Longevity ???

[SparkandFire]

People are always asking "How long will something last?"

I just this week bought my '86 F250 4x4. The guy I bought it from took great pride in maintaining this truck, all the fluids were changed regularly. The odometer shows "51,213" right now, he says this is the odometer's third trip 'round, making my rig 350K plus.

According to the PO (and the service records) the engine was rebuilt about 60K ago. It runs great, the C6 shifts good, everything seems in order (except for the power window motors.)

So, for the question we all ask... How long will she last? The engine is of my greatest concern, the trans,diffs,etc. are all fairly cheap to repair, but as I understand it the 6.9 IDI is becoming a very rare beast indeed.

This truck will be my daily driver (40 wonderful SF Bay commute miles a day total)

What can I do to squeeze another 350K outta her?

Thanks!

 

[runaway!]

I think IH considered the motors good for 250k between overhauls, heard of some going over 500k with no rebuilds.

I would say if it has 60k on a rebuild, just make sure your IP is up to ***** and stay on top of even minor issues before they become budget busters.

Make sure you take care of the crankcase depression regulator valve (CDR), so clean it every other oil change (with gas or diesel, dont use compressed air). I would clean and inspect or replace it right away.

 

[Agnem]

Matthias is getting excellent service from a motor with 300+K on it with no rebuild. Just keep changing the oil 2 to 3 thousand for maximum life. They are not really rare, just not running around in the tens of thousands anymore. There are probably at least 5000 still in service would be my guess.

 

[Fishin76]

There are probably at least 5000 still in service would be my guess.

Only that many? Who is our ford production number guy on this forum?

5k left out of all the trucks and buses made with these engines? Man, I hope it's more than that. Part production will stop shortly, not enough user base to keep producing hard parts IMO.

 

[Chevyboy_0]

if i remember right i read some where that 32% of all trucks made in 1987 had the 6.9 in them, im not sure if this is very accurate but judging by that i would imagine there are plenty out there to be found

 

[G. Mann]

My 85, which I stuffed into a concrete retaining wall with a trailer load of lumber jackknifed behind it, had 368,000 miles on it. Every service was logged and recorded even though I'm owner #4. When the dust settled, the parts stopped flying, and it was all over, I pulled the door handle and stepped out of the wreckage. The motor was still running with the radiator wrapped around the water pump. Bottom line, I bought another truck minus engine / trans and intend to transplant the 6.9 into it and run it another 300.000. You can beat up these International engines but you can't kill them except with stupid.

 

[Fishin76]

trailer load of lumber..... Every service was logged .....

Good Pun!!

 

[Fishin76]

according to AZ, 34% of 1986 f-250 reg cab Long bed 4x4's came with a 6.9L...... The diesel had the majority, (as far as engine options go not fuel type) No other engine option had a bigger share.

 

[Agnem]

Well my number was based on the fact that there are about 7500 Walmart stores, and I figure you can find 1 IDI in most of their parking lots.

 

[Chevyboy_0]

Well my number was based on the fact that there are about 7500 Walmart stores, and I figure you can find 1 IDI in most of their parking lots.

in the wally mart lots round here there are mostly beat up hondas or new PSDs

 

[hesutton]

My crew cab has 322,000. No rebuild and runs like a top. I just took it to Cincinnati, OH last weekend (9 hours round trip) to pick up a DT466. The DT weighs about 1500 lbs. With that in the bed, I performed flawlessly. I was more concerned about the C6 than the IDI. I did have to back off a few times as my EGT's could easily reach 1100 if I was not careful.

Heath

 

[Dsl_Dog_Treat]

Well my number was based on the fact that there are about 7500 Walmart stores, and I figure you can find 1 IDI in most of their parking lots.

But how many were in the parking lot on this day?????

You must be registered for see images

 

[icanfixall]

At least one more than I ever would have expected to see thats for sure.... Mel... Say it anit so......

 

[Agnem]

Curse you... you ... you swine.