Originally Posted by Adam65

I am looking at my first powerstroke right now too, a 95 with 230k. I was a 6.5td guy for years I have come to the conclution that any diesel engine needs to be kept clean, lubricated and cooled sufficiently to last. If it is not, they don't see 300k. Check for aftermarket guages, if it has them and they last owner knows how to read them, great! Probably not over heated, clean motors tend to not be leaky motors. but check for spots where he parks. Oil is the key, especially a motor that relies on oilpressure to operate the injectors, cool the turbo and lube the bearings ect. My 6.5 is still going strong at 450,000k, don't pull worth crap but I thank the guages and frequent oil changes for getting me this far. What I would like to know is how to detect a possible head problem(cracks) worn rings or bottom end issues. On my 6.5td I would test for compression at the glowplugs, take a tire off, remove a glow plug or 2 and compare.(30 min job). Are not psd's glows inside the motor and way in there?(4 hour job) What about blowby? Whats a good reading for oil pressure on these hot and cold? I would normally try to drive up a hill and watch the temp guage for any jumps. After years of driving chevy's I learned all these trics, lost now on a direct injection motor. O ya, how a bout the fuel system? does it have a lift pump that doesnt need to run for the motor to start? That causes lots of greif for us 6.5 guys. I hear cummings is bad for that too. I should post my own thread, hopes this helps us both buddy

Originally Posted by 85_305

FYI diesel doesn't go bad. People have started and driven off in 30year old diesel with no issue.