Going to look at this truck next week

I know the golden rule around here is to dyno, oil sample, etc. If I were looking at that Truck, I could just about tell if it was good or not.Just by looking at the oil. And the condition of the unit, driving it, making sure it’s not pushing coolant. At that price, and age, the uncertainty of it all, is the bargaining chip. To put it plainly, it’s an old Truck, at a cheap price. It’s going to need repairs, might as well plan on it. Any time gotten out of it, before spending big money, is a bonus. If mileage is correct, it might just be a money maker. One Overhaul is more than the Trucks value. It has to be ran to get the money out of it. Dumping a bunch of cash in it, only to sell in a couple of years, would hardly be worth it. I’ve only done 2 oil samples a mil.miles apart. They were almost identical. Flying colors. Engine blew, within 100k of the last sample. It’s useful to check contaminants, but not a guarantee, not even a good indicator of wear. A dyno can be great, some engines blow when running better than ever. I don’t have any faith in either. Good for avoiding a current problem, I guess. Maybe it’s seeping coolant, ready to blow a head gasket, or drop a liner. But I would go for a low price, and deal with what I bought. If I have to overhaul it, so be it. I won’t be guessing anymore. Still be a low buck, more dependable moneymaker.

 

I pay $30 each time I send them a sample.

Here is what the sample will tell you.

 

That’s a better use of oil samples, every time. Watching for trends, catching a problem, before it leaves you stranded. My first Truck showed high iron levels. I bought it anyways. Did rods and mains, since it was required maintenance at 500k, anyways. Ran it to a mil. no problems. High iron? Maybe this, maybe that, didn’t mean anything. I’ve sent samples in, and put 10k on the info sheet, when the oil had 20k, always the same results. I just don’t have much faith in them. I’m probably wrong, guess it only takes once, to change an opinion. So far though, from my experience. Oil samples are highly overrated. Unless doing them every time.

 

Make sure, after running it for a little while, it’s not building up excess pressure in the radiator. A pressure test would be best. Making sure it’s holding pressure, and also not building pressure while running. You can also use a stethoscope from harbor freight, listen to the valve train, placing it along the valve cover, listening for differences, as you go. Best to get a thorough inspection from a good Mechanic, worth an hours labor.

 

I don’t know, Lol. I look for at least a year, before purchasing most vehicles. But I enjoy it. You can at least compare it to the Bosses Truck. I would look real good at the frame and electrical wiring. The rest will be needed sooner or later. I imagine it’s a 14L egr engine. Trucks need repairs. When it’s had a bunch of hacks done, makes it hard. Don’t overlook the small things. It’s easy to talk yourself into a deal. Small things add up, and cause grief. Lots of Trucks like that for sale. Hit them with a low offer. Below your target. It’s an old Truck, hard to finance. Trade in value of about $5k or less. The seller knows it.

 

Get a dyno and blowby, if they say no, walk.

 

That's an $8k retail truck if anything.