Hey everyone, just got myself a 1986 F250 with the 6.9 IDI engine, and it’s sitting at 292,000 km. Anything I should know or keep an eye out for? Also, any tips on where to find good parts?
Keep an eye out for fuel leaks, especially around the injector caps. I grabbed an injector install kit for mine recently for $40 at Advance Auto—has all the O-rings and fuel lines. Check out oilburners.net too; they have a lot of good resources. Oh, and are you in Canada? (Noticed the km reading!)
@Wilder
Good to know, I’ll look into that kit. No leaks so far, but probably just a matter of time. And yeah, I’m in Canada… good ol’ Alberta!
Tali said:
@Wilder
Good to know, I’ll look into that kit. No leaks so far, but probably just a matter of time. And yeah, I’m in Canada… good ol’ Alberta!
Nice! Napa will probably be your go-to for parts. Enjoy that truck!
@Wilder
Napa’s good, but their prices are crazy sometimes. I usually go with Rock Auto if they have what I need for the 6.9. Might check out Advance Auto too.
Tali said:
@Wilder
Napa’s good, but their prices are crazy sometimes. I usually go with Rock Auto if they have what I need for the 6.9. Might check out Advance Auto too.
Yeah, Napa’s prices can be high. Checked the injector kit, and it was $150 there, but they had another option for $55, which is better.
@Wilder
I usually compare prices everywhere before buying. Seems like these old trucks still have decent parts support.
Tali said:
@Wilder
I usually compare prices everywhere before buying. Seems like these old trucks still have decent parts support.
Absolutely. Over the past few months, I’ve been able to get a lift pump, fuel and air filters, injector kit, valve cover gaskets, and brake lines all over the counter. Even found oil filters at Walmart.
@Wilder
That’s awesome. Can’t wait to get this truck looking and running mint again!
Tali said:
@Wilder
Napa’s good, but their prices are crazy sometimes. I usually go with Rock Auto if they have what I need for the 6.9. Might check out Advance Auto too.
6.9 and 7.3 owner here… Rock Auto is great, and Pensacola Diesel in Florida has all kinds of injection parts for these engines.
@Wilder
Rock Auto has most of the parts you’ll need. My IDI gets almost everything from there!
That’s a beauty, Clark!
Be on the lookout for fuel leaks, and consider removing the original fuel-water separator if it’s still there (can let air into the system). Also, make sure you have a new-style block before using the block heater—it should have a ring around it; older blocks sometimes cracked there. And only use Motorcraft glow plugs, as others can swell and break. Overall, though, the IDI is a great, reliable old diesel with cheap parts. Enjoy it!
@Sloan
Thanks for all the info! I’ll check out the water separator and block heater this week.
Rock Auto parts are reasonably priced.
I had a red 1986 back in the '90s—it was my first vehicle. Great-looking truck! Hope you restore it!