Hey -
I've been looking at buying a diesel truck- I've already got a diesel jetta and love it, but am doing some garden renovation and need a truck to haul things like compost / soil etc.

I found this truck on CL and wanted to get some feedback from folks who know more about these old fords - is this a good deal?

Should I be concerned about the vegetable oil conversion? (It still runs on reg diesel- it has an extra 10gallon tank for the veg oil)

What kind of fuel economy can I expect? 15mpg?

1989 Ford Diesel Veg oil Powered

Thanks!!!

 

Welcome to the site..


If you plan to use the truck to haul soil etc. the grease tank and the cross bed box would be in the way and eat up the available bed space..

Personally,, I wouldn't want to deal with the veg oil, mess/filtering etc. but just preference.. Not sure that it would 'run the same' run'n veg. certianly not on cold starts..

That's gotta be 167K, and the early 7.3 had 'some' issues with head gaskets, and the injection pump should have probably been replaced by now.. Along with the glow system, injection pressure can make for hard starts/extended cranking. Also, if the glow system isn't working it could be the controller and not just failed GP's. Although, the early 7.3 like to use'm up! Radiators liked to leak (again not always but something to look at, sometimes worse if a headgasket issue) from the flex of the radiator support over time,, which like to crack as well. Cracks are easily seen on the top of the rad support just inboard of the headlight area.. Not a huge deal, and can be welded if need be.. Reason being, a cracked support can fail a newer radiator..

Trans would be the next item to check. Any rebuild, original? E4OD could be problematic although was improved over later years, but usually a decent service life if cared for and not abused or used in more heavy duty apps.. If 167K could be at the end of its rope. Check fluid color, shift firmness/timing and good OD operation.. (no slip or shudder going into OD)

Don't mean to worry,,, they were pretty solid old trucks, but any truck at that age could need some love.. Just look it over/under well, if it runs and drives out ok, may be worth a shot....