Buying a 86 6.9 f350 banks

[OLDBULL8]

Welcome to the OB.

My questions are. Why did he have it plugged in. Why is he changing the oil and filters. That's a $100 +. Ask if he's using SCA in the coolant.

At least you know the block heater is working.

As said, Don't let him change the GP's. If the extra set he's giving you and there anything but Motorcraft/Beru, pitch them if there Autolite or Champion.

Is the OEM GP controller still there since he is using a manual GP pushbutton?

 

[steelheadguy]

The more I talk to this guy the more Im trusting him. He told me he wanted to do those couple of things because he is helping out a young guy that needs a work truck. Im going over in a couple hours, Ill try to get some pics and ask those questions about the glow plugs. Is the OEM controller still there? Why hasnt he changed them....

If I ask about the SCA, and he says no, or he doesnt know. I understand that can mean cavitation, but does it mean I shouldnt do the deal?

 

[crash-harris]

Start it and look for bubbles in the reservoir if he doesn't know. Visually inspect the coolant in the radiator first.

 

[TahoeTom]

The 6.9 has less issues with cavitation compared to 7.3. The 7.3 is a bored out 6.9 resulting in thinner cylinder walls.

 

[icanfixall]

The 6.9 has less issues with cavitation compared to 7.3. The 7.3 is a bored out 6.9 resulting in thinner cylinder walls.

Well this is not exactly true. They are close to being the same block but they are different blocks just the same. Yes... The cylinders are really thin compared to the 6.9. Some owners have sleeved their 7.3 back to 6.9 so they have much thicker cylinders and cavitation is not ever going to be an issue. The difference in the 6.9 to 7.3 displacement is not going to change hp or torque. But some like me feel there is no replacement for displacement.

 

[steelheadguy]

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[crash-harris]

Sure looks nice!

 

[icanfixall]

Nice looking truck. From the pic of the engine I can tell you 2 distinct things.. First is thats the early non waste gated turbo. Secondly I can tell you the alternator belt is the wrong one. That one is too long and you might see that its all the way over to the max adjustment. Non of these items are a problem. Its what I noticed in the pics. Knowing what type glow plugs are in it now is a very important question. And knowing the new type and why he wont be installing them is very important too. So far I find nothing to say.. Walk or run from this deal. From what you have posted I say buy it. I might have a different feeling if I was to drive it but I can only say what I feel from what you have told or shown us so far. You will not have an issue with cavitation if this engine is a 6.9.

 

[steelheadguy]

I bought it. I feel like a I got a great deal. I drove the truck through town for about 10 miles and 50 miles on the highway. So far everything seems good.

When I test drove the truck the previous owner told me that sometimes it would come out of 2nd gear going downhill. I tried to make it happen but it wouldnt. Today on a highway on ramp I was in second and it came out. why?

I also used the 4 wheel drive to get to a friends house that is snowed in (thats where I took pics) and then had to pull my girlfriend's RWD dakota out. Already I am getting use of finally having my own 4x4.

 

[steelheadguy]

Nice looking truck. From the pic of the engine I can tell you 2 distinct things.. First is thats the early non waste gated turbo. Secondly I can tell you the alternator belt is the wrong one. That one is too long and you might see that its all the way over to the max adjustment. Non of these items are a problem. Its what I noticed in the pics. Knowing what type glow plugs are in it now is a very important question. And knowing the new type and why he wont be installing them is very important too. So far I find nothing to say.. Walk or run from this deal. From what you have posted I say buy it. I might have a different feeling if I was to drive it but I can only say what I feel from what you have told or shown us so far. You will not have an issue with cavitation if this engine is a 6.9.

Thanks for noticing that alternator adjustment. I dont know how I missed that, I saw the belt bouncing around with too much deflection and just brushed it off.

As for the glow plugs. The previous owner didnt seem to know too much. Sometimes the light comes on with just the key. or I can hit the switch for a couple seconds. Its 30 degrees F here and it starts first crank. Ill see how it starts in the morning. He did not know the brand, he gave me new plugs but said Id be fine with the old ones. Ill check the brand in the morning.

Thanks everyone here. Your way more help than you know.

 

[Waystro]

Nice do I spy a diamond plate tailgate?

 

[towcat]

$2400 for a F350 reg cab, t19 trans and a D60 front is a very fair deal. check your door sticker for the axle ratio codes. if it's a 3.55, you have a very good commuter truck. if it's a 4.10, you'll love it's pulling power
btw... welcome to OB. you've found a great place to hang out.

 

[steelheadguy]

Here is how to morning starting went. When I turn the key, the glow plug light cycles. 2 seconds on 2 seconds off. I played with the manual switch too. It works with the key on or off. I cranked it a good 3 times, cycling the switch in between a couple times, never for more than 4 seconds. It never started. Ive got it plugged in now.

I usually am not parked next to an outlet. Where do I start on fixing the GP problem? Keep in mind I am a diesel truck beginner.

PO told me it is 3.55

 

[riotwarrior]

Here is how to morning starting went. When I turn the key, the glow plug light cycles. 2 seconds on 2 seconds off. I played with the manual switch too. It works with the key on or off. I cranked it a good 3 times, cycling the switch in between a couple times, never for more than 4 seconds. It never started. Ive got it plugged in now.

I usually am not parked next to an outlet. Where do I start on fixing the GP problem? Keep in mind I am a diesel truck beginner.

PO told me it is 3.55

Welcome to OB

Read read read...stickies...tech articles and learn SEARCH funtion...glow plugs are well covered

Nice truck.

May want to consider switching to a 7.3 gp setup too.

JM7.3CW

 

[TahoeTom]

You will need to hold your glow plugs on for 10 seconds or more. I usually glow, crank and glow a second time before it starts. If the factory controller cycles on and off it is not working correctly. It should hold on for 10-12 or more seconds. Usually when a push button setup is used the controller is disconnected from the relay. You can check each glow plug with a test light connected to 12V+. Disconnect each GP wire and touch light probe to the GP. If it lights the plug is probably ok.