Im new to diesels, but I needed a 4x4 diesel for work because gas trucks were not looking out. I had limited funds and found a super clean 1989 f250 w a non turbo IDI. I felt like I got a great deal on it the truck interior is flawless and the owner seemed very knowledgeable and he maintained it very well. Not so much come to find out. I had to go out of town right away for a project in Las Vegas. Truck was running very rough when I got there. Changed the fuel filter and a lot of black chuncky deposits were in the filter. Changed the oil and it was like black paint and was very sticky and gummy. I called the previous owner and asked him when was the last time he changed the oil and fuel filter. He never changed the oil except the oil filter. Wow ok sir what about the fuel filter. Uh never. Ok sir what about the differentail, uh never. Great. Then the truck stops running. Needs new TPS sensor. Easy shop fixed that. Truck starts leaking diesel fuel everywhere. Shop replaces fuel valve assembly. Truck starts clunking on front end I think it needs new ball joints and front shackle bushings. Truck wont start this morning. Took 10 minutes to jump it. Parts store tests battery and says batteries are running 500 each instead of 800 like they should. battery cables are corroded and alternator is not giving any juice. Im into this truck 600 in parts and labor Because I have good friends in Las vegas that work on diesels. Im back in town now live in So Cal. This truck was purchased 3 weeks ago guys. Now im gonna be into parts god know s how much and I have to work and dont have time and money to be wrenching all the time. Im sure new glow plugs injectors and belts are coming up quick too. Radiator is leaking like crazy. The owner says it passed the clock once so it only has 160 on the clock. the motor looks clean but the plastics, wires and what not crumble and break apart easy so maybe I might need to re wire now? Im a designer and contractor and can build houses and buildings not trucks so Its a little more intimidating to me then people who are very mechanically inclined. Is this the norm for these trucks or what? Help

 

he never changed the oil?? WTF

 

everything listed is common issue cept for rad leaking. the fuel leaks, worn out TTB front end, crappy batt cables, ext. sound liek it all hit you at once though.

 

you just bought a 23 year old truck,with 260k on it always round up when the po tells you just 160,but sounds like you have a good just but your gonna have to fix all the common stuff that wear out on these trucks,my brother swears his 89 f250 has just 155k on too,but he didnt buy it new and a month after he bought it(three years ago)we had to put new radiator,glowplugs,transfer case,tires,belts,tie rods,wiring harness,glowplug harness,and clutch.almost impossible to stop fuel return line leaks,ttb wears funny,but these truck run forever if you maintain them,hard to believe some poeple dont change the oil but it happens,new oil and fuel filters makes a orld of difference in these old irons.good luck with your new truck,all the info you will ever need is in this forum.

 

ya dude he said nope just the oil filter once every 6 months. I said "isnt that a messy process?" WTF is right.

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I hear ya. Sounds like whats up my alley. Since im new to diesels how can I tell if I need new glowplugs. I have to cycle them 2-3 times in the am to get her fired up. Also new injectors how can I tell? I like the theory if its not broken dont fix it but at this point if im gonna be wrenching I might as well get a lot of maintance done so if anything else messes up its a little easier to diagnose. however I would like your guys imput on that. BTW the PO said the radiator was recently rebuilt. Ya i know take that w a grain of salt. Its old brass. Its in bad shape bleeding green. Is it worth me having it rebuilt or just buy a new one or picapart lot a used one? I got quoted $250 to have it rebuilt and installed.

 

I did the glow plugs in my 99 wasnt to bad but I had a bastard child that was seized into head. Like you said if your in there I'd at least look at your injectors and check them out make sure orings are still good and so on. 250 doesn't seem bad on rebuild and install but you can probably get a new one cheaper or same price and install yourself in a few hours and save you some money and gain knowledge on your truck.


Strokin' Away

 

SELL IT He didn't do his oil change

 

What do you expect buying an 89, a brand new truck ? Live and learn.

 

Well, if you plan to kep it then invest and fix, at least your not paying a monthly outrageous payment, I have a 94 xtra cab long bed 4x4 7.3 factory turbo and so far rebuilt the tranny, new monroe shocks x 4 new fuel ines, rebuilt injector pump, new tires, new front bearings, tie rods, brakes x 4 and I still need a new steeting box and ball joints and the front wheels rub because the front springs are sprung I suspect.....I could have bought a limo by now so I am driving this truck to the grave ! they are good trucks and run for ever and thats just what happens when they do....they get neglected and wear out, so now you have to decide if you want to rescue this truck or pass it on to someone who may let it die and end up being picked apart.

 

advanced auto new radiator about $300 new easy install with the help of a buddy heavy probably 80-90lbsi just put new glowplugs in my truck today in the non turbo about 5-10 minutes if you have deep well 10mm shocket i used a hammer drill with extensions,but a good shopvac for the dirt and debris laying on the intake,and be care pulling the wires,and starting the new plugs into the holes,dont use autolits glowplugs i hear they spread i only use bosch gp's,but a reminder i lucked up and had no complications,it took me 2 and 1/2 hours to do the same job on the turbo idi.