1986 Ford F350 Diesel Owners Manual

The 1986 Ford F350 Diesel is a heavy-duty pickup truck featuring a 6.9L V8 diesel engine, 4-speed manual transmission, dual rear wheels, heavy-duty suspension, power steering, AM/FM radio, air conditioning, and towing capabilities. Below are key sections for operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Instrument Panel 3. Starting & Operating 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Fluid Capacities 7. Towing & Hauling 8. Troubleshooting 9. Warranty Information

Vehicle Overview

Key components: 6.9L V8 diesel engine, 4-speed manual transmission, dual rear wheel configuration, heavy-duty frame, power-assisted brakes.

Component	Description
Engine	6.9L V8 diesel, naturally aspirated
Transmission	4-speed manual with overdrive
Drivetrain	2WD or 4WD configurations available
Suspension	Heavy-duty leaf springs front and rear
Brakes	Power-assisted front disc/rear drum
Fuel System	Mechanical fuel injection
Cooling System	Heavy-duty radiator with coolant recovery
Electrical	12-volt system with 78-amp alternator

Instrument Panel

Standard gauges: speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, voltmeter.

Speedometer: Vehicle speed in mph/kmh
Tachometer: Engine RPM with redline at 3600 RPM
Fuel Gauge: Diesel fuel level
Coolant Temp: Normal operating range 180-210°F
Oil Pressure: Normal range 30-60 PSI at operating temp
Voltmeter: Charging system status

WARNING! Never operate with gauges in red zones. Stop immediately if warning lights illuminate.

Starting & Operating

Cold weather starting procedure for diesel engine.

Pre-heat: Turn key to ON, wait for glow plug light to extinguish
Start: Turn key to START without pressing accelerator
Warm-up: Allow engine to idle for 3-5 minutes in cold weather
Driving: Avoid full throttle until engine reaches operating temperature
Shutdown: Allow engine to idle for 1 minute before turning off

CAUTION! Do not use starting fluids. Use block heater in temperatures below 20°F.

Specifications

Engine: 6.9L V8 diesel, 170 hp @ 3300 RPM, 315 lb-ft torque @ 1800 RPM
Transmission: 4-speed manual, synchronized 2nd-4th gears
Fuel Capacity: 19 gallons standard, 38 gallons optional
Payload Capacity: 4,200 lbs
Towing Capacity: 10,000 lbs with proper equipment
GVWR: 10,000 lbs
Wheelbase: 137 inches regular cab
Tires: LT235/85R16E

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance intervals for optimal performance.

Service	Interval	Procedure
Oil Change	3,000 miles	Replace oil and filter (15W-40 diesel oil)
Fuel Filter	15,000 miles	Replace dual fuel filters
Air Filter	30,000 miles	Inspect and replace as needed
Coolant	30,000 miles	Check concentration and level
Transmission Fluid	50,000 miles	Drain and refill
Brake Fluid	30,000 miles	Inspect and replace if contaminated

Fluid Capacities

Recommended fluids and capacities.

Engine Oil: 10 quarts with filter change
Cooling System: 28 quarts
Fuel Tank: 19 gallons (standard), 38 gallons (optional)
Transmission: 6 pints (4-speed manual)
Rear Axle: 8 pints (Dana 70)
Power Steering: 3 pints
Brake System: 2 pints

Tip: Use only diesel-rated 15W-40 engine oil and diesel fuel only.

Towing & Hauling

Maximum capacities and recommended procedures.

Check hitch rating: Use Class IV or V hitch for heavy loads
Load distribution: Balance weight evenly in bed
Trailer brakes: Required for loads over 2,000 lbs
Mirrors: Extended mirrors required for wide loads
Transmission: Use lower gears on steep grades
Cooling: Monitor temperature gauge when towing heavy loads

WARNING! Do not exceed GVWR or GAWR ratings. Ensure proper trailer brake operation.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard starting	Weak glow plugs, fuel issues	Check glow plug system, fuel filters
White smoke	Injection timing, coolant leak	Check injection pump, compression
Loss of power	Clogged filters, turbo issues	Replace air/fuel filters, check boost
Overheating	Low coolant, thermostat	Check level, replace thermostat
Brake fade	Worn pads, fluid contamination	Inspect brakes, flush fluid

Service: Contact authorized Ford dealership for major repairs.

Warranty Information

Basic warranty: 12 months/12,000 miles. Powertrain coverage: 36 months/36,000 miles. Diesel engine components covered for 5 years/100,000 miles. See dealer for complete warranty details and limitations.