Thinking About Upgrading to a Full Size V8 from the Astro/Need Opin

A truck can still work for the mobile oil change services. I just put a project and quote together here at work for building a lube truck, and then we decided to make it an enclosed trailer system.

There is a lot of possibilities when it comes to mobile services. We have a bulk oil tanks and hose reels. We also have a used oil tank and used filter bins. The truck has a bulk anti-freeze tank and waste tank for that as well. The fluids have to go somewhere. Also keeping an inventory if filters can be good.

Would be neat if you could offer coolant changes, and fuel system services as well. The 3M kits would a be great for this, you can see the review I did on those. Also a transmission flush would be great as well.

All of this adds weight, the oils, liquids, equipment, inventory, and waste products. I would go diesel either way as it sounds like your going to put this vehicle to work!

William
 
I've considered the coolant and trans flushed but the equipment is expensive! LOL
 
ShineTimeDetail said:
I've considered the coolant and trans flushed but the equipment is expensive! LOL
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And messy!!!

The other thngs with oil changes, etc is where to recycle bulk fluids. Unless you have something setup, most auto places only accept a small amount at a time.

I would go with a diesel in some way (truck or van) especially if you plan on doing oil changes. All of those fluids get very heavy.

With a diesel you can keep adding all of those things to put in the vehicle/trailer and adding weight where the diesel will be able to handle the added weight and the gas will have a limit.

I just don't like the idea of being underpowerd and overweight. Many horror stories with that.

Nothing wrong with the 7.3, I think that is the best diesel they had.
 
It's hard to find a diesel for my price range. I don't want a truck because diesel trucks sit high and I don't want to be climbing in and out of the truck bed.
 
What about a non turbo 7.3? I see a van on eBay but it doesn't specify it being a turbo diesel. Its a 1995
 
The non-turbo 7.3L international is called an IDI (Indirect Injection) motor. They are decent motors and have a lot more torque then any gas motor but the lack the power of the PowerStroke. The IDI has 185HP and 385lbs of torque, the PowerStroke has 275HP and 525lbs or torque. For $195 you can get the PS to put out 300-325HP and 6-700 lbs or torque with a tuner.

The IDI motor is a lot less expensive to work on then any of the other diesels, I believe the injection pump can be had for $350 and the injectors are in the $30-50 range... dont hold me to that its been a long time since I was selling this stuff.

The IDI is a all mechanical fuel system and non-turbo so as cost go to repair it is not expensive at all. Keep in mind that being in a van, much like a gas engine that working on the motor can be a real PITA but doing your own repairs will same cash. Most repair places charge extra for working on a van because of the engine location.

I really can't say anything bad about the IDI motors. They will do exactly what they are designed to do. No more and no less. Forget about adding performance to them as the cost is just two high.

The only mantainance besides oil changes on the IDI is going to be regular fuel filter changes along with keeping the glowplug system performing well. The glowplugs are key to easy starts and no smoking when cold.

One neat thing about the vans is the fact there was an ambulance package available. You can get the brackets and parts to put the package on those engines and have the benifit of running dual alternators. This is great if you want to run power hungry devices or equipment off of an inverter.

Things to look for if you get a chance to inspect the van:

Make sure the engine is cold and has not been run, make sure the glow plug light comes on for 3-5 seconds minimum and make sure ti starts well cold.

Open the engine oil filler and make sure its not pushing blue smoke out the filler, as blow by on some of the engines with high mileage can be a bit high.

Let the Van get good and hot and open the radiator cap and overflow bottle and make sure there are no bubbles visable. These are signs of a bad head gasket.

Other then that let me know if you need any other info.

William
 
Would an older box van work? I know you are interested in a van but if a box van would work with a 15-16 ft box. A lot of those came in GM and Ford chassis with a diesel and can be picked up at a good price. Just have to make sure it is checked out by a reputable diesel tech/shop.

Just another idea off the top of my brain cell.
 
It is a DI Motor...Does that mean its a turbo? I'm a little hesitant bc they guy knows nothing about this van, it was a trade in. Says it runs good though.

I have looked at some box vans. My buddy has one that is in decent condition but it doesn't have an over drive.
 
So as I'm doing research here, I'm seeing this van went to the auction and a dealer bought it(Current owner) I have tried calling the numbers on the side of the van but one is disconnected and the other number just rings. As I try to Google the name of the company the numbers that come up are both disconnected. I'm guessing the company went out of business. Not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing.
 
Could be a good thing. Might be able to get a better deal on the van.
Could be a bad thing. Might be able to get a worse deal on the van.

When I used to work at the dealerships, the detail supplier drove a box van, a GM with a 5.7 TBI. He carried 4 55 gallon drums of product at a minimum all the time. The engine was overworked but the box itself was great the way he set it up. And he said it was cheap to buy and own, for the most part.
 
I wonder if there is a way to get a mechanic out there to see if this truck is worth anything?
 
Sinbad said:
If you want that kind of mileage out of towing you will need a diesel. Gives you a lot more options for towing, mileage, durability, etc.

It will depend on what diesel you get on how much repair costs will be.The older Cummins (early 98 and back) are mostly mechanical and very few electronics. The GM 6.5 is the same way. Most diesels are very reliable and keeping on with maintenance just like a gas vehicle is always important.
Good luck with your choice.
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You can get 300,000 miles or more out of a diesel. Try that with a gas engine.
 
Not sure on how you could get someone to look at it unless you have family or friends up there. If its a good deal make a deal with the seller to come look at the truck, get a flight up there and plan on driving the thing back. If its not a good deal then you lost your money in airfair to return home.

Would rather loose the $400 then $3k on a bad deal. It will cost you that much to get the truck shipped to you.
 
Actually there is a class I wouldn't mind taking up in pa next weekend. I could drive for round trip 500 with a rental prob.
 
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