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Boondocker · 08-27-2007, 03:33 PM

Ok here is the list as it coming together... part of it is what I need to find out.

1997 F250 Power stroke diesel.

I.Transmission:
a.Five speed manual
b.Gear ratio:
c.Two wheel drive
d.Listen for clunking when shutting off or small vibration while operating- indication of dual mass flywheel failure.
II.Motor:
a.Turbo: inspect air tube behind filter for dirt. Some oily film is normal.
b.Airbox: check bolts holding airbox lid- if plastic with square recess it is a recalled part.
c.Glow plugs: test- have they been replaced?
d.CPS failure- has it been replaced? More than once?
e.Injector o-rings: look for discolored fuel in filter bowl- should be dingy yellow NOT dark or blue
III.Body/exterior
a.Damage on passenger door
b.Windshield needs repaired
IV.Brakes-
a. What is the history of the brakes on the truck, problems?
V.Interior
a.Seat broken needs replaced
VI.Suspension
a.Ball joints
b.Steering linkage (tie rod ends)
VII.Service records?
a.Oil change history
b.Oil used
VIII.¾ or ½ ton (ala 2air)
IX.Aftermarket add-ons
a.Chips gauges ect.
b.Aftermarket down pipe?

I called the Ford dealership and asked what they would charge to give it a pre-purchase inspection and they quoted a price of around $40. Does that seem right? I thought it might be on the low end, I want the check out to be pretty thorough.

wkerfoot · 08-27-2007, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

...
I called the Ford dealership and asked what they would charge to give it a pre-purchase inspection and they quoted a price of around $40. Does that seem right? I thought it might be on the low end, I want the check out to be pretty thorough.

Rodney,

You are right that does sound low, have them give you a list of what is covered in the pre purchase inspection, and you will know how through it is.

Bill

2airishuman · 08-27-2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

...I called the Ford dealership and asked what they would charge to give it a pre-purchase inspection and they quoted a price of around $40. Does that seem right? I thought it might be on the low end, I want the check out to be pretty thorough.

the list looks good

add 'when was the coolant changed' as well as differentials and tranny fluids and belts.

40$ is low but they are just gonna look?

i don't think they can even inspect all of the lubricants and fluids for that price.

YES make it more thorough....

consider finding out the price 4 running the diagnostics, and a compression test.

i'm sure there are other things they should check too...

have you pm'd artstream? he's done a boat load of things on this at >250K miles...

doesn't wahoonc have several old ford diesels too?

cheers
2air'

ALANSD · 08-29-2007, 01:02 PM

I would check that Dieselman site and also the Powerstroke Forums for other things to be aware of. On the plus side, I have met others who love their 97 7.3 and would not own anything else.
The cost of diesel ownership in my opinion may not justify the higher intitial purchase price compared to a gasser.

Boondocker · 08-29-2007, 01:11 PM

Pending a check up as described below I have pretty much committed to this truck. If there are no additional issues, $6,000 for a PSD is to hard for me to pass on. I would prefer a new(er) one but heavens sakes, budgets are a reality for me. Besides, I drive a '91 now so a '97 is a step in the right direction.

Looking at my plans for the next year, Im guessing I will tow in the neighborhood of 10K miles, much of which will be in the rockies. The F 150, as much as I love it, is not the TV for this.

pmclemore · 08-29-2007, 04:22 PM

Rodney,

I think at 6k you are buying it right, provided that some big thing doesn't catch you. So that's the kind of checkout I'd want from a qualified mechanic. I would also check the specs - trace the vin to be sure it was not some oddball rig you'd be miserable with. Drive it - hard - during your test drive and listen and feel. If nothing big is wrong, I think you have the potential for a beautiful relationship.

A diesel as a tow rig is wonderful, imho.

Pat

Happycampers · 08-29-2007, 04:52 PM

Rodney, I have a 97 psd, it has 313,000 k on it that is a little over 180,000 miles. I have only had it a couple years, I bought a 5th wheel trailer and needed something to tow it with and didn't have a lot of time or selection at the time. I like the truck, would like something a little newer, last winter I had to replace the torque converter that was $1200.00 then we were coming back north in April and the vacuum pump went out that was $300.00 then got about a half mile from the house and the rear axel went out. It was a 4.10 I bought a used one for $250.00 and a friend helped me put it in. It is a 3.55 ratio and I like it a lot better and it pulls the Argosy just fine. The 5th wheel weight 12000 lbs. and I wold want a 4.10 if I still had it but we were planning on selling it this spring. And you will get better mileage with a higher geared rear end. Still I wouldn't have anything but a diesel.

Marvin

ALANSD · 08-29-2007, 05:27 PM

Marvin was one I thought of when F250 7.3s come to mind. He loves his.
At your price you are getting a deal, so enjoy it!!
Mine was 7500 last year, a deal then and I was able to get out what I paid less the brake repair, 6 months later.

Mikethefixit · 08-29-2007, 06:00 PM

Rodney
See if there are any records for this PS. Oil changes are very inportant. I owned and drove big trucks for 45 yrs. I now own a 2001/ F350/TWD/Crew/7.3 liter/3.73 rear/Longbed.(NO Airstream YET) It has 63k on it as we speak. I have just replaced the brakepads all round.Thats it. Still on the original rubber. I have a 14 ft flat we pulled to mich. and back with a 20mpg figure,no expressway all backroads.(My wife hates Interstates)
Just have it inspected ,if its been well serviced correctly it should be good to at least 300k.
Remember to cool that engine before shutdown 3or 4 minutes according to my book(I THink),.Idle cooldown serves 2 purposes Cools the turbo and the coolent,there are O rings on the cylinder liners and it keeps from cooking them.
Lots of Luck
Roger

Happycampers · 08-29-2007, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

Where will the gear ratio data be listed on the truck?

Rodney, Craw under the truck and there should be a small metal tag under one of the bolts on the ball of the rear end. That will be the ratio. Or get the vin # and call a Ford dealer they can tell you.

Brad Hunt · 09-10-2007, 06:08 PM

last year of power stroke was 03' I believe. I think a new engine is upwards of 11K so if its throw away money cheap like under $5,000.00 and it runs out OK I might risk it. Diesels are wonderful and 180,000 miles is nothing if I'm the one maintaining it because I am scrubby Dutch fussy but the previous owner could have been a slob and then 180,000 is 7x around the world wore out.

Boondocker · 09-11-2007, 10:18 AM

I thought I would update everyone on how this is going along. I'm going to give the truck one more look on Friday at which time I expect to purchase it. Its been slow going because of the move and new job, but that is probally a good thing. Anyway, I will keep everyone posted on what happens.

Boondocker · 09-14-2007, 09:38 AM

Closed the deal on my new(er) mule this morning. Its about as basic of a truck as you can get, but you gotta love that diesel! On the upside of the basic features is the fact that fewer things can break.
Oddly, even though it only looks a couple inches higher than my F150, it feels about 6 inches higher. It rides like a truck too.
Next phase will be putting in a brake controller and reciever hitch, then getting the Trade Wind hooked up. I cant wait to get this puppy out on the road with the AS in tow! It will be nice being over powered for a change.

pmclemore · 09-14-2007, 04:33 PM

Congratulations, Rodney. May you and your rig have many happy miles.

Pat

Happycampers · 09-14-2007, 07:13 PM

Good luck Rodney, hope everything works out for you with the truck.

Marvin

Coastalview · 09-14-2007, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happycampers

Good luck Rodney, hope everything works out for you with the truck.

Marvin

Ditto here Rodney. Get some photos posted, Jeff

volvophile · 09-14-2007, 09:25 PM

Ive had a '97 PSD for about 7 years now, Love it.
They are the last of the boxy style, and some parts are interchangable back to '73. Like the rear windows, if you want to put a slider in.
I belive all trim levels of the PSDs are pre-wired for cruise controll. So if you find a steering wheel in the junkyard with the cruise controll buttons, it should just plug right in.

I think the next project on mine is an after-market downpipe. the stock one is a little squished.

Cheers.
Also check out TheDieselStop.Com - www.thedieselstop.com