Where to start - New to me 93

[htarnoff]

Hi, I am new here and this is my first Diesel. Ruby is a one owner, garage kept W250 with only 53,000 miles. I am not looking for a rocket ship, just want some tips on the first stuff to do to get her up to snuff. I hear a bunch about K and N and will do that tomorrow. What is next?

I am going to use this truck to tow my enclosed car trailer. Any tips to keep me up to my elbows will be appreciated.

Today we passed the Massachusetts state inspection and upgraded from a 6 to 7 wire harness for the trailer.

Thanks in advance for any tips, tricks and techniques.

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

WELCOME



Not many of us 'old horses' left. Maybe you could set up a "signature" for your truck. A signature is the section at the bottom of each post with your details. That gives everyone a reference point to review and consider when answering your questions.

If you have an auto, when was the last full service/adjust? If you don't know, then perhaps consider getting that done, especially if your towing. If you're gonna do a change to K&N filter, then do the oil change to go with it.

You can easily coax a bit of power/throttle response with some minor and easy pump adjustments. Not alot, if you're concerned about this stuff, just a bit to improve your get up and go for towing.

With that kinda mileage I'd bet you've got a truck in nice shape !

Steam clean and wash everything down so you can see any leaks, or new ones if they develope.

You may want to think about a boost and EGT gauge especially if your towing. Assuming your truck is in stock trim you'll probably not run into any major EGT issues, but it doesn't hurt to know whats going on with boost and temps.

Personally, I am very glad I put my gauges in, including a trans. temp gauge for the auto. You'd be surprised how "toasty" it will get.

Well thats a start, I'm sure others will jump in with more.

Don't hesitate to ask, its how we all got started too.



Regards, Bob

 

[Tim1]

Welcome to the first gen owners, what a nice find! Bob pretty much covered the basics with fluid changes and level checks. The air in and air out of the engine are real important so KN on in and fix that flat spot on top of the differential in the exhaust pipe will help air flow. About power improvements there are many posts here to help you decide where you want to be. I'd go with the filters from Fleetguard, however I won't say anything about the brand of oil. Very hot issue!! You might want to check the valve clearance when you service her, not a tough task. Good luck with your new truck and feel free to chat with us, pretty good bunch here. Tim

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

Welcome - this is a great place to help with you're "BOMB"ing needs (adiction). As stated the first place I would start is in the breathing department. You will notice a seat of the pants difference. If you decide to get serious $$$$ get some gauges - pyro and boost are a must when towing. Look at my sig and you can see what I've done. She tows very nicely and I get an average of 18+ mpg in all types of driving. PM is also critical to longevity. Once again welcome and good luck with your new truck

Happy trails

Bob

 

[nascar mark]

Sounds like a good find. You will fall in love with that truck. Lots of good advice here. You might also think of hooking up a double fuel/water filter set up also. Mine works great and you get tripple protection as the filter with clear bowl is 2 times bigger then stock. Also extra deep transmission pan is a good idea. Weld a fitting and plug on before install so draining and changes are less mess and easier.

Good Luck.

 

[Power Wagon]

One of the things that most people gripe about in the early 4x4's is the ride.



Now, go out and look under the truck and notice just how close the bump stops are to the springs. That's why your truck rides crappy. Even little bumps hit those rubber stops and snaps the front end upwards.



Just re-arching the springs to lift the entire truck an inch and a half (and no, spacer blocks won't help, because the spring will STILL strike the stop) to two inches, combined with some good stiff shocks, especially in the front, will improve the ride quite a bit. Or, get a lift kit with softride springs. Just make sure the lift is done with spring arch, NOT by blocks.



Your auto would LOVE to have a tighter converter, and with that, a 12CM wastegated housing on your turbo and a free flowing exhaust behind it. It will drive like an entirely different rig. Then, if you get the bug for more power, just pop in a set of PW injectors, and it'll really run great. If you get the chance, move the timing from it's anemic stock setting of 1. 25 mm, to about 1. 35 to 1. 45 for a little boost in power and economy, and reduction of smoke.

 

[ScottB]

Welcome. You will come to really enjoy picking these guys brains. I can't tell you how much being here has helped me understand my truck and theres no telling how much money they saved me. So step in and enjoy!! Theres not much I can add to what they have already said, just enjoy the ride.

 

[Tim1]

Me again, as Mark suggested a deeper pan on the transmission would be nice and you don't have to weld a drain in though. At Baxters Auto Parts store in Portland, Or, I bought a drain kit that you just drill a hole and bolt these parts together with sealing washers. It is made by B&M tranmissions and costs about 10. 00 Any good speed shop or good auto parts store should have it. Tim

 

[paccool]

Welcome to the site!



You will find lots of info here that will help "keep you up to your elbows". We all had to learn and its much easier when you have access to a site like this that allows experience to be shared. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask. The only dumb question is the one that doesn't get asked.

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

If you can find a shop that installs the Mag-Hitech (sp?) oil pans, you may be able to get a discarded trans. pan from a new truck.

I think its the '97' or '98' model year trans. pan that fits our trucks. (Got one on mine) It holds about 1 more quart of oil than our original one. Before you install it, have a drain fitting welded on so you don't need to keep replacing gaskets. I bet you can find a 'discard' for $10. 00



Bob

 

[mblair]

93 w250

The93 I got last Novenber has 210,000. It is the original autotransmission. It was used to tow a large fifth wheeler, too.

The previous owner said he had never had the transmission rebuilt, but he did have it serviced every year. He said he had it serviced by a Cummins mechanic at a Cummins shop. He told me the mechanic told him it was starting to show some wear, but that it should still last me a long time if I didn't pull anything heavy. He bought his wife a new Duramax with the Allison because he was dying of cancer and didn't want her to have to worry about the transmission. I love the truck, and get between 14. 5-19 mpg depending on way driven. You have a gem of a truck and should have many many trouble free miles. This sight is fabulous! I had a cutting out problem on mine that a post got me a simple and quick fix to. (The wire to the fuel solenoid on the pump was a bit loose. ) Good luck!!!

 

[drives mopars]

welcome

welcome to the trucks will out last the others



with some 2nd gen parts

 

[bflood]

Welcome

Welcome htarnoff to the best place to be for your truck information. Great bunch of folks here! This is my 1st diesel too and I just joined TDR in Jan02. Already has been a great help!



Use the search engine for the website. If that doesn't get all your answers than ask away. Almost anything you need to deal with has been experienced by other members, and they are pleased to help.



Don't wait too long to get the boost, pyro and transmission temp gauges. There are several "pods" available to mount the gauges. Get a point of reference before you start making other changes.



Sounds like you found a real "honey". Good Luck and have fun. Oo. Oo.



Bruce