fix it or get another truck

[98f150]

a family member is giving me a 1996 f250 eclb 7.3 for but its been siting for almost 3 years and could have between 200k to 300k miles on it and when last ran it smoked a little on start up. should i fix it or look for another one. if i fix what do i need to do to get it to run?

[1Dieselman]

If it only smokes a little at start up then clears up fix the glow plugs if that's the problem but if it smokes like a mosquito fogger all the time it may have a major problem. The mileage really shouldn't be a problem if it has been cared for at all as mine has 308000 miles on it and runs like a bat out of hell. Biggest problem I can see if it has been sitting all this time without fresh fuel being put in it is getting the crappy fuel out and adding fresh. Also if it has sat that long I would do a oil change before even attempting to start it unless it was changed just before parking it then I would change it as soon as it is started and warmed up. Might pull the fuel filter cover and fill the canister with fresh fuel, diesel kleen, or atf. Could use kerosene but only if you add some atf or oil to it. Also don't be tempted to use starting fluid to get it started. If the truck is in good condition keep it.

[98f150]

cared for not likely AZ farm truck for 6 years. what other problems might i run into?

[98f150]

what oil should i put in it. never owned a deisel before

[terryknight]

i would get it running and go from there. check the GP (glow plugs) and GPR (glow plug relay). fresh batteries and fresh fuel. then see if you want to keep it I run full synthetic 5-40. lost of guys run rotella 15-40, but everyone has their own oil preferences.

[1Dieselman]

One can only guess what other problems there could be. Probably going to need a stout pair of batteries. If it becomes necessary to do a lot of cranking to get it start don't just keep cranking and cranking or you will be putting a starter in it. Crank it for 20-30 seconds then give the starter a couple of minutes between tries to cool down. Use 15w-40 oil such as rotella.

[98f150]

should i use a garden hose to get the fuel out? then change the fuel filter

[1Dieselman]

Any ideal how much fuel is in it? If it is fairly low on fuel I think I would just add fresh fuel with a healthy dose of diesel kleen with it. I would defiantly put clean fuel in the filter housing.

[98f150]

idk i know it has dual tanks though

[1Dieselman]

I would concentrate on whichever tank the switch is on for now.