Hi all,

First off-
Love the Forum, one of the best as far as I'm concerned, really like the setup and the info here. So thank you Mods and Members.

Now-

I'm sure there are already posts on Newbies but, I'm really trying to get my head wrapped around the whole Diesel experience (and towing)

I am completely new to it all, (never owned a truck till now, still have never towed)

Truck is a Florida truck all it's life, but my wife and I are going to be hauling a u-haul up to Chicago to move up there.

I just picked up a 1995 f250 obs 7.3 psd single cab longbed with 200k

--I bought it cuz I couldn't pass on the price ($1500) and I've always wanted that truck, and Diesel for the power and efficiency (also option for Bio) and I want to start my own small moving company, and/or try and see if I can't be like a hired truck for produce/farmers or anything outside Chicago bringing product into the city...also I figure if I can't find any work when we get to Chicago I can always scrap metal, or waste haul or something...




I have some questions, and I'm hoping to get pointed in the right direction. I would love to get some online resources primarily--hard to find flat out beginners guides to Diesel towing and stuff for me.

First off though...
anyone here living in Chicago or similar climate with a 95 f250 psd with no block heater?
What is the best oil to use for winter?
What are good resources for brand new beginners to towing, and to Diesel?

Thanks! https://www.dieselbombers.com/images/smilies/tu.gif

 

Are you sure the truck has no block heater? Look above the oil filter at the oil cooler, there should be a wire coming out if it has a block heater, if not they are quite easy to add.

If not, they will start fine in all but the coldest weather so long as the glow plugs and glow plug relay are working.

Oil for the winter... Stick with 15-40 Diesel rated, if its going to be really cold for weeks on end then you can switch to a Diesel Rated 30wt, but I would not unless your seeing highs below 35 for weeks. It will make mileage go down.

Welcome to the site!!!

 

i live in indiana and just use the 15 40 oil. havent been able to run it since its been broken. but when i started it the other day it fired right up. i recommend going to tractor supply or something like that and buy a block heater. they sell them at tractor suppply for 50$ they are magnetic and just stick right on the side of the block.

 

Thanks for the info! I will change the oil ASAP...

I'm fairly certain no block heater, it is a Florida truck.

Thinking the magnetic heater will work the best thanks very much I did not know that!

I am LOVING the truck though! So much POWER! I am new to truck in general and I really love the powerstroke diesel..

It doesn't even work the engine to pick up speed.

My wife is scared now. haha awesome