Clapped out Ford IDI Diesel Doesn't Start - Can We Save This Heap?

This old 7.3 IDI diesel won't run. Lets save it from the parts cannon.
See tips from the pros: • I conned “WILL IT STAR...
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[@WatchWesWork]

Be sure to tell me it's a 7.3. I love reading that...

[@BearCat459]

I was so confused when you said it was a 6.9idi I was thinking my whole life was a lie.😂

[@briancanfield5658]

Sorry

[@sgtotaku]

Hey, at least you realized it.

[@spczippo556]

@@BearCat459 I said the same thing, and then he said turboed, and i was like what? and then the googles sorted me out right good. Now i want one..

[@bborkzilla]

Looks like a boat anchor to me...

[@Unknown_Ooh]

"Honk if parts fall off" is the most appropriate bumper sticker if I've ever seen one

[@DieselCreek]

The parts he put into it were worth more than the whole thing 🤣

[@mikespain8655]

That is what I am thinking. Just the injectors alone. Huge parts cannon with no results.

[@eddienazareth667]

What are you talking about? Zip Ties & Bias Plies says she is Mint! 😂🥃

[@WatchWesWork]

The fuel in the tank is worth more than the whole thing!

[@TXP2P69]

@@WatchWesWork You sir are awesome sauce. Not many if any mechanics would touch that vehicle. That you got something that jacked up to run AND drive is a minor miracle. That you did so with hardly any parts is unbelievable. My wife wonders why I bought and proudly wear a WWW t-shirt......Its stuff like this. Thank you.

[@alexanderkupke920]

@@WatchWesWork The fuel is the problem. That is what makes is hazardous material waste here in Germany. But with our inspections I doubt it would ever have gotten that far before being condemned as no longer radworthy. you showed on the first go around at least three issues that would have condemned the thing each on their own. some possibly fixable, others not so much (well, sure fixable, but by no means in any economical way around here. for some repairs like body work the labor costs are insane, although I absolute agree that the guys doing the stuff earn what they do for what and how they do it, especially around structural parts.)

[@marksbikeexports5123]

That lil round mirror is so the driver can admire his remaining rocker whilst driving....

[@captainawesome1597]

In a throw away society. You have to admire the owners willingness to keep the old broken rig going.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Wow a definite gasp when you opened the door to reveal no floor!

[@papasatitagin]

That just reminded me of every GM 72-73 product I drove in the early 80's. Flintstone mobiles called them.

[@Jack-yw7bq]

@@papasatitagin LMAO, good one

[@volvo09]

@@papasatitagin yes, I remember laying in the rear floor of my mom's friends car as a kid and feeling it sag... I later learned that's because the floor was gone!!! We had so many rotted out cars, and rode in so many. I also used to think those "rusty Jones" stickers were put on rusty cars by workshops or someone! It was just that common.

[@Mishn0]

The dude must have a really strong emotional connection with that truck. The ammo in the parts cannon's magazine are worth more than the whole truck!

[@chadsimmons6347]

The truck will haul stuff, get the man to work and back hopefully, i think fixing it was a good idea, but i cant see how it passes inspection, it would fail here in my city, just sayin

[@darkwaterblue]

@@DontCryAboutIt Is that a state thing? Thats a death trap. I am all for using older vehicles but I don't want to fly through the windscreen in an accident.

[@Studio23Media]

@@chadsimmons6347 Many states don't have inspections. Illinois and Indiana neither one do.

[@Studio23Media]

@@darkwaterblue Yes, each state sets its own inspection requirements. Many states don't have one at all, including Illinois where Wes is.

[@aterack833]

It’s just 7.3 idi life, most of the people owning these pay more into them than they are worth and often sell them at a loss

[@papawheelie5835]

The image of John Candy in the driver's seat of that burnt out wreck in "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" came to mind. When the trooper asks if he thinks the car is roadworthy...... All I can say is God bless you Wes. Taking on a challenge like that and getting it to run is right up there with curing cooties in my book.

[@johnclamshellsp1969]

I remember that scene. Lol. By golly the radio works great.

[@firewalker1372]

Great movie 😂.

[@vincebrown5158]

"Darnedest thing, the radio comes in clear as a bell"

[@malanvogt]

Plug your ears...

[@gfysyoutube]

@@vincebrown5158 lmao

[@jessespradlin123]

Did anyone else find themselves screaming “f*ckin’ loyal!!” When it fired up?

[@theblindredneck747]

For a split second I thought it was slave lake herself. Lol

[@countryboy44555]

She’s one sassy rig fer sure

[@deezelfairy]

MMMIIINNNTTTTTTT! 👌

[@dunk5647]

How much sauce .... all of it ... what are ya stunned

[@Revalusion]

I came here to watch a mechanic, I didn't expect top tier necromancy.

[@davidsmith6859]

I think Wes has discovered that perpetual motion is actually possible. That thing has enough blowby to run on its own blowby.

[@milt7348]

Your videos constantly reinforce the difference between a parts replacer and a mechanic. Stay healthy.

[@randr10]

I went through the various stages of parts replacer before I could properly call myself a mechanic. At least when you learn things the hard way, you don't forget. :D

[@CharredSteak]

@@randr10 Learning to work with what you have is how you become a mechanic, not a great one though mind you lol. Being broke teaches you a lot

[@randr10]

@@CharredSteak Yup. One of the first "repairs" I did on my first car was bypassing the leaking heater core with some 1/2" galvanized pipe fittings my father had laying around the shop. That was fun driving it the rest of that winter. I later realized all I had to do was loop one back into itself. 🤣

[@vincepalaa]

I'd imagine one of the hardest things about working on someone else's disaster like this is trying to figure out what they actually did as opposed to what they say they did. The worst kind of mystery novel.

[@zoidberg444]

I think it was Eric the car guy who said years ago that sometimes you really have to interrogate your customers to get to the bottom of the problem with the vehicle. 😒

[@randr10]

Try doing it when you can't even call the guy up and ask him. I've had that a few times on projects. The things people do sometimes will boggle the mind. Fix the main issue. Get it running. See oil spraying everywhere. Shut her down. Fix oil leak. Fire it up. Repeat a version of that about 5 more times. Fixed. :D

[@FFLFFS]

Ditto that. What they believe or think they did. Also nothing worse than second guessing idiot engineering. ‘79 Volvo engineers put brake limiting devices an the back drum brakes with disk brakes on the front. Going down a hill on ice you’d be in a 360 in a heart beat. After the first time it didn’t take me long to rip those out.

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

I can see the Craigslist now. bulletproof ford idi. Great truck, will pull a house. New injectors, It’s a beast. 10k, no low ballers I know what I have. As is, Needs some work.

[@jbthestoner5504]

Being from Texas, I never knew rust could get that bad. It honestly blew my mind seeing the cab rusted away so bad that the seat belt holder wasn't attached. The most I'll ever see here is a little surface rust. I have a lot more appreciation for being a mechanic down here now.

[@janeames1513]

i lived in ohio for 7 years and yeah it's horrid..they lay the salt and brine down in heavy doses..now that i live in Bama i see old cars looking brand new other than sun baked paint..it's a world of difference in 600 miles either way of i-70

[@_Frank_the_Tank]

I had a 1987 F150 that served as my designated "winter beater" for about 15 years up until 2019. Decided it was time to finally part it out when I could lift the driver's side of the cab up off the frame with just my hands because the cab mounts were gone... Once the cab corners rust through the entire outside and start rusting away the inner structure that's when the lower seatbelt mount will pull through the floor, I just had mine tied around the lower seat frame so I could still put the seatbelt on and at least it'd look legit to any passing officers. I live in Iowa but the entire Midwest is full of crusty deathtraps from all the winter road salt. The key to keeping a vehicle nice up here is to leave it in the garage from the first time it snows to about the end of March after a couple decent rain storms come through and wash the salt off the road, in the meantime just get yourself a cheap sacrificial beater with a working heater to drive.

[@Beandiptheredneck]

I've personally owned and worked on 4 of these ford trucks that were close to or that bad. One of them is my baby, which I rebuilt and drive all the time 😁

[@grundoid6796]

Wish I could show you pictures of the my trucks lol they'd probably give you a coronary

[@ChiralSpirals]

We smoke as we flip the bird....thats a good smoker.

[@frankbrooks1125]

Those aren't whiskey dings; they're battle damage. Someone is out there working, and making a living in this war wagon. Bless them and more power to them. Thanks Wes; nice video.

[@andreaechevarria6725]

Amen. The parts purchased may be more then the truck is worth but a whole lot less than a replacement truck. This one lives to work another day.

[@randr10]

@@andreaechevarria6725 That thing will literally fold in half before the IDI stops running. That is, unless ole Peg gets ahold of it. Even then, maybe still.

[@pipefitter1728]

I’m always amazed that you are able to bring these basket cases back from the dead! At times I think you’ve got a sign out front that has elements of the base of the Statue of Liberty. “Send me your old, your rusty and crusty, your brake less, non running vehicles yearning to be free” (free to be towed to the scrap yard) As always you got it running and stopping again! And as always another great video!

[@stanpatterson5033]

That's the big attraction. Can someone make it live again. I love seeing something that 99.99% of the population would ship to the scrapper, made to carry on serving for a long, long time. Never mind that I hate new, overly-complicated, computer-run crap coming down the pipe, but I really hate when people give up on something just because of "surface rust". My (now ex-) wife wanted to get rid of our car 13 years ago because of some rust visible on the windshield wiper arms. That car is still my daily driver, and still has the very same rusting windshield wiper arms. She's on her fourth whatever-buggy since we divorced, and I'm still running the car that she hand-picked and 4 years later, rejected.

[@markbowen3638]

I can't help but admire your dedication when it comes to these 'projects'. Sure no one else would even attempt what you do! Makes for great viewing Wes. Many thanks for all your efforts. Best wishes from the UK 🇬🇧

[@slowride55]

If they’ve got the money, he’s got the time!

[@texasjetman]

@@slowride55 absolutely

[@philash5073]

It’s a good job they don’t have our MOT tests in America, it probably wouldn’t even get through the front gate

[@markbowen3638]

@@philash5073 Maybe it's a good job we have MOT tests. Guess that's why they were introduced as we had the same problem in the 60's. Wouldn't want to be in such a sketchy vehicle with any of my nearest and dearest!😉

[@Meigosh]

That truck is a work of art. May she run forever!

[@reallyhappenings5597]

It's all about commitment to the ones we love!

[@roblit79]

Seen a lot of farm mechanics ruin as much as they fix. I worked a job out in Western Kansas 11yrs ago and a coworker's 1997 Z71 quit on him. The only shop out in that area works on agricultural equipment. They claimed they put a fuel pump in it when they really only changed a fuse. Well it didn't last and they towed it back 3 times trying to fix it. We went home for a weekend and I brought tools back. We pulled his bed off in a motel parking lot and found the wiring to the sending unit melted all the way down inside the tank. We had to replace the whole unit and I had to rewire all the burnt up wires on the frame rail. He drove that truck another 4yrs without a problem but it cost him another $300 in parts on top of the $400 that shop robbed him.

[@marksmith6104]

I’m from cowboy country and I can tell this rig is right up there with some of the sketchiest cattle/farm trucks that are purposely not driven on highways.

[@alouisschafer7212]

I mean that's not a bad thing per se as long as its "safe". Better to use a vehicle up until it literally falls apart. Good for the bank account and good for the planet.

[@mph5896]

Yeah, they won't even drive something that clapped out as a junkyard truck.

[@aserta]

I've two 1960's trucks (fords), bought from one of your American bases as discards (no motors, no nada, basically bare chassis), they're farm trucks on my brother's farm. They look better, and the farm is close enough the Mediterranean to smell the salt. This one's particularly "legera".

[@MaxNafeHorsemanship]

Maybe not on the roads, but I would drive that. It's even a 4X4.

[@pwrplnt1975]

Max looks disgusted with the whole ordeal...lol!

[@alanpaige9192]

I’m always amazed by how doors always work on this body style Ford. Even with no support they work.

[@WatchWesWork]

Hmm. I think you're being generous. There's a reason I call it "Ford Door".

[@aserta]

Bluetooth door.

[@midixiewrecked7011]

@@WatchWesWork Puddin would say "pat-tee-ner" door.

[@MegaDysart]

My dad drove one of these to work every day for 2 or 3 years. At some point, he couldn't even use the exterior door handle to get out of the truck anymore so he had to grab the latch rod with a pair of vice grips and monkey with it every time he wanted out 😂

[@chubbysumo2230]

@@WatchWesWork better than playdoughnium hinges in GM stuff.

[@jonka1]

I had a couple of customers like that. The don't understand how or why ANYTHING works. Unfortunately the have a box of tools and relentlessly use them to destroy everything they touch. Eventually they ask for help and steadfastly refuse to learn anything from my explanations of the actual problem. Best I saw was a car that wouldn't start. Owner put two scrapyard engines in it before allowing me to replace the ignition coil. Well done Wes for sticking in there!

[@jimmystuckey1412]

Two bottles of Lucas and she'll be mint 👌

[@Dudleymiddleton]

Poor old girl been round the track a few times! She's asking for one more chance, bless her! :)

[@tommink2577]

1:25 "Full-on structural floor mats". :) I live out west and I have a 95 F250 that I keep around for runs to the dump and Home Depot. I have always thought it's a total pile of crap but after seeing this one, I'm convinced mine is absolutely mint - I mean it actually still has rockers. Love your channel, keep up the great work!

[@FFLFFS]

Good lord you had to say 95 f250 !?! Didn’t you.. The final straw ... screaming down a hill in BC and the cab mounts break sends the vac brake cylinder into the fender pinching the brake lines. So ya never bought a Ford after that.

[@seanwieland9763]

The parts cannon he threw at the fuel system makes sense, in that he knew the problem was with the fuel system not sending fuel to the engine. The problem is that the fuel sending issue was electrical not mechanical. Maybe he should have guessed that from the ground strap, but he probably also thought he eliminated that possibility with replacing “various fuses”.

[@watajob]

Hard to believe. Another $500 truck showered with thousands of dollars of parts... and your labor. Works for me! :)

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Love the IDI content, Wes! I'm building a 7.3 IDI powered crew cab 4x4 dually as we speak! Need more Ford and IDI content!!!

[@gs1100ed]

It’s true folks! Wes can get ANYTHING started!

[@gino7444]

After only the first 3 minutes i had to pause the vid because i almost chocked and pissed my pants laughing, the dry sarcastic comments of my favorite mechanic almost killed me ... keep it up Wes, to watch you work makes my day every time, thanks man!.🛠

[@davidknows3320]

This made my heart hurt. I used to work on these back in the day. The "adaptor" is for the a Kent Moore Tach and Time. It allows the tool to pick up on the pulse of the injector like a spark plug wire. Yes, the injection pump has an ignition advance and fast idle that is controlled by a temp. switch in the head. If you put 12 volts to the injection pump it would start easier as well. Back in the day, those leak off, or return lines would leak as the orings, and hoses aged. The glow plug harness used to be an easy to replace thing, but those days are apparently gone. LOL The GM 6.2/ 6.5 mechanical diesels had a very similar set up. Its hard to believe those 6.9 and 7.3 liters were in school busses by the the thousands. Not well suited to the job, the head gasket jobs were plentiful. If the head gasket stayed intact, the connecting rods would come apart and shred the engine. I'm surprised you couldnt hear me telling you what everything was while I was watching the video. LOL. Thanks for sharing, and yes, ether drunk is a real thing with those old diesels.

[@FFLFFS]

Thanks for sharing..that settles an old score. Several bad starting days come back to haunt. 🤨🤔 One of the many reasons I avoided gm and Ford diesels back in the day. Recently settled on JD 410 couldn’t be happier.

[@AtomsForFuel]

Hey David is there a way to bench test the mechical fuel/lift pump? I just bought an 89 idi, and installed clear line at the fuel pump. I had assumed the fuel selector valve went bad, so to trouble shoot I installed a clear plastic line at the fuel pump to see if the motor is getting fuel. Turns out that the fuel pump isn’t sucking fuel from a diesel can sitting on the ground. Is there a way to bench test the mechanical fuel pump? I was told it was new and installed a year ago. I am assuming that the 4-6psi that the pump generates isn’t enough to overcome the fight of gravity, and that maybe I should put the diesel can on top of the roof on the next test. What are your thoughts? Thanks

[@sasquatchrosefarts]

Drunk is right..maybe that's how the last guy crossthreaded erythjng.

[@theronstein1760]

As always Wes, you put out a great repair video with a K.I.S.S approach. I so enjoy your content, with no weird or annoying tricks to get viewer. Thank you for just giving content that is about repairs and how you got there.

[@edwinpadilla6093]

KEEP UP THE PAITIONED GOOD WORK 👍 👏 👌 🙌 😉!

[@billlezak1977]

Its Zip tie's and Bias plies special warm weather addition

[@SouthernShadetreeMechanic]

I swear, after seeing what you and Eric O. have to wrench on for a living, and what most of our Northern brethren (Mustie1, Mortske, Junkyard Digs, the boys at Cold War Motors, et al) wrench on for fun, I'll never again complain too loudly about what passes for rust down here in the South. We surely get clapped-out junk (especially in GA which has no state inspection), but I've never encountered anything with a rocker delete package like that. . . And, hey, International engines don't leak; they just mark their territory.

[@joshcrd7925]

Us notherners refer to things like the rocker delete as weight reduction. Improves MPG to help offset the lost MPG from our vehicles idling in our driveways until they create some heat so we don't freeze our gonads off for the first few miles

[@chubbysumo2230]

if you go up north, the rocker and cab corner delete is really common. hell, GM and ford trucks will come pre-rusted right from the dealership lot! Also, wheel wells, they just go away.

[@FFLFFS]

Somewhat akin to motorcycles. If they didn’t leak..meant you were in trouble..,you were out of oil. Lol

[@Beandiptheredneck]

@@chubbysumo2230 what do you need rocker panels for anyways? I got rid of my wife's old impala when the side skirt got ripped off from a trip to the ditch, I went to put it back on and realized there was absolutely nothing left to attach it to 😅

[@tda2806]

Max has the right reaction, slightly nervous.

[@crazyfvck]

@Tim Allan I bet he was thinking to himself, "even if there are mice in there, I am not going NEAR that truck!" ;)

[@johnadams3152]

Hey Wes you have such a great sense of humor and attitude to bring these "Used Up" vehicle back to life. You have definitely earned a wizards hat. The pointed one with all the stars and moons on it along with the magic ward with the twinkle dust. Keep the videos coming.

[@BrianEltherington]

This one was a veritable blockbuster for entertainment value. Thanks for the laughs, Wes! You are a master at Bubba mitigation and minimal cost successful repairs (there is nothing more permanent than a successful temporary repair).

[@airplanemaniacgaming7877]

Bubba mitigation is always good on Cars, Guns, and political jokes.

[@waynep343]

Years ago an 86 cougar turbo sat in the parking lot where I worked. Everybody said it's just no good. Had to move it from its spot. Got a skinny tech to slide into it. Hooked up a battery. It started sparking furiously from the engine end of the braided ground cable to the firewall. It was belching black smoke and barely running. Shut it off tightened the loose ground cable. Restarted. Smooth as a kitten. Boss got in and test drove it. Ran like a new car. Customer came to pick it up. Then the wrecking yard tow truck arrived.

[@WatchWesWork]

Hmm. Saved by the bell I guess!

[@alanlsavoy]

It's fascinating watching you work through this disaster puzzle.

[@MaxPower_Designs]

Being a diesel tech for the past 18 years and 3rd generation mechanic, it’s incredible to see sometimes how the common man can F things up trying to “fix” their own shit. Like how did you not realize it wasn’t working when screwing back the injection lines. Also Wes you’re a brave man, if there was space in the shop I would of left it there until he picked it up to give it the best chance at starting and getting it off your hands.

[@dalmatiangirl61]

I'm starting to think a person should be required to have a mechanics license to buy parts or tools, I know, sounds awful un-American, but it sure would make my life easier!

[@FourFourSeven]

@@dalmatiangirl61 _"I'm starting to think a person should be required to have a mechanics license to buy parts or tools...."_ I can say I don't share the same sentiment, but I can also say I vehemently oppose this notion with great prejudice. Even if someone doesn't have much aptitude in mechanical repair projects, they should still be allowed to learn to do so........no matter how many times they screw up. It's a whole lot better than such persons just sitting down doing nothing, to attempt no effort to improve themselves whatsoever. I loathe the day when we must have a license for even the most simplest, mundane actions.

[@JT-sz7xc]

The laugh when it stared was like, I can’t believe it, how’d that happen, please keep running, don’t die! Amazing how something simple like not seeing there was a blown fuse led to a whole host of unnecessary parts replacement. Great job getting it running.

[@MrChugwater]

Some take a high milage 7.3 and sleeve it down to a 6.9. Not completely sure why, but they do.

[@killermacmc]

Wes, you and SMA have ruined me for other mechanics' channels. You and Eric O. always make a vehicle better than what you were given, beyond just installing new parts. I really appreciate that, and I hope to find a mechanic who treats my vehicles as you do.

[@killerfraggin]

The piece on passenger side first injector is for timing so it can be a critical component for longevity but here deleting it wouldn't cause much of an issue other than awkward behavior on that front cylinder. Two glow plugs under the turbo I use a 10mm deep with a swivel and an extension, penetrating oil, hammer the extension a few times, and they usually spin right up and out. Just did mine last month.

[@aterack833]

I thought it was used with a transducer to use a timing light

[@killerfraggin]

@@aterack833 I've personally never heard that but you may not be wrong. Also wanted to reply since it was stated all the glow plugs were replaced but not the injectors, I also was able to get both rear injectors out without removing the turbo. Easily one of the most convenient engines to work on, I vote Wes gets a fleet of IDI's and Powerstrokes.

[@kenowens5819]

The only purpose that part serves is to attach a tach n time to set pump timing. If it is not there you just use the clamp in the kit to put on the line directly

[@samuelchartier3684]

After what a just seen, your placing a lot of faith in that customer to properly install the glow plug override switch 😂

[@DaRockCRX]

Maybe investing in an exhaust fumes extraction system would be a good idea. We have that in our companies workshop. Easy to use and when the fan is mounted outside its not even loud.

[@wouterv7980]

yeah or using a respirator to filter out the particulates

[@TheRealTronGuy]

A good idea, though in his defense he wouldn't want to run the truck that long anyway with no coolant...

[@parteibonza]

but it's 10 below outside.

[@kellysrestorations.7397]

Oh man, never would have guessed it would run that good. The guy must really love that truck to fire the big parts cannon at it. No door dinger, there's barely a door! Really enjoy your videos Wes, Thanks!

[@parteibonza]

you can't kill them diesels

[@Junior-k6k]

Superb Trouble Shoot ! Outstanding & Old Skool Text Book !" ❤👍

[@bigal2298]

I use to repairs car on the side but stopped, seeing this videos brought back nightmares why I stopped. Thanks for the great videos stay safe

[@christhefistful]

Wes spends the better part of his time sorting out all the owners fixes and can still find a reason to smile. Wes I think you do more for our trade than you know. Your great trouble shooting skills and strong ethics as well as being a down to earth family man makes your channel a must see. I'm retired now, but I absolutely look forward to watching you make repairs and just being you.

[@cesargallo7424]

I'm am with you on taking the approach of starting from scratch, otherwise if everything the owner says is right he should have fixed it himself. Good video Wes.

[@henryhb6302]

Just bought an 84 f-250 with a 6.9 idi. It’s been sitting out in a forest for 20 years. Found out it was full or water cause the hood wasn’t all the way down, and the motor was locked up tight. Decided to pull it and replace with another 6.9. After pulling two motors found out the second motor was also locked up. Just finished a top end rebuild and she’s ready to go in.

[@blueskiesmobileauto4253]

This truck reminds me of every shop I’ve ever worked ats plow truck. No floor. Brake lines have been done a thousand times. Ratchet strapped gas tank. What a gem. Great video!

[@WatchWesWork]

Bald tires, muffler laying in the box, blower motor doesn’t work, bumper delete, etc. Yeah I’ve driven a few of those!

[@99andrianmonk]

Nice job, Wes. Unbelievable piece of crap that you made usable again. In addition to your immense skills as a mechanic, your positive outlook is admirable - "Well, this thing has good tires, at least three are." Spit my coffee out laughing when you said that.

[@j.hankinson7803]

The old guys in the local cafe must have figured they had you this time. I don’t know if they can find a worse wreck for you to fix but they will try for sure.

[@brandonmunoz6931]

Long time watcher, first-time commenter. So far one of my favorite videos. As a motorcycle mechanic (in Houston so I don't deal with rust) I too get the clapped-out rides. DIYers often times load the parts cannon after a 30-second youtube video. Nothing against youtube videos, I use them too and have learned a LOT from you and SMA and others, but I think the DIYers sometimes watch either not enough, or too much Scotty Kilmer so they aren't truly educated on the problem. By the way, IDK how you could watch him long enough to get banned. As type this, the cameo you did on Hamiltonville Farm video plays in the background. That's the info DIYers need! Including an explanation of the good and bad, such as your explanation of cylinder wash. Anyway, where I was going with this was, some of my customers scoff at the price and sometimes feel like they've done most of the work. I haven't been able to find a way to delicately break it to them they've actually made it harder so it took me longer to check out what was done to hone in on the original problem. And they are paying for my experience, tools, and time... the winning personality is free :) Being as motorcycles are toys in most cases, people scoff. Again great job. Keep it cheeky sarcasm!

[@selador11]

Kilmer was probably too drunk to notice Wes' comments, right up to the point where he banned Wes.

[@sasquatchrosefarts]

If kilmer banned Wes it was to keep him from stealing his viewers. This channel is much better than kilmers

[@yhird]

Exceptional diagnostic work Wes! That truck has lived a full life indeed. Cheers.

[@davec9244]

WELL IT RUNS! that may not be a good thing. It tried to end itself, but you brought it back to, IT'S A LIVE! thank you stay safe

[@BobY52944]

I love the laugh every time Wes gets an engine running.

[@Turbochargedtwelve]

Yeah, you’re probably right a lot of the repair could have been prevented by having a better diagnostic procedure and not being afraid of electrical diagnostics. I would bet many of the replacement parts were a result of collateral damage, where they were trying to check them and ended up breaking them and then kept breaking everything attached to them. Clearly the repair person was not the most delicate…

[@randr10]

I mean, the driver and the repair person are the same guy, so we knew that when it rolled through the door. :D

[@jontrudell7529]

PEG would be proud! Lol

[@wreckerjonny6144]

Minnnnnnnnnnt!👌

[@swede178]

Fu*kin loyal!

[@MrTJPGaming]

I once ran my old 84 f250 with a 6.9 dry of oil so bad once that it didn’t register on the dipstick. God knows how long it ran like that. It took 5 quarts to get her full again. She now has a blown head gasket, bad vacuum lines and no glowplugs but she still runs

[@johnelliott7375]

Pup looks cold , Illinois and cold is a given. Get him a bed to sit on he will be happy then. Great day to you all.

[@n6mz]

As usual, you've provided the week's much-needed laughs this morning. Great stuff!

[@bliss661]

Wes, another great display of your skill set and work ecthic in getting that wreck running again. However it's a little concerning to think that a vehicle in that condition is allowed on the roads. Here in the UK driving something in that state would guarantee a court appearance 🙂

[@janetmerner3731]

Especially with a compression fitting on the brake line.

[@imabebebebe2496]

fake country

[@thegreatchickenoverlord5976]

@@imabebebebe2496 Based

[@thegreatchickenoverlord5976]

> Br*tish 🤢🤢🤢

[@parteibonza]

Don't come out to Los Angeles, you will have a coronary. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sellitup]

Awesome job! I like your common sense approach to fixing things. There is a 7.3 IDI ambulance sitting out on my property I'd like to fire up some day. I've never head it run.

[@arthurbiringer5676]

Great video. It’s too bad that so many people abuse their vehicles this way but it keeps you in business!!

[@markferrick10]

You're a good mechanic. Enjoy watching your videos. Good sense of humor.

[@mrklean93]

Just getting into it, but this thing is mint! Had the same 1994 truck in red. Great running reliable motors. Slow but will pull a house. Big cult following on the 7.3l IDI

[@shawnrenaud2252]

Look at the firewall. This one was red too. :)

[@extremeliberty7890]

6.9 IDI this one

[@bills6093]

@@extremeliberty7890 Nope, 1994 7.3L. It's in the description and on the diagram he was consulting. 9th gens did not have the 6.9, only the 7.3.

[@DeathDealer1825]

@@extremeliberty7890 pretty sure the 89 or early 90s brick nose fords had the last 6.9 idi

[@nnordin384]

That is probably a 7.3idi not sure if turbo is factory or aftermarket but the 6.9 was up to 1988 I believe and sometime in the early 90s they switched from lots of v belts to a serpentine belt. Alot of parts are interchangeable between the 7.3idi and 6.9 idi but not all of them. It would be alot of pulley swaps to make a 6.9 setup for serpentine belt instead of original v belts

[@richwielechowski5191]

Good for another 10 years. Love the missing rocker panel.

[@johnshoureas1629]

That will let the diesel fumes out of the cab.

[@csham8875]

@@johnshoureas1629 True, vented for safety..

[@OnusofStrife]

This hits way too close to home. I have to get my dad's IDI running again as well. It also has the rocker and seatbelt delete.

[@skipstein744]

Another interesting saga. Especially since I have 2001 7.3. Thanks

[@johnelliott7375]

Raising the bar, 1987 E350 van is the top of the line, 350k and I will still run it for a good while if necessary. Bet you would like to see what I am doing looking at it.

[@nhzxboi]

6.9 became 7.3 in 1988. Those were the engines I worked on when I was a Ford tech. They're good. Very very simple. That turbo didn't add much power at all. Better off to have a non-turbo.

[@jrt2924]

If you pulled trailer with 6.9/7.3 you do notice turbo does help alot.

[@nhzxboi]

@@jrt2924 They made the thing 10X harder to service. Trying to get the exhaust not to leak was a pain with those. They only were made for about 1/2 model year until 7.3DI came out...better known now as power-stroke. Powerstroke was originally called 7.3DI...I still have the Ford spiral-bound training manual. Pretty cool nostalgia.

[@jrt2924]

@@nhzxboi you are correct about exhaust elbow hard to get seal. Good thing there's option for custom upgrade nowadays.

[@mikehartmann5187]

Well, all I can say is that firing the 16” parts cannon suggests the owner really really really wanted to get the 250 going. I just hope that’s a farm truck, and not a road truck, because I might sweat a little even in -5 weather thinking that hulk could roll up behind me at a stop light or sign. It is amazing sometimes how far off the median you can go with vehicles and still keep them rolling.

[@hermanschepers4739]

I'd be afraid to have it anywhere near me!

[@spannaspinna]

Might of been his dads or grandfathers truck could be why he’s so keen to get it going

[@bostedtap8399]

Love the soft shin protector on drivers entry 😍. Another resurrection Wes. Great work and video, thanks for sharing.

[@papasatitagin]

I still have one of the none turbo 7.3 IDIS . With over 1.2 million miles on it only thing changed on engine is front and rear main seals water pump and starter . Has been parked for 11 years need to go try it some time. These were even better than the first turbo one's were.

[@jimbos1567]

I never cease to be amazed at what you will tackle. Wow!! What a mess..

[@timfellows9898]

Wes you are truly fearless! Love your work

[@andrewmoens8614]

Wes, I have been asking this for years, how is it legal to dump so much salt brine on the roadways for years? Thanks for your commitment and copious hours of digging into these projects. Great content.💚😊

[@WatchWesWork]

Good question!

[@jeffreygoss8109]

It is probably paid for by new car manufacturers.

[@jeffreygoss8109]

I pray this doesn’t see any time on a public road. I have family in Illinois

[@ftadeusz1]

This reminds me of Louis Rossmann Repair when a blown fuse costs client a lot more. You also have same skill to deduce straight where the problem is. And half of your job is to fix previous repair efforts.

[@davis8045]

this guys just never misses with these thumbnails. Keep it up!!

[@edsnyder4073]

Use only we-40 for a starting aid. Does not explode in the cylinders & damage the glow plugs.

[@richardunicorn7879]

As long as the truck starts, drive, and stops when I want it to, I'd take this truck any day over any brand new truck. I've got a '72 F-250 that is pretty pieced together this this, but it's still a great truck.

[@jenksify]

Wes, you need to install an exhaust port in your garage door so you can vent the exhaust from the vehicle you're working on. Just run a hose from the exhaust of the vehicle to the door.

[@2aminitials]

Wes contemplates on how to use the can of starting fluid as a jumper instead of the adjustable wrench handle all while not getting injured. 11:19

[@clifbradley]

That's a farm truck all day. My cousins had 2 Ford F100's that they drove around on the farm and worked on themselves. When the radiator went bad, they hooked it up to giant jug of water and coolant and if it got too hot, they drove it into the creek.

[@codyg8626]

Just a fyi for anyone with one of these. If you are having trouble starting, do not use ether, I’ve always used WD40 instead and it seems to do the same thing and you are also lubricating things as you are cranking. Great content btw!

[@norfolkdash9]

The 6.9 and 7.3 idi engines were one of the best ever made almost everything you did to get it running you could have done on the side of the road, if you know what to keep in your toolbox. I have every tool you could think to need in my toolbox for my 7.3. My 89 is the toughest old truck I've ever had.

[@alfabeech]

I have both a 92 and a 96. 10 mpg with a 5 speed vs 16 mpg with an automatic. BUT. When it comes to the difference in the way they are engineered? I hate the Powerstroke and love that IDI. The one drawback is when they went from v-belts to serpentine in 92 I think? They made the pulleys and belt width to thin. It throws belts. My girlfriend bought it new in 92 and says it threw the belt almost right after she bought it. But I love it's simplicity. I broke a glowplug tip off in it. Left the key on rolling up power windows. More than once. I was able to vacuum the tip out the injector hole while looking down the glowplug hole whith a $200 boroscope. Lots of oil helps pry the mushroomed tip out I've found. An IDI head has insert swirl pre-chambers. Ether will loosen them. They start moving around. Use your block heater and glowplugs as much as you can. I like Wes's manual switch idea.

[@martingillard6572]

I started laughing about 5 seconds in.... then you opened the drivers door! I'm crying now.

[@johnshoureas1629]

"Structural Floor Mats"

[@JPRD2379]

Me too ,I thought too this was some kind of impossible resurrection or joke ,admire you Wes for determination !

[@shmackie]

You are some kind of magician, Wes.

[@aserta]

"a bad ground cable to the engine block" translation" the rust that was connecting the rust to the other rust fell apart.

[@kenbrown9316]

Wes I love your reactions haha 😂 great to watch. I enjoy seeing what crap 💩 box you will work on next

[@clouds51984]

Wes, these engines have some of the HIGHEST compression ratios of all diesel engines, they run 21.5:1 whereas modern diesels are typically in the 16:1-19:1 range (with various outliers). This also limits the maximum boost you can put through one to around 15 PSI on stock components since these were not originally designed to be turboed. Also the glow plugs are SIX (6) volt and leaving them on so long will burn them out and swell the tips, these will break off in the head when removed. This one does sound quite healthy, even with the blow-by, my '89 7.3 shows about the same amount of blow-by with over 300k on it. You are right, that the clicking from the GP controller is due to resistance, either from a bad plug or two OR the plugs are up to temp and it is cycling them to prevent them burning out.

[@bjbeardse]

He was referring to the longblock. Those are built with a 7 to 8:1 level. The compression is from the forced induction.

[@jdman1930]

@@bjbeardse Wrong, these are 21:1 compression.

[@bjbeardse]

@@jdman1930 No these 7.3 engines are 17:1. The base long block is about 8:1 and the turbo shoves another 9 points or so in. I have rebuilt a few of these monsters. How about you? 21:1? the hell? DD15's an other semi truck engines only top out at 18.5:1 or so.

[@clouds51984]

@@bjbeardse No, there is no 6.9L or 7.3L IDI that came stock with 8:1 compression, it is impossible to ignite diesel on that super low compression ratio without a MASSIVE amount of boost, 8:1 is gasoline level of compression ratios. The 1st gen 6.9L had a CR of 20.7:1 for the very first year which was bumped up to 21.5:1 and stayed there until the end of the IDI. The 1993 factory turbo 7.3L IDI kept the same CR as the NA 7.3L and gained 5 more horsepower (190HP) and 50 more lb-ft of torque (388lb-ft over the non-turbo version (185HP & 338lb-ft). NONE of the original IDIs were turboed, they were all naturally aspirated.

[@bjbeardse]

@@clouds51984 That is the calculated compression of the LONGBLOCK minus induction system, i.e. TURBO is not in the calculation is what I was talking about. Do you understand what I am saying now? If you cranked a 7.3 without the induction system on it, you would see this CR. Drop the turbo on and that's when you get the 17:1.

[@anthonysimonhough9691]

Hay Wes great work reviving this old pig.

[@lloydprunier4415]

No door dinger! What a great blessing, they always try to get in my head when I'm trying to think through a problem. Tinnitus is bad enough by itself.

[@bhimapandava7767]

Have you ever considered partnering with evaporust to hold an event where you fill up a pool and drive one of these old rusty trucks right into it?

[@romaritchey1461]

IT will be all at the bottom of the pool 😂😂

[@Xyleksoll]

It will Evapo-rate…..I’ll see myself out.

[@chrisstephens6673]

Why bother with Evaporust, just put it in a crusher and save time.

[@pcwizzy460]

These engines have pretty high compression to start with, 21.5 ratio, more than the 17 or so for direct injection diesels.

[@stanpatterson5033]

Lol, not sure what "spec" is supposed to be, but it's pretty obvious that this one isn't anywhere near that value anymore. But, to be fair, once Wes had things on the surface straightened up, it did start in pretty short order, so I guess it's not too bad...

[@madskillsgaming4745]

It appears that this one is a factor turbo and they had 17 to 1 compression.

[@pcwizzy460]

@@madskillsgaming4745 This is not a Powerstroke. Powerstrokes arfe 17:1, and this is aftermarket turbo.