? Advice on diesel trucks?

[craigcw]

I am considering a search for an older (92-95) diesel, probably 1-ton dually. I have never had a diesel. My question is:

How can I tell if a diesel engine is not worth buying?

I have heard that the diesel engine will last (mileage wise) much longer than a gas one...so how many miles is too many miles?

Thanks

[**busyfishin**]

#1) The engine is bad if it won't start. Just kidding...
If it has excessive exhaust smoke of any kind your rings or sleeves are worn or bad and are very expensive to replace. Black smoke could mean that the injectors are worn. White smoke could mean a blown headgasket or water getting into the combustion cell. Blue smoke could mean it is burning oil and may have worn rings, scored cylinders, bad valves or valve guides. Keep in mind when you first start a diesel you will have a quick of smoke, you just don't smoke rolling out of the truck while driving down the road. If you have to crank it excessively to start the engine it probably does not have good compression . Those are the only major things I can think of right now. For a 95 I would look for a truck with less than 200,000 miles for sure. I would spend the money and buy a newer truck with 100,000 or less miles. I think you would save money in the long run. When you buy the older truck it is going to need brakes, starters, clutches, tansmissions, and what not. Something to think about. I would only buy a diesel if you need it. If you just need a fishing rig check out the diesel Volkswagon. They get over 30 miles per gallon. If you do look for an older truck buy a Dodge because the Fords did not have as much power. The newer trucks in my opinion are just a preference. I hope that helps, its just my . Good luck, diesels are the only way to go be it a truck or a car.

[5 Salt]

I know a couple of older Ford diesels with 350k and 420K miles reprectively - both still on original build. No overhauls

They just keep going and going

[Twisted Herring]

I know of a white Dodge dually that may be for sale by private owner in the Keizer area. Think it's a '92 but not sure and not sure of the miles. Let me know if you are interested and I will find out for sure on year and mileage.

[Troller]

Your question is a hard one to answer. Diesels will last a long time. My 86 ford is still running strong without doing any engine work. I would find a good local diesel mechanic and see what he would charge you to have one checked out before you purchase the vehicle. A check of the compression can tell you alot of things about the condition of the vehicle. They can also run tests on the antifreeze. He can look at the condition of the turbo. Another thing that can be done is a oil sample can be taken and sent to blackstone to be analized. Diesels are fairly maintance free but when they do need something done can be pretty expensive. Great tow vehicles.

[FinFansea]

If you have to crank it excessively to start the engine it probably does not have good compression .

Not necessarily. This is a good sign the glow plugs need to be replaced.

[RODACTION]

The best thing you can do on this purchase is have the truck inspected by a good shop. The diesels have a long life as long if the previous owners have done regular service. Even if your looking to spend $5000.00 on this truck, spending the money for the inspection will be well spent money. If you purchase a truck that needs repair it will be alot of $$$$ for the repairs, the older (even newer for that matter) trucks can be real difficult at times.....they may have great cylinders, bearings, and valves but can have host of other problems. They may have injector problems, diesel pump problems, glow plug problems, turbo problems, timer problems, the list just goes on. These things lead to frustrating starting and/or bad performance. Have it checked out so you know what you buying...it could save you alot of headaches and money. Good luck,