Recently got a pretty good deal on a 1988 ford F250 lariat XLT for 1500$ from an older guy who had not driven it much in the past three years. in warmer weather the truck starts alright but im new to diesels. The plug is shorted out to the best of my knowledge and now that the weather is getting colder iI know getting it to turn over is next to impossible. it cranks just fine but just won't start. just looking for some guidance on where I can start to get this truck to dependably agin. Overall everything looks to be in good shape but it is old and has sat for a few years.
Make sure every plug is working correctly. A diesel uses glow plugs for only startup, after startup they are turned off as the compression is actually what ignites the fuel. Make sure you wait for your glow plug light to go out before starting it or, especially in cold weather, it may not start or it will run poorly.
Edit: If it is really cold too then take your time because diesels absolutely hate the cold which is why most you are now able to plug into a wall to keep the engine warm for an easier start up but im not sure if your 88 would have one.
Money pit.
Micro-organisms (algae) grow in diesel fuel. They can restrict everything that diesel fuel touches. "Biocide" kills them and they will flow with the fuel...and plug the fuel filter. Biocide added at fill up is good preventative maintenance.
Fuel hoses rot internally and will pass rubber particles to fuel filter.
Fuel filter is fuel/water separator...keep water drained from it.
Glow plugs are common issue...they preheat the combustion chamber to allow cold starts. They're on a timer...you may have to cycle that timer several times to build heat. Diesels are harder to start in cold weather than a gasoline engine.
Block heater is essential. Park out of the wind to lessen cold soak.
Diesel fuel additive needs to be used at fill up. "Power Service 911" is useful in extreme cold and when you get "bad" fuel (it happens). Try to buy you fuel at high volume diesel sellers...they're always getting fresh fuel.
Keep extra fuel filters on hand, tools, gloves, hand cleaner, rags.
Use only Motorcraft fuel and oil filters.
Fully charged heavy duty batteries are a must. Bright and tight connections...especially the grounds.
