New Ford owner with questions
 

I just got my first diesel and wanting to find some info. First off, it's a 1991 F250 regular cab flatbed 4x4 with the 7.3L IDI (just rolled over 130k miles this weekend). I don't know anything about diesels, so forgive my silly questions. I browsed the site, but It looks like most members are experienced diesel owners, so they wouldn't need beginer info.

I'm wanting to change the oil in the truck since I just got it & want to make sure it is fresh. The oil in it doesn't look terrible, but I still want to have an idea of oil changes for my maintenance records. I have read that 15w40 is what it uses, but haven't found how much oil it requires. 10 qts? I have also read conflicting opinions about oil stabilizer. Anyone have any useful info about that?

Thanks for any information.

Jody

Pretty sure it's 15 quarts, ive never used an oil stabilizerI always just put in 15-40 rotella,but thats going to change to synthetic here next change.


Strokin' Away

idi motor is 10 qts. 11 if you run the powerstroke filter. a 7.3 powerstroke filter screws right on.

welcome to bombers,i always buy 3 gallon size jugs of rotella and it takes all but 1 qrt(11 qrts)hang on to that usually takes that in about a month,well mine does anyway.these ol trucks are very reliable if you maintain them.good luck with your new truck and post some pics.

Perfect! Thank you guys for the information. I appreciate it.

Here is a picture of the truck too. It's no beauty queen, but it will get some body work & paint this spring to clean her up. Also thinking about a 4" lift & bigger tires, but we'll cross that bridge later.

Thanks again for the help.

I have another stupid question.

I went out to start my diesel yesterday morning because I hadn't driven it in a few days. When I turned the key, it fired right up but died after a couple seconds (I had it plugged it). It was 9 degrees yesterday morning here & I had not put the fuel treatment in teh tank because it has been unseasonably warm here (prior to the last couple days). So I figured the fuel was gelled up? Anyway I turned the key again & the battery was VERY weak. It only turned the motor over a couple times before it started the "clicking" of a dead battery. So I tried to jump start it with no luck, and then put the battery charger on it for about 8 hours. Tried to start it & nothing but "clicking".

Troubleshooting ideas anyone?

Replace battery?
Blown Fuse?

I need some help here...

Thank you for any help.

Jody

I took the driver's side battery out & had it tested at Oreilly's and it showed good w/100% charge. Checked the passenger side battery & it was good as well.

Where do I look now?

Starter solenoid?
Starter?

I can hear the starter solenoid click everytime I try to start it, which makes me think the starter is stuck or something. I tried tapping it with a hammer while someone cranked the key & still nothing.

Any suggestions? Please help.

Thanks,
Jody

Try posting in the tech section bud. Relay may be bad not sure


Strokin' Away

Take the starter off and have it tested, you will need a few extensions and a 9/16 socket. Their should be 3 bolts on it

Ok, I'll give that a try. Thanks for the reply.

Jody