when engine is cold. Could add a mix to any color antifreeze temporarily but would recommend changing
Out all coolant anyway if you just acquired the vehicle, make sure radiator Is full as well during this time and make sure to check it while engine is cold. The blue smoke and smoky start up Is likely your fuel timing is retarded, advancing it just a hair should help with the blue smoke. Further directions for advancing the timing can be found on this forum, fairly simple or can be explained on this post as well.
 

Thewespaul

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It is also recommended to run a coolant filter, this will remove any debris in the coolant system and will prevent cavitation, you can find a write up in the tech articles.
 

icanfixall

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Welcome to the foeum. Was this recovery tank full when you purchased the rig? You can remove the tank and wash it out. Then fill it with proper low silicate coolant. Just read what you can about the correct coolant to use on this forum. there is many comments about it.
As for blue smoke I can't comment yet.
 

jstewF250idi

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Okay so I'll definitely try and wash out that tank before filling up again. I cannot remember if the coolant was empty when I bought it, to be honest I didn't check. He provided a bunch of the remainder fluid bottles of oil, atf, coolant, etc with the truck so I'm not yet sure if I have a leak. Time will tell.

As for the blue smoke I have a service report saying the old owner took it in for a check up and they told him he needed a new IP but he just had them rebuild/tweak/tune the one that's currently still in there so I had been more concerned that my IP was causing the blue smoke, white smoke at start up.

I haven't towed anything yet but the motor seems strong in general use
 

icanfixall

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I don't recall any "new" injection pumps being made so.. We depend on good quality rebuilt pumps. This forum knows the three best re-builders on the USA. If you shop ebay and feel the cheapest is the best for you.. Sad news is you will find out too late your into this for two injection pumps. Please read the Hall of Shame forum and the forum about the members or business that gives the most to each customer.
 

jstewF250idi

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I know I've heard of the Moose IP, I'm sure I'd stick with a relatively "stock" IP. Not trying to get crazy with it, just keep it running solid. Who are the other two re-builders you recommend? I was looking at Pensacola Diesel I believe and they had a store on ebay. Are they who you're referring to?
 

pelky350

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Idi performance.com or r and d idi as it's known, and typ4 a member on here rebuilds injection pumps I belive as well, The moose pump is by conestoga diesel injection and a good option you can't go wrong with those three. They have mild to wild injection pumps and injectors as well as other parts for our motors. You don't want to go cheap on your pump it's not worth it later on.. some even have problems before you get your truck running I've heard lol with a warn out pump it's likely the shop just checked/adjusted your timing, not a bad thing because it can keep you running a little while longer. Good news is when you get a pump it's gonna feel like a whole new truck! At least that how it felt when I installed my pump after driving a failed pump for a long while!
 

snicklas

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Before you decide on a vendor for an IP or Injectors besides the 3 listed above (Conestoga (Mel), typ4 (Russ) or R&D IDI (Justin)), I would highly recommend you read the two following threads:

The Oilburners Hall of Shame -

https://www.oilburners.net/threads/the-oilburners-hall-of-shame.19805/

and

People Who Provide Excellent Service -

https://www.oilburners.net/threads/people-that-provide-excellent-service.73483/

These two threads should tell you everything you need to know about choosing a vendor.
 

icanfixall

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Before you decide on a vendor for an IP or Injectors besides the 3 listed above (Conestoga (Mel), typ4 (Russ) or R&D IDI (Justin)), I would highly recommend you read the two following threads:

The Oilburners Hall of Shame -

https://www.oilburners.net/threads/the-oilburners-hall-of-shame.19805/

and

People Who Provide Excellent Service -

https://www.oilburners.net/threads/people-that-provide-excellent-service.73483/

These two threads should tell you everything you need to know about choosing a vendor.
The truth speaks volumes. the 3 listed places above are the ONLY true honest places to purchase anything idi related from. Sadly Pensacola has a reputation for "collecting" injection pumps from wrecking yard sources. then test running them. finally painted them and selling as rebuilt or re manufactured. Their reputation is well documented in the Hall Of Shame. Now some members here have had good luck purchasing from them. I'm one of them but.. Way too many others have been not so lucky.
 

jstewF250idi

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Ok I'm sold on skipping out on the Pensacola diesel losers. Don't want to put crap into this truck, its been cared for so well throughout it's life. I've found where/how to buy from Moose/Sonestoga and R&D IDI. However how would I get a price list and/or order a "Type 4" IP from Russ?
 
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