Hey guys, I am looking at purchasing a 1985 E350 van with a 6.9l diesel with 174000 miles and a C6 transmission in it. When I go to check it out tomorrow are there any hidden things I should look at other than oil, tranny fluid and coolant? From what I have seen in pictures and lengthy conversations with the owner I feel that this will be a good purchase.
If it were me, I would try to check to see if the heads seem to have a leak, and see if you have any more leaks anywhere else.
See how it starts, hard or easy. Also listen to the motor and see if you feel it "knocks" irregularly. Also check the exaust and see if it blows smoke, how much, and what color.
With the C-6, check your forward and reverse. If there is any hesitation going in gear or not. If there is, then the seals might be bad. Also road test it and see if it shifts correctly.
That's my two cents.
__________________
THE BLUE BOMBER!
87 ford f-350 cab-chassis dually. 2wd, 6.9, 3 speed C-6. 3 leaf helper springs, 11,000 gvwr, pintle/ball hitch, 6 pin round trailer connector (unhooked currently). Rear generic truck stop lights. Twin I beam front end with coil springs. Plow lights and switch to go from headlights to plow lights. 8.5 foot meyer diamond plow with central hydrolics. 8 foot rugby dump bed. 167,000 miles and still strong.
Engine started quickly and easily and did not notice any smoke or any kind of knocking. The previous owner said that it smokes for the first 30 seconds on the first start of the day but that's it. It drove the 100 miles home nicely climbing hills with ease and without any bogging down or needing to down shift however I did notice where a 4 speed transmission or lockup torque converter would be nice but I am not going to complain. There is a heavy smell of diesel up front so I will be nosing around to see what I can find. One thing though. What is the normal operating temp for engine? The temp gauge kept scrolling up and down getting fairly warm and then dropping down. Also is there a governor to keep me from over turning the motor?
The engine is governed. Do you have temp numbers or is your question from the stock gauge? The stock gauges are useless.
Enjoy the van, these engines are fun to drive.
__________________
Red 86 F250 Supercab XLT, Longbed, 6.9l, 4 speed with DNE-2 Overdrive, 2WD, Reclining Highback Captains chairs with arm-rest, Holly Red pump, push-button glowplugs, Racor 645 water separator with fuel heater, K&N Air Filter, Headlight Relay Upgrade, lots of extra lights, Isspro EV series: Pyro, Oil Pressure, and Voltage in a Autometer 3 pod A-pillar. Bulldog Security System with remote entry. Remote lube TOB.
BOOB man - Brotherhood of Oil Burners
Where do I have an oil analysis done? I intend to do the oil changes myself so I can easily grab an oil sample. As for engine temp I am using the stock gauge and it bounces between the R and just above the L in normal. But I did notice that when I turned on the heat it would go to O and then back up to L and back down so I'll check coolant again. I just don't want to blow her up after just bringing her home.
Holly Smokes!! Changed out the o-ring and the idle is more smooth, quiet and acceleration is more powerful. Can't wait to see if the mileage improves much over the 15 I have been getting.
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
