Hi
i just bought a 1985 F350 Xlt with the 6.9 diesel.
Engine runs great very little rust but a lot of worn out stuff.
in the short term I want to clean it up real good and make sure everything works well.
in the future maybe a restoration, but that’s down the road a bit.
I’m going to need headlamps, taillights, sear cover dash pads and another long list of stuff a I get into it.
can you recommend the best place to order thieve kind of items online.
just eBay or are there better sources.
also I will be taking it to a local repair shop, ‘ good reputation ‘
is there any particular items that have been issues with this engine or truck I should be aware of

 

With any diesel engine it is important to know ,if possible, if the filters have been changed regularly. I would suggest you tend to that first .

Diesels will take a lot of punishment , but not abuse or neglect.
Clean fuel and quality motor oil and filters will pay off in the long run.

 

thanks

 

I had an oil consumption problem with my 6.9L from day 1 after purchased new, 2 quarts every 5k miles. Ford did not respond to requests to correct it, other than saying it was in the range of normal. I drove it a long time that way, but eventually, my oil pressure dropped to 0 on the gauge when the rpms slowed to idle speed. Sold it after 7 yrs because of that and because it was only 2WD, and I needed 4WD. I know it wasn't the oil pump, something was bleeding down the oil pressure though, no doubt associated with the cause of the excessive oil consumption. I highly doubt that it was a systemic issue with the 6.9L engine, but no harm in checking.

I really liked the truck and engine, except for that. You might put a manual pressure gauge on the base oil system and see how it is running.

One time on a hunting trip, my batteries, and also alternator, failed while I was in the middle of nowhere. Got a jump from a friend and drove home (during daylight) without issue. I loved that ability to run without battery/alternator power.