buying rig: good option or keep looking?

[kbragg430]

Hey all, im new here so if i do something wrong in these posts let me know.
So im looking at getting my dream truck. 96 250 PSD 4x4 CC short bed SRW. THe truck has a pretty straight body on it with a noticeable dent on the drivers side rear door. 253k miles. Found the seller and he claims to have had no real problems since owning the truck for 6 months. Says it needs to be plugged in on cold nights. so new glow plugs? Also says the overdrive doesnt kick in until its warmed up according to the owner. And a new camshaft sensor was just put in. Both fuel tanks work. What worries me is that he claims that the turbo looks new. He doesnt know much about it. Otherwise he says its solid mechanically. Going to look at it tomorrow. Hes only asking 4500 and i havent seen a better deal. Just this turbo business worries me. Just looking for some advice guys, THANKS IN ADVANCE

[Dirt rider1]

Check the turbo shaft play, to see if its in good condition. check it by removing the intake boot connected to the turbo and shake the turbine up and down and side to side.

[kbragg430]

how much play should there be? any at all?

[Dirt rider1]

There shouldn't be any play.

[vandy]

Hell mines got 270k miles and my Turbo looks new. I'd be more concerned with the trans issue. Offer him 3k. Tell him it needs glowplugs/relay and trans work

What's the worse he will say? No?

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[Dirt rider1]

Also check stuff like fluid levels, leaks, etc.
Take her fer a test drive and listen for abnormal noises, vibration, pulling.
Try romping on the throttle pretty hard , while driving, and look for smoke. If the smoke is blue its oil, white might be coolant and black smoke means that fuel is not burning effciantly.

[1Dieselman]

The trans is not supposed to kick into overdrive until the fluid temp hits around 90*

[kbragg430]

thanks guys. ive been looking around and seeing alot on the blow by test. Is this test the same as it is on the newer super duty 7.3s?

[1Dieselman]

If you are talking about the turning the oil cap upside down on the oil fill, then yes

[Dirt rider1]

Would it work to just unscrew and lay the cap on top without flipping it over??