need some info, new to diesel world

[krhonn]

Howdy all, for one not a good speller , and i have been reading on this site a bit and have no idea what all the abbreviations are. So i guess if i could get some help there it would be nice. Anyways i just bought a 97 f250 7.3 and the only thing i know about diesels is that it takes diesel fuel!!!

To start off i would like to ask about the BLOCK HEATERS and what i need to make it through the winter in Indiana? The truck doesnt have a heater now!

Also have some fuel in the valley and not sure why. Have been looking for leaks while truck has been running but no luck

Is my truck suppost to make a whistling nose due to the turbo? It doesnt seem too. Just noticed that other trucks have that whistle. Mine just sounds like a idleing semi. Any info would be great. Once i get this stuff figured out i would like to ask about mods. Thanks all and please bare with me

[Stinkers]

Congrats. on your new truck!
The block heater heats the oil in the pan to keep it from getting thick in cold weather. This is especially important for Powerstrokes because of the HEUI injection system. The injectors use the engine oil as hydraulic fluid to operate. If the oil viscosity is not correct, it affects engine operation significantly. Cold weather makes these trucks very tempermental for this reason so it is a must to make sure the glow system and fuel bowl pre-heater are in good working order if you live in a cold climate. (Otherwise, the truck just flat won't start in even moderately cold weather) I would highly recommend getting a block heater since you live in Indiana. The glow plug relay on these trucks is also notorious for going out and usually, you won't know even know it until the weather gets cold and you find you can't get the truck to start. (happened to me). So if nothing else, make sure the relay and glow plugs are in good shape.
Fuel in the valley usually means that the mechanical fuel pump is leaking. It sits in the valley under and slightly in front of the turbocharger pedistal and runs off of the cam. (again, also had this problem) The truck will still run fine but will leak out of a little hole on the bottom of the pump. The only option is to replace the pump.
As for the turbo whistle, if the truck is stock and does not have a chip, you will only hear it whistle when you really get on it, and even then, it is not as loud as the newer trucks. Since these trucks don't have intercoolers, the stock boost pressures are much lower than the new trucks. A few modifications and it will scream though!
Hope this helps a little, good luck with the truck!

[stroker/stonemaison]

[pjwoolw]

Welcome to the ORG! You'll learn allot here.

[somebodyelse5]

welcome! everybody is real nice and helpful here! never had a problem go unsolved!

[ridiculously_necessary]

Stinkers nailed it! i would suggest upgrading the stock relay if it hasnt been done. im doing mine and replacing the glows this fall for good measure. The upgraded relay is a Stancor and usualyl runs $40 to $60 depending where you find it. here is a link to one i found... STANCOR ELECTRONIC|586-902|Power Contactor | Newark.com

in either case the 586-902 is the model you want. also go with Motorcraft glows, stay away from the autolites if your looking to replace the glows. i believe block heaters are pretty inexpensive.

Welcome!

as for the abbreviations and acronyms just ask, we should really speak with a mod about putting up a sticky for that...