need some help

[droptopfox]

ok im getting a 99 f250 7.3 has 180k miles it runs rough low rpms it clears up once it spools up, it had injector cleaner ran threw it and it got alot better, but still not right, guy that has it says it needs an injector witch it might but it throws no codes, im thinking maybe valve cover gaskets, it also needs glow plugs maybe it starts hard in cold im thinking either relay or glow plugs, im looking at trading for it and im pretty sure im going too then i gotta figure it out, sometimes it feels like a skip and sometimes it just is rough, any ideas what it could be oil and antifreeze are clean

[droptopfox]

this is the truck not that it matters lol

[jermcd]

A regular scanner will not read all diesel codes just an fyi. How many miles?

[droptopfox]

180k, and i havent actually got to check for codes but it has no engine light and i know the light works

[droptopfox]

im going to add its under 1500rpms and it seems like a skip sometimes but sometimes its just rough,and its sluggish off the line but goes good once it spools, do you know what kinda computer is needed to do injector tests my buddy has a snap on computer but not sure if it will work its a couple years old top of the line

[Joel]

First things first, change the fuel filter

[droptopfox]

i just talked to the current owner, till friday, he said in 6 months hes done the filter 3 times and it get dirty fast wonder if the tank is full of crap? does it have 2 filters or 1? he said he had fuel pressure checked it had 45 psi i think he said.

[carolinaboy02powerstroke]

1. Fuel filter is in the fuel bowl on top of the motor.

Fuel tank could be what they call de-laminating on the inside. Sounds like you could be in for a long list of fixing and repairing if you get this thing. Just my opinion, I would stay away from it, unless you are ready to spend some time on it. Don't forget, time=money.

[droptopfox]

Time I have money I don't, I can get some parts cheap, where should I start diagnosing it?

[carolinaboy02powerstroke]

You need to find someone with a scan tool such as an autoenginuity. Run some of the diagnostics, injector buzz test, fuel contributuion test(etc), pull any codes that would lead you to parts that are malfunctioning/need to be replaced.

The info is out there, just read around on this site in the 99-03 section and you'll find a lot of answers to your questions, stuff that has been asked hundreds of times.

Google search with some key words such as f250, powerstroke and with some other words like buzz test, diagnostic, etc.

Good luck!