Buying a 86 6.9 f350 banks

[steelheadguy]

Im about to buy a 86 f350 with a 6.9 with a banks turbo. The guy wants $2400. The body is in great condition. I drove it around and seemed solid.

I am going back to look at it again since I forgot to check all the fluids. Can anyone think of anything I can easily check on this truck/engine before I buy it tomorrow?

As long as the deal goes down and Im a new 6.9 owner, you can expect to catch me hanging around here real soon.

 

[dunk]

'86 is the best year IMO... Factory D60, the 6.9 block was improved, still have the easy on the eyes body style and interior, no electronic luxury nonsense, etc... Makes sense that mine is an '86 CCLB. Mine also has a Banks (early non wastegate, big box intake) If that's what this has, that's +$600-$1k to buy either a used turbo, be it Banks or ATS that typically come up.

Biggest PITA to fix is rust, so check it out well and be sure you're comfortable with the price for what you get. Floor pans, cab corners, wheel arches on bed, rad support, and body mount at front of cab are common problem areas. I paid $4k for mine, took 9 months to find, and I drove a few hundred miles to get it. Plan to spend a few grand and a bunch of time fixing 30 years of neglect from previous owners. Batteries, cables, electric hackjobs, pump and injectors, brakes, bushings, etc... People tend to run these trucks into the ground in part because the trucks will complain a bit but at the end of day they still start and get the job done.

I think there's a primer thread here, maybe in the tech article section, for things to check on a new to you IDI truck.

 

[icanfixall]

Welcome to the forum. Probably any question you ask has been answered many times. But that is why this forum exists. Its helping others so they too can someday help someone else. I sure did not come here knowing everything. I learn something new here all the time. I'm amazed with all the stuff I find I knew nothing about. I believe 1987 was the last year for the 6.9 engine. As for things to look for its just like a gas engine only we burn diesel or any form of oils. Can you tell us what turbo you have. Is it waste gated or not. Banks so far has made 3 different turbos for the idi engine base. Please ask where to buy any parts before you spend money. Ebay is full of terrible cheats that "claim" to sell you a rebuilt injection pump but its really just a painted pump to look newly rebuilt. Same with injectors.
If the fuel and oil filters are Fram please do not buy that type again. There are plenty of very good after market filters to choose from. My engine came with Fram and I continued using them because I believed the commercials. Forums like this straightened me out quickly.

 

[FORDF250HDXLT]

Plan to spend a few grand and a bunch of time fixing 30 years of neglect from previous owners. Batteries, cables, electric hackjobs, pump and injectors, brakes, bushings, etc... People tend to run these trucks into the ground in part because the trucks will complain a bit but at the end of day they still start and get the job done.

yeah,buying these trucks is the cheap part.fixing them so that you can rely on them is the kick in the pants lol.

welcome to OBN steelhead and good luck with her.

 

[IDIoit]

yeah,buying these trucks is the cheap part.fixing them so that you can rely on them is the kick in the pants lol.

welcome to OBN steelhead and good luck with her.

aint that the truth.

 

[homelessduck]

What part of Oregon are you from ?

 

[steelheadguy]

Im in Klamath Falls.

 

[bike-maker]

I've got family down in Klamath. I don't think they even know what rust looks like. Tons of neat old iron laying around down there.

 

[homelessduck]

Im in Klamath Falls.

Not too far from me. I'm in the Applegate area.

 

[steelheadguy]

I've got family down in Klamath. I don't think they even know what rust looks like. Tons of neat old iron laying around down there.

Yea the truck has no rust. All of my other options have fallen through. So I am calling the guy tomorrow to go through with it.

I once stayed at the Applegate River Lodge. Great place, wish I would of had my pole on me though.

 

[riotwarrior]

This thread is useless without pictures...

Good luck with purchase


Welcome to OB.

 

[Waystro]

So did you deal the deal?

 

[steelheadguy]

I am dropping off some "earnest" money tomorrow. $200. To prove to the owner that I am serious.

He is going to remove his fifth wheel hitch, change the oil, change the fuel filter, fix a return line and put a headache rack back on.
He said I should be able to come grab it on Wednesday.


There is a glowplug switch installed and the guy had the truck plugged in before I got there. He said he has a new set of plugs for me. Should I be worried about any of this? Will they change easy or will they break off in there? Maybe I can ask him to do it before I buy it.

 

[homelessduck]

I wouldn't have him install the gp's. If a tip breaks off it is possible he will not tell you. There is no way we can tell you if they will come out of not. Look at the brand. If they are autolites you will be lucky to get them out. Use Beru/Motorcraft only.

 

[icanfixall]

About the glow plugs now in the engine. All you can do is ask what type they are. Also ask why he has not installed the set he is giving you. He MIGHT KNOW what a bad set of swollen plugs can mean during removal.