Having Diesel thoughts

amcjeepman

amcjeepman

Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum
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Joined
Mar 18, 2005
Location
Reidsville, North Carolina
I have been thinking about a diesel tow rig to replace the Jeep J20. I only achieve 5-6 mpg towing and have a small gas tank so fill ups are often. I also am not getting quite the power I would like for towing in the mountians and the Jeep runs hotter than I like under a hard pull. The ride is quite stiff as well.

I have found a '92 or '93 Chevy 3/4 ton with the 6.5 turbo diesel in fair shape. Not sure of the miles but it runs good. It does however pump all the water out of the cooling system. So at the very least it has a blown head gasket. maybe a cracked head? No water in the oil though.
I also know the transmission works well but leaks fluid and would need to be rebuilt. I think it is a TH400 but not sure.
Otherwise truck is in fairly decent shape for one that old.
I can get the truck for around $2k , would it be possible to stay around 2k or less in repairs and still end up with a decent, reliable truck for towing?
Experiences with the 6.5 turbo ?
I cannot afford a 90's or newer Dodge or a Duramax from the prices I seen.
All experience / thoughts / suggestions welcome.
Thanks,
 
amcjeepman said:
I have found a '92 or '93 Chevy 3/4 ton with the 6.5 turbo diesel in fair shape. Not sure of the miles but it runs good. It does however pump all the water out of the cooling system. So at the very least it has a blown head gasket. maybe a cracked head? No water in the oil though.
Click to expand...

Don't bother, the cost to repair will well exceed the purchase price. 6.5TDs have a history of blowing the head gasket due to cavitationn of the coolant, and when it does, the cavitation erodes the block deck, decking the block isn't recommended. (maytimes the erosion will be deeper than machining can take care of)

I have, (under direction of the owner, who was taking a gamble, and was very aware of the possible out come) just replaced the head gaskets and sent it out the door. Never saw the truck again, nor heard back fro the owner. so I cannot tell you final outcome.
As for replacing the short block, there are good reman' engines out there, but you'll pay more than you want to get one. a NEW crate engine will be over $5k+ with out install.
I also know the transmission works well but leaks fluid and would need to be rebuilt. I think it is a TH400 but not sure.
Otherwise truck is in fairly decent shape for one that old.
I can get the truck for around $2k , would it be possible to stay around 2k or less in repairs and still end up with a decent, reliable truck for towing?
Experiences with the 6.5 turbo ?
Click to expand...

The early 6.5s had the mechanical injection pump, fewer failures of the pump, and much more reliable. definatly a plus over the later electronic "fly by wire" Injection pumps.

I always felt the mechanical pump engines had more power.

Could either be a 700R4 or a TH400 (probably), thyy are what they are, build as needed.

I actually liked working on the 6.5's, not too tough to deal with (rear head bolts on right side are a PITA when engine is in frame) but altogether not a bad egine to work on.
 
Don't hate on the 6.5 to much It has its perks one being affordability.

I did the same thing you want to do, bought one blown up and i put a motor in it. I put a new Gm motor in, i paid 2k for it long story but it was a deal. The guy i bought it from had already spent some money on it. Chipped it, relocated the Injection Pump driver, manual wastegate, exhuast crossover pipe and down pipe, these four modification are basically essential to do what you want to do and used you can probably buy them for aroung $600-$700. so figure that into you equation.

I also wish I had went with a manual pump, but the electronic system works well as long as the driver is relocated, called a PMD.

The 6.5 does get better gas mielage than anything I have had especially unloaded, Its easier to work on, you can actually see you glow plugs and injectors. The one i bought had 200k on it, I expect me or someone to get another 200k out of it.

If you get it and you need someone to work on it, or if you have some questions, my number is in my signiture I would be glad to help you out. I aslo have the factory scanner which if you do it yourself you will need to set the timing.
 
whats the GVRW from the door sticker? id factor that in.. If it were a gasser id say you could easily stay under your 2k repair budget.. Don't forget many people don't maintain their vehicle in a condition to make long road/tow trips.. You will easily spend a few hundred just getting any used truck in ship shape.
 
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