Hey whats up?
i just picked up a 1984 6.9l with 190k on it

it has
banks turbo
injectors been turned up ( to what i have no idea)
it has a boost gauge ( although it really only builds boost when shes winded out)
and a pyro meter ( runs near 5-600 )
6 inch brand new rough country lift
36x12.5x16.5 tires ( where can i get a set of 35-36inch with a 16.5? tires having a hard time finding them online)
4 inch straight banks exhaust


I'm still learning about it and tinkering with it. it runs strong a little white smoke whens shes cold ( why does it smoke? ) once I'm moving down the road and she warmed up it runs awesome.

so i been lurking and reading on the forum about this truck and other standard how to's/fix its.

so i learned what cavitation is
now is there and additive that i can add periodically to the coolant other than just swapping coolant out all the time.

and i been reading about fuel additives
I'm guessing 2 stroke oil is the norm
and other advice?

and does anyone do the sea foam treatment to there trucks?
i was thinking about doing it ( have to go thru the vacuum because i assume you cannot feed it thru a turbo haha )

any problems these trucks have that i should know about?
i plan on running this motor till it dies and by the sound of it and the way it runs probably....somewere near around the year 2090. then ill swap maybe a power stroke or another rebuilt 6.9l


my known problems

truck sways on road when I'm driving on highway I'm 99% i need a sway bar and i cant find one for this truck anyone know ?

the tranny wines when in the higher rpms
the original owner said he swapped the old tranny out because it whined for a newer ( less miles) and it still whined. is this normal?

the driver side floor pan is near shot just going to take that to the body shop

and thats about it other than cab corner with a little rust everything works even the two tanks (miracle i know)

and advice for a 1st time owner?



also i just got the oil changed/fuel filter glow plugs tanny serviced ( have not driving it yet still in shop) and rear diff fluid changed (asked them to look at transfer case). so I'm up to speed except coolant on maintenance stuff i believe?



also i frickin love this truck hahaha

 

lots of questions so i will try to answer them all.

no need to worry about cavitation on the 6.9L. only on the 7.3L. still good to keep up on the SCA. there is additives u can pour right into the coolant, or install a coolant filter that has them in it.

no sway bars are available for that style truck.

sea foam can only be poured into the oil or the fuel tank. DO NOT PUT IT IN THE INTAKE!

white smoke on startup is pretty normal for these engines. could be injectors are starting to act up to bad valve seals.

as for the injectors being turned up thats not true. the injection pump was turn up most likely.

also look for where the pyro probe is mounted. if it is in the downpipe, those temps are good. if it is in the manifold, they are a little low.


also i see you are another PA member.... pm sent.

 

Thanks for the info! i tried to reply on the pm but not enough post's
thanks for the heads up!

as for the seafoam i have "heard" and also tried it my self on my motorcycle and my old camaro i know it sounds dumb as sh^t, but after seeing it done i decided i would try it and it works for the gas engines.


But since you guys know more about diesels i wont try it on this truck thanks

i plan on possibly swapping the motor out in a few months depends on cost. i looked up a refurbed tranny from autozone and it was 1600, and i imagine finding a refurbished engine will be about the same price. then just labor to drop it in ( dont have a garage )
unless you guys know anywere eles to pick up these things? thanks again crawler

 

i wouldnt get anything from autozone refurbed. do what i told you in the PM and ask there. they will point you in the right direction.

 

thanks

 

super swampers make alot of tire options

 

For a fuel additive I use Power Service.

My 85 also whined a bit. I wasn't sure if it was the tranny, t case or what. It only did it occasionally with no noticed pattern other than I usually only heard it when the back window was open and it sounded like it was either right behind or below me.

 

I think I would just find 4 16 in rims for your truck.

6.9's are a tuff motor. But it is a motor that you need to check your oil atleast every fuel fill. My 6.9 uses a gallon every fuel fill but really it amazes me it still runs. Every 6.9 that I have seen go to hell was because it was run low on oil.

 

you got motor issues if ur using a gallon every fill up. mine uses 2 qts every 3000 miles. and has 211000 on it. only seals that have been replaced were valve cover and valve seals.