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  1. nitroguy

    Which magic bottle?

    No, not 100%. But it's dark, black, thick goo. And it floats on top of coolant with an oily sheen. That brings me to 90%, unless you have info for that remaining 10%. Also, I don't think he just used the sealant. The engine was pulled before I bought it, painted, all new hoses installed, and...
  2. nitroguy

    Which magic bottle?

    I know! I'm just glad the PO had to foot that bill! But it also makes me think he knew what he was doing. Then again, we know what assuming does... Here's hoping!! So consensus is bad head gasket install? Shouldn't I have noticed that when I bought the truck, drove it over three mountain...
  3. nitroguy

    Which magic bottle?

    Ok, that helps. Thanks guys. I'm in the weird spot of not wanting to throw dollar after dollar at my truck, but also not wanting to make it "perfect" (mechanic I took it to quoted TOP dollar, because he only makes things "perfect".) While I'd love to have it flawless, budget and time just won't...
  4. nitroguy

    Which magic bottle?

    I'm planning on having a mechanic do a compression check before I do anything, but to help my smoking problem (doc's been telling me for years...LOL) I'd like to have a plan for moving forward. At walmart, I saw these. Which would you recommend? (let's number each bottle: 1-5 in order from left...
  5. nitroguy

    I need some big time diagnostic help. Lots of photos and as much info as I can muster

    Here's some updated information. Given all the info you guys have helped me with thus far, I think I (sadly) know what's wrong: head gaskets. Beyond the aforementioned issues, I went out today to take a peek at coolant and oil levels and found this: Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's...
  6. nitroguy

    I need some big time diagnostic help. Lots of photos and as much info as I can muster

    I hope so! I replaced the cap with a different one from napa. That was 50 miles ago, I'll check to see my coolant levels today. Still smokes like a chimney though (although, if I'm hearing you right, you are suggesting that the loss of coolant and lots of smoke are two unrelated issues)
  7. nitroguy

    I need some big time diagnostic help. Lots of photos and as much info as I can muster

    Hey guys. Sorry for the delayed response. In my profession Sundays (and the beginning of the week) are quite busy. But don't think I haven't been reading and dissecting all your awesome help! Let's see if I can answer any questions: Regarding the low compression: I agree it seemed odd, that's...
  8. nitroguy

    I need some big time diagnostic help. Lots of photos and as much info as I can muster

    I need some diagnostic help! Lots of photos. {Newly Edited!} Ok, here goes. My mechanic says I'm in trouble, but I'm not buying it, even though he's the best one in town (he hasn't heard of Moose pumps, so how good can he be?) Meet Hank: I'll start at the beginning. I bought this...
  9. nitroguy

    My MPG test/s

    WOW! That's fantastic, at least from my point of view! I can't get more than 400 miles on a tank to save my life - making it 10+ MPG. Makes me think something's wrong with mine...
  10. nitroguy

    Quick Steering Wheel question - wrap it with tape?

    Hey guys, here's an easy one for ya. The truck I bought had a chintzy, ripped steering wheel cover on it. I pulled it off, and sure enough, under it was a bare wheel that's sticky as all get out, worn out, and cut in a few places. Ultimately I'd love to buy a replacement, but at the...
  11. nitroguy

    Think its time to PULG IN???????

    Hope I'm not hijacking, but I, too, have heater questions. Is it possible to let it be plugged in too long? I'd imagine overnight wouldn't be a bad thing, but would it ever burn up oil, or cause bad things? Also, anyone ever put their truck on a timer? Leave it plugged in all night, then...
  12. nitroguy

    Diesel For $3.99 Per Gallon

    Wow! You guys are all lucky!! Where I can find it (it's much rarer than you'd think) it's usually around $4.30 - $4.55 per gallon.
  13. nitroguy

    [newbie] Smokin' like a Son of a Gun (w/pic)

    Awesome advice, thanks guys. I'll keep it all in mind. For the time being, so long as nothing's on the brink of demolition, I'll drive it for a bit. I really don't have the time or mental space to put tons of effort into it. I drove it again a few hours later in the day, and it didn't smoke...
  14. nitroguy

    [newbie] Smokin' like a Son of a Gun (w/pic)

    Thanks freebird, I'll give that a shot. More pieces to the puzzle emerge: Talked to the shop, he said that the injectors are original (!), pump was replaced 4 years ago, but the "return line kit" was just replaced. It's my non-educated guess that new injectors are probably on the...
  15. nitroguy

    [newbie] Smokin' like a Son of a Gun (w/pic)

    It's not sweet smelling. I've burned coolant before (buddy's dirt bike overheats on our tight trails) and it doesn't smell like that. To my untrained nose, it smells like ... a diesel. Like I'm standing behind an old bus.
  16. nitroguy

    [newbie] Smokin' like a Son of a Gun (w/pic)

    Here's a bit more info. The Mechanic that sold it received the truck because the Head Gasket went bad and got oil in the coolant (apparently that happens to these engines?). P.O. didn't want to pay for repairs, so gave the mechanic the truck. Mechanic replaced a BUNCH of stuff, then sold it...
  17. nitroguy

    [newbie] Smokin' like a Son of a Gun (w/pic)

    Hahaha! Bless you my ... ah, never mind. ;-) I'll give the shop a call. Stinks because it's an hour from my house, and we're busy trying to pack up from the move. But, I suppose it's better now than when we're in MT! Here's hoping it's a quick, easy, and cheap fix! I'm loving my new...
  18. nitroguy

    [newbie] Smokin' like a Son of a Gun (w/pic)

    Ha, yeah. Fahrenheit. That would be awesome if you could find it. From what I've heard, injectors for these are cheap(er), right? How about difficulty of installing? So, the short version is that no, it's not normal? Is there a reasonable explanation as to why it's seemingly only doing it...
  19. nitroguy

    [newbie] Smokin' like a Son of a Gun (w/pic)

    Hey guys, As you may know, I'm totally new at this game. Honestly, I'll admit that I know NOTHING about this truck, even things that should be common sense, aren't (YET!). I WILL learn it, but it takes time. Small gas engines and big diesel engines have quite different characteristics, and...
  20. nitroguy

    So what did you do with your truck today?

    Details will have to come, I'm buried in the move at present (from Seattle to Kalispell MT. With a 1 year old). But it's a '93 F250 Turbo 7.3L that sounds cherry (favorite part of the day is starting my truck). 193k miles on it. New tranny a year ago, all new ball joints, head gaskets, belts...
  21. nitroguy

    New (to me) truck!

    You asked, and I got a couple. I'll get some more detailed pics of the interior, engine compartment, and underside once I can. I'd love to get your feedback on what looks old or worn out, or broken. (Again, remember, I'm new at this game. :-) ) Without further ado, I present to you, Hank...
  22. nitroguy

    So what did you do with your truck today?

    By adding/removing/tinkering/changing/tweaking/adjusting/playing with it, now that I have it. LOL
  23. nitroguy

    New (to me) truck!

    Thanks for the warm welcome, fellas. I'll be sure to check out the stickies tomorrow (and the next day, and the next day...). Still haven't nailed down the tie down thing. D-Rings indeed leave me feeling nervous, and a full headache rack isn't in the budget (or skill set). Does anyone...
  24. nitroguy

    New (to me) truck!

    New (to me) truck! [edit: now with pics!] Hey all! Just wanted to introduce myself, as I'm sure I'll be hanging around here lots in the future. I just sold my '01 2wd Ranger for a '93 F250 7.3 IDIT Factory Turbo Diesel. Long bed, extended cab. Got a 193k miles on it, but the mechanic that I...
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