It's an 86 F250 with a V8 diesel and an ATS (Advanced Turbo Systems) turbocharger. I need help with maintence.

Should it use synthetic oil because of the turbo? (9 quarts-could get expensive). The guy that owned it has a bunch of Castrol GTX 20/50 oil in the tool box.

What about the fuel filter? How often does it need to be changed?

Any thing I need to know about?

Anyone know anything about the ATS system? It's topping out at 7 psi... how can I safely get more?

Thanks,
-Chris

Is that a 7.3 eng? Anyway, you will want to get a water/fuel separator if there isn't one installed already. It's an aux filter that mounts on the firewall or fenderwell to keep water out of the inj system, before the fuel even reaches the main fuel filter. Don't know about the turbo question, but you want to make sure you let it idle a few minutes before shutting down. The turbo rotor keeps spinning a while even after the eng is off, so idling a little will keep it cooled down and oil in the turbo bearings.
The one I had had terrible ABS on it, scared the heck out of me. It stopped fine, in an emergency hard braking event, but regular stopping was an adventure in itself. The brakes pulsed on & off so much it would shake you. I didn't use syn oil in 86,87. It was too high. Used 40wt but not sure of the blend.

Check your owners manual if the previous owner left it in the truck. You will be amazed at the information you will find there. Remember that the manual has what the company specifies you should use in your truck.

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The owners manual isn't there. Besides, I figured since oil and such has come a long way since the manual was printed, maybe it would be better to ask somebody that has one.

Thanks.

The idle before shutdown applies to any turbo... that or install an oil accumulator. It will keep pushing some oil to the turbo after shut down.

The water seperator is a really good idea...

I'd leave the boost on the turbo alone. Especially if you don't know what kind of condition the engine is in internally.

You can try Helms for a service book. They print for more than GM. If the turbo is aftermarket you'll need to contact the maker of it.

try www.api.org for more info about current Diesel oil service codes.

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11-Sept-01, The day the world as we knew it ended.