'90s Chevy diesel truck failure modes?

[RoadWarrior222]

Well guys...

Maybe this has gone already...
http://stcatharines.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-Diesel-engine-shot-Scrapping-today-600-W0QQAdIdZ437882756

But $600 truck with body in decent shape...

So, how do these die? I am thinking crank and heads and possibly just a PMD... So if the crank fails or heads crack, or it was being driven hard when PMD let go, what other damage could there be?

Then can you swap the crank out from underneath, or heads out without pulling motor? ... and are they rare/spendy?

Any "limp mode" tricks for a bad PMD, like hitting it with freezer spray?

Yah know this could be a real pain in the arse, but keep wanting a 20mpg truck...

[shackwrrr]

You can get government surplus 6.2s and 6.5s for way too cheap to worry about fixing the current engine. I've seen government auctions for brand new crate engines in the sub 500 range, as low as 150 bucks. They are converting the Hummers (I know that's not the .gov term) over to newer engines.

[Rrider]

What are they puttin in those humvees??

[RoadWarrior222]

You can get government surplus 6.2s and 6.5s for way too cheap to worry about fixing the current engine. I've seen government auctions for brand new crate engines in the sub 500 range, as low as 150 bucks. They are converting the Hummers (I know that's not the .gov term) over to newer engines.Interesting info, but shipping will kill me, even assuming I can bid. (Canadian gov't surplus, you have to be at least resident here to bid on it)

---------- Post added at 06:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:40 PM ----------

Well this don't sound like a bed of roses...
http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/showthread.php?t=38637
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=437589

Also I'm turning up a bazillion "rebuildable" 6.2s for only 1500-1800... and nothing 6.5T or cheap.

[Tempted]

Best way to fix it? Two options. An SBC or a Cummins. Depends on the money you want to spend. I doubt that is a turbo diesel.

My personal engine of choice would be a 6BT. A little loud, sure, but a million mile motor that can pull 20+mpgs in a truck and make 700lb/ft. I have done 6BTs in GMT400s before, it requires a body lift and some bulkhead massaging. I've never done it, but ALWAYS wanted to, a 4BT in a regular cab short bed GMT400. Shouldn't be hard to find an old bread truck up there that is rusted out with a motor in it for cheap.

To your main questions, normally its a fuel issue with those things. The pumps/injectors are stupid expensive, more than what I'd pay for a good running and driving 6.2 diesel truck. Block failures pretty much don't happen because lets be honest, the truck makes about 150hp at 2500rpms and that isn't enough to hurt a piece of iron. They don't get 20mpgs, either. We went from a 6.2 to a 350 in an old Suburban and kept the same mileage while gaining double the power.

[RoadWarrior222]

Yah, it's getting to seem that if I dumped 3000 into it, it could be a half decent truck, but half decent trucks can be got for 2500-3000.

Though if I've got a "30mpg truck" ...

I have a compact wagon and I've moved one lounge set (sofa and loveseat), one La-Z-boy, 3 kitchen cabinets, 3 appliances, one bed, one dining set, a pair of folding tables, one load of baby equipment, 2 sets of tires, one pair of front seats, various small appliances, one load of lumber, and one load of boxed bric-a-brac for the Sally Ann, since spring... what does anyone use their trucks for again? :D

... and a "25mpg truck" if I'd get off my lazy butt and clear up the issues which keep my Voyager out of regular service.

You'd wonder why I'd want a 20mpg truck :D

It's mostly related to the urge to have a decent sized RV or trailer, and take various permutations of 6 grandkids camping. Though actually if I got my arse in gear, I do have enough tents that I could load up the Voyager AND the Escort and have a field deployable tent city... it's mostly the catering aspect, want a decent kitchen so meals aren't a 2-3 hour ordeal... (Camp catering is odd, time required seems to double from 2-4 people, then again from 4-6, but after that you're good for about 30...)

Anyyyyway...

I don't really want to get into truck engine swaps, since I don't have heavy enough equipment, also this one would be a bit of a PITA due to being '96 which puts it in OBDII class for emissions which could get highly complicated. It would be easier if it was a '95... I'd be tempted toward a blown 3800 if it was a '95...

[turbovanman²]

You won't get 30 mpg out of any 6.2 or 6.5.

Injectors and pumps are dirt cheap for these engines, and 90 is a manual or mechanical IP, the electric ones didn't show up until 94. 94+ they do have PMD issues but there are relocation kits etc. Injectors are cheap, pumps are still reasonable compared to Cummin's and Dmax stuff.

My 84 6.2 van averages 17/18 mpg with a 6.5 turbo pump on it, its a bit rich just waiting to put a turbo on it.

You can find engines in the states for pennies and with shipping you can save alot of money.

Blocks like to crack and 6.5's will spit out the block and cranks but it seems to be hit or miss when or why it does it. 6.2's with a 660 block are known for cracking but again, some seem to go forever, some don't. 6.2 heads are good, 6.5's crack but there are cheap replacments.

Military uses a GEP made heavy duty 6.5 with a forged crank and stronger block with a mechanical IP for reliability.

These old school IDI's rock with turbo's but I would never consider any type of swap to a Cummin's etc unless you want 500+ hp and torque, way too much time and money.

IF the truck is in good shape, get it, its worth $600 in scrap.

[Tempted]

I thought the truck he listed was 95 or so, its going to be electronic injection and over a grand to replace the pump. Gas burner swaps aren't expensive or difficult. It would take nothing more than an old carbureted 350 to get it going, and those can be had for a case of beer and a haircut. Even OBD2 5.7 Vortec motors are fairly cheap and would be emission legal to swap.

I'm surprised you've split non-turbo 6.2 blocks. I haven't run across that, but I also don't put any time into trying to build them. They are total slugs and I'd rather have a small block. I have seen stress cracked heads, usually from poor casting though. How did you split the blocks? Did you turbo them?