Bringing a GM 6.5L Turbodiesel back to life..

[Nostril Cheese]

Ok, so the neighbor has a 90's GMC panel van with the 6.5L. He wants to sell it and asked if I'd get it all fixed up.

Its been sitting in his driveway for a few years, dead battery, power steering leak, few electrical problems, no history. Most of my experience is with the non-turbo 6.2L. Are these engines similar?

So to the collective genius pool, What are your thoughts on reviving the motor?

I figure I'll check all fluids, fresh battery (is it one or two for the starter?), check for water in the tank, prime the injectors and go.

Anything specific to the 6.5L I'd want to do or check?

[yetibone]

6.2 and 6.5 were mechanically much the same engine. 6.5's can't run on Dexron trans fluid, or diesel#2 because of the optical sensor in the pump can't see through the dye, so prime the fuel filter with on-road diesel only.

Other than that, it should be like resurecting a 6.2.

[speeder]

How many miles and what can it be had for? PM sent.

[speeder]

Hey NC, I can't respond to PMs on my phone for some reason but if you send your number I'll call you right back.

I can still read PMs.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by yetibone

6.2 and 6.5 were mechanically much the same engine. 6.5's can't run on Dexron trans fluid, or diesel#2 because of the optical sensor in the pump can't see through the dye, so prime the fuel filter with on-road diesel only.

Other than that, it should be like resurecting a 6.2.

Do you know off hand what should be used in the tranny? Turns out it's a rebuilt with less than 20K on it. I just might buy this thing for myself..

[yetibone]

It prolly has the fluid requirement on the dipstick, but I think it should take DexronIII.

[rfuerst911sc]

Modern diesels are all about clean fuel so make sure you install a new fuel filter before firing it up. If it's anything like my 2001 Duramax it uses two batteries for starting/running.

[nota]

first
CHECK FOR DIESEL BUGS yes they grow/live in diesel fuel
if it has been sitting it likely got black sludge in tank
buy the bug killer/tank cleaner
dump the old fuel clean the tank
or you will be swapping filters every few miles

btw you can clean the small line filters out and reuse them
my 300sd was blocked by bugs when I got it
but cleaned up ok

[VincentVega]

Its been sitting in his driveway for a few years, dead battery, power steering leak, few electrical problems, no history. Most of my experience is with the non-turbo 6.2L. Are these engines similar?

Lots of issues with injection pumps on these things. Honestly, not worth fixing if they are bad. Not a great motor but did the job in my old truck. Remote mounting a PMD with cooler and a new lift pump are coming upgrades/fixes. X2 on clean fuel.

[Steve Carlton]

Looks like the van from The Silence of the Lambs...

[EarlyPorsche]

Was it parked because of the intermittent shut off because of the PMD? There are updated heads a buddy of mine picked up on eBay that are beefier and don't crack/warp like the stockers. That engine may be so late model that it already has the GM version of the heads.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Looks like the van from The Silence of the Lambs...

Why do you think he wants to sell if? Hes getting rid of the evidence. I only dabble in skinning people alive. My neighbor is the pro.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

Why do you think he wants to sell if? Hes getting rid of the evidence. I only dabble in skinning people alive. My neighbor is the pro.

It's one of those vans...