Hello all,
I am completely new to the world of diesels and am looking into buying my first from a private seller. It is a 1993 F250 7.3L IDI for 3k. It has 311k miles on it, and the owner recently changed the glow plugs and the belt tensioner, but says that's the only thing that he's replaced since he's owned it, and that it has no mechanical issues that he knows of. Not sure yet how long he's owned it, as he hasn't gotten back to me yet.

However, one thing that makes me cautious is the fact that it APPEARS to be in mint condition. New paint, tires, mirrors, wheels, grill, headlights and skirts. Makes me wonder if something is wrong with it and he's trying to sell it by making it look pretty to someone like me, who doesn't know much. I just moved to the area and don't know anyone here who is knowledgeable in diesels, so is there anything I need to look for specifically? I've heard that the only thing to look out for is the cavitation issue if SCA's were not used, but again, completely new to the diesel world here.
Any advice?
Thanks in advance.

 

take it to a diesel specific shop and have them look it over from front to rear .. that's about all a guy can do .. other than that .. ENJOY it

 

yes sca is important also check for blowby and ask if he has had to replace injector return line o rings

 

Take it to a diesel shop that specializes in 7.3idi engines and have them check everything.

 

did ya buy it there awesome trucks but do have some small issues electrical it seems

 

hello i am having fuel leak issues with my 92 7.3 IDI it was leaking from the return line couplers on the injectors so i did the full return line kit and now it is leaking from one of the sensors on top of the fuel filter so something is over pressuring the fuel return system im thinking but what could it be?

 

just fix the leak at the sensor or where ever it is o rings there leak all the time too simple fix just remember never disturb the injector fuel lines and return hose lines this is how leak develop o rings get shifted the leaks are what you need to avoid but they do happen from time to time you will always smell fuel while driving when they occur

 

sounds like the leak is the heater coil off the filter there are orings there that get old and leak be careful taking it apart they break easy and are 120 .00 for new parts

 

one more tip the return lines need to be straight no sags or bows in them so make sure they are