(OT) Ford F250 Diesel or not? HELP!

Pass Go

Pass Go

Deceased
Hey'a Folks!
I need some help with a vehicle decision/choice that I just know ya'll know about, so please chime in with whatcha know or have heard.
I came upon an 86 Ford F250 4WD that's in great shape, but I don't know anything about diesel engines and was hoping that some of you could shed some light on whether or not this would be something to consider. The current owner seems like a straight shooter and has receipts for lots of work done on the truck. Brakes, exh, filters, belts, fuel pumps, Frnt end stuff, etc...
It drives great and seems like a great buy...except...It's got that diesel engine... He says it's made by International ("Not a crummy Ford diesel engine") and is a (I think) 6.9 liter, but I could be off on that number - in any case, it's a big International non-Ford diesel. Owner says 150K on this engine "Is barely broken in."
Like I said, he's got all receipts and it's had regular service an been well-cared for since purchased new by his company in 86.
I currently have an 81 F150 that was a great truck...never left me anywhere and didn't cost big bucks to keep on the road. Unfortunately, it's at a point where it still runs good, but I'm looking to bail before I look like Fred Sanford.
Please help me with your experiences!

Thanks!
 
O

Opus Dei

Inactive
("Not a crummy Ford diesel engine")
Click to expand...

Ford makes very good diesel engines-problem is, they're either industrial or medium-duty. They never put one of their own engines in anything smaller than a 2-ton truck at that time.

Up to 1986 they had the 6.9L. It is a decent engine, but beware the injector pump at that age/mileage. Now there is something I don't know about them, but is maybe an issue. I know the 7.3L turbodiesel had issues with water pumps. I believe it was cavitation because the impellers eroded, or leaks. There was an additive needed for the coolant. Probably some sort of electrolysis from dissimilar metals or corrosive antifreeze. Ask if that's an issue with the 6.9L engines.
 
Pass Go

Pass Go

Deceased
Thanks for that, Opus. Didn't know that the bigger Ford Diesels had a good reputation, but then since I'm an English teacher that's probably not much of a surprise. I see lots of Powerstroke
Ford diesels out there, but as I understand that's an evolution of having unsuccessful diesel motors. I thought it sounded strange that Ford would put an International motor in their work trucks. I dunno much about that kinda thing...but I remember hearing that International got into some kind of business trouble and went out of business a while back...may not be true, though.

The scary part of a diesel for me is that I know nothing about what to look out for. I hate it when I look under the hood and don't recognize what I'm lookin' at.

The current owner has about $3000 in receipts for work done over the past two years, and says he wouldn't be selling the truck except that his wife has another child on the way and they need to buy a minivan to cart 'em all around.

Lots of nice features - dual tanks, newer paint, nice wheels and tires which are < 1 year old, replaced bench seat with 96 Ford seat, many new suspension parts, new glow plugs...I could go on, but won't. In short, he said if it was an extended cab, he wouldn't be selling it and judging from the money spent on maintenance, I'm supposing he wasn't planning on selling it.
BTW, he said he gets great milage 25 - 28 mpg! Big selling point for me since I like to roadtrip!
 
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Vden-tu

Inactive
I own a five cylinder Mercedes Benz with a diesel so I’m not sure my input would be of much help, but after two years and a half of doing all my own maintenance I think I’ll comment. Before I bought it I too worried that I wouldn’t have a clue about the thing, as I never had one, nor worked on one, nor even knew anyone with one. I’ve come to like it though, great low end power, great mileage, very reliable. Top speed and getting up to it not so respectable. Course I don’t have a turbo, which the truck your taking about probably does. I know nothing about the reliability of International diesels, but if compression is good, and the guy did regular oil changes/air filters/fuel filters I’d agree that 150,000 is just broke in. As far as the diesel engines they are easy enough to work on. Doing injection pump stuff might be a job you’d farm out, and could be pricey if needed replacement.
If it’s as strong as you say and the price was right I’d go for it, after making sure the transfer case and trans are working good.
 
Pass Go

Pass Go

Deceased
Vden, Nope, no turbo. Thanks for the post though - you made me feel better about "rolling the dice" as Warthog put it!!
Buying used is always risky, but this guy seems genuine and the truck is very solid and drives well. Like you say, if something like the injector pump needs replacing I could be hit with a big $ repair, but I guess that's true of any used vehicle purchase.

Question: Do diesels get better mileage in warmer weather like gas engines? I noticed you're in AZ - any warm weather diesel issues?
 
rb.

rb.

Membership Revoked
DH drives an 85 Ford F250 diesel, previously owned by his father to haul horse trailers through the mountains of BC. DH says, "JUMP on it!".
 
V

Vden-tu

Inactive
Hmm- you know the cooler the air intake the better a gas engine is supposed to run. That's why race cars run gas through cool cans. I think though at the high compression with these engines and the fact that there's no spark plugs would mean the same summer and winter. At least I’ve never noticed a difference. Ya know, now that I've thought more about it find out about the timing chain on that truck. Whether double or single sprocket, and what the life expectancy is. Also call a wreaking yard for laughs and ask the price on a good used injection pump.
If they have a bunch and they're not too expensive- it means not many people buying/needing them.
 
db cooper

db cooper

Resident Secret Squirrel
If you live in a warm climate, chance it. If you think the sound of the diesel clattering at stop signs is cool, then it's a must.

If you live where glow plugs are a must, forget it. Diesel engines cost much more to maintain. Our daughter has a F250 with a powerstroke in it. Right now it's 20 below and we all know it's useless to even think of trying to start it. On the other hand, she can jump into her 351 ford gas pickup, and it will start right up without being plugged in. Her gas pickup costs practically nothing to maintain, her powerstroke is 500 bucks here, a thousand there.

But her powerstroke has lotsa pulling power, and if you can keep the damn thing running, is very economical on fuel.

But when you factor in maintenance costs, the gas engine is practically free to operate compared to the diesel and is totally dependable.
 
O

Opus Dei

Inactive
Diesel engines won't get any appreciable MPG difference between climates.

Ford sourced that engine from International like Dodge did from Cummins because of the 350 Oldsmobile diesel fiasco about 1980. That engine was a converted gas model, and it simply didn't have the strength to handle higher compression, etc. It makes sense to go to a big truck manufacturer.

That engine is a lot simpler than current ones. I had one for a while. It felt comparable to a 351 gas in throttle response, and I pulled a 28' gooseneck and backhoe while running A/C on flat stretches. Only knock on your prospective truck is the twin-traction beam axle. I think it's inferior to the solid axle on the 1-tons-but still better than GM's IFS for strength.

Really, I like that engine best. Fairly simple, good power and reliability, and much stronger than its' contemporary-the GM 6.2 L. You WILL get sticker shock on maintenance. They have 8-10 qt. oil pans depending on model, so plan on about $50.00 for oil, filter, and air filter.
 
von Koehler

von Koehler

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Ah, a subject dear to my heart. I bought a new and have to this day Ford F250 HD 6.9 liter diesel pickup. It does have an International Harvester engine. The mileage is now at 290,000 miles and except for work on the rest of the truck, been very reliable and economical. At 150,000 miles your candiate truck probably needs to have the fuel injector pump and injectors replaced, figure about $1000 for parts and labor. Go to a commerical truck repair shop for an estimate; Ford dealerships never had a clue how to maintain the diesel engine. Only rebuilt fuel injector pumps are available now, but I have never had a problem with them.

I get about 17 mpg highway or town, year round on this engine.
Use an engine block heater to keep it warm during the winter and
ALWAYS go to a big truck stop for your diesel fuel. The truckers demand fresh clean diesel for their trucks and smart station owners always blend their diesel for cold running conditions.
Also, ALWAYS use the glow plug pre-heaters for starting your truck; I seen idiots cranking their cold engines like it was a gas engine. The much higher engine compassion of a diesel means that these jerks are really maxing out their starters, and on a diesel these aren't cheap. ALWAYS use the fuel/water separater when refueling to prevent fuel problems. It takes just few seconds to pull the chain.

The F250 is a bear of a truck, I think I could tow the Queen Mary behind it BUT repair parts are expensive because they are scales higher in size and strength.

If the price and condition are right, it's a great buy.

Flavius Aetius
 
Pass Go

Pass Go

Deceased
Hey there Fellers,
Man, I knew you guys would come through with the knowledge and advice I needed. I love this board. Even though I don't post much, it's usually my first stop on the web at home or work! I really need to make a donation and have been feeling guilty 'bout not doing my part with regard to maintenance costs here at TB2K. Big Sorrys - I promise to make good.
Vden, I love your idea for how to find out if injector pumps are in demand! I'll ask current owner before I do that, though.
db, the maintenance money this guy spent on the truck would only have been done because he really liked the truck...I really believe he had no intention of selling it even 8 months ago because he spent lots of money keeping it up BEFORE it needed
repairing. Yeah, and pulling power - he said, and I believe, he pulled a trailered load and never even noticed a difference!
I drove a spineless GM 6.2 and it was really lame... This truck ran like a beast. I was doing 65 and punched it (as much as that's possible with a diesel) up to 80 - I was impressed!
And finally, Flavius, What year is your truck? You never said!
Ya know, for all the things the guy said he had replaced, I don't remember him mentioning the FI pump or injectors, though he did have the fuel pumps replaced. Heck, I don't even know what a fuel/water separater is... could you explain, please? This truck has been impeccably maintained and we have records to prove it. Looks like I should go ahead and buy this one!
Thanks again for your input folks!
 
O

Opus Dei

Inactive
Heck, I don't even know what a fuel/water separater is... could you explain, please?
Click to expand...

All fuels will have water in them to a degree-from humidity, if nothing else. Water will rise above the heavier diesel, and want to be picked up by the pump. IIRC, Racor was the separator brand we put on the trucks. The good thing about them is they have a bulb to pressurize the system. That's something else to consider.

The only thing worse than water in the diesel is air in the system. When you change fuel filters, you will lose the seal on the system. If a diesel sucks air, you need to bleed the system. The Racor water separator had the ability to make this a one-person job.
 
L

lanod

Deceased
Didn't see anything about transmission but it could be a factor. If it is a manual you should be in good shape but I would check the cost of replacing the clutch. If it is an automatic that has not been overhauled recently it is probably about ready for it. The C6 transmission is different behind a diesel than for a gas engine and can be an expensive repair. Otherwise should be a good truck
 
N

north runner

Membership Revoked
Adding kero to the diesel fuel is the usual way of keeping it flowing in cold areas or adding an additive like Rotella DFA (diesel fuel additive). Its supposed to prevent gelling down to -40F. Rotella also makes a 5W-30 motor oil for diesels. If you're really really really worried about getting started a military surplus under the oil pan gasoline fired space heater with a front hood cover should work. WCS you should take the batteries out for the night and store them inside, keep the plug-in on all night, use the space heater, and cross your fingers. WWCS you could also drain the motor oil for the night and heat it up before refilling the engine in the morning and trying to start it. About then though you should wonder if its too dangerous to go anywhere and consider staying home.
 
Pass Go

Pass Go

Deceased
Heck, I live in CT - ain't that cold here! On the coldest nights I might need to plug in, but that's be about it. I'm more worried about FI pump, injectors needing to be replaced or worst of all...
dreaded tranny work. Everything seemed to be running well,
but I'm not mechanical past starters, alternators and the like.
 
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