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View Full Version : 6.5L Turbo Diesel????



JeepGeneral
01-16-2012, 10:29 PM
Found this for a shop truck/van, a much cheaper alternative to a Sprinter van.

2001 Chevy 3500 SRW w/ 24K miles, government vehicle from CA, absolutely no rust just some faded paint on the box. 6.5L turbo diesel runs well, transmission shifts well. We will use it to haul 2 motorcycles/ATVs and a 16' aluminium trailer with a few motorcycles/ATVs on it.

The price seems fair compared to other box trucks that I have seen. I don't know jack about the 6.5L and I've never owned anything that wasn't a Jeep or Dodge product. What should I look out for?

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n261/JeepGeneral/5.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n261/JeepGeneral/1.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n261/JeepGeneral/6.jpg

highlandercj-7
01-16-2012, 11:06 PM
We get good service out of them in the USAF. I have 4 of them in my fleet ATM and they are good. I don't think you can go wrong for what you are needing it for. The 6.5L is a good engine, not alot of power like a Cummins, but they are decent.

OverkillZJ
01-16-2012, 11:08 PM
I have a massive amount (trial by fire) with the 95 version of the 6.5... it's not the best motor, by far, but it has a worst rep then it deserves. The majority of the problems including warped heads, and primarily failed PMDs or injection pumps, are usually caused by overheating. Pre 1997 6.5TD's had a single thermostat housing and completely inadequet fan - if i'd upgraded those early on I'd probably still have the diesel suburban.

The 6.5 was designed more for fuel mileage than it was for towing - but it got my buggy and trailer from PA to CO without even having a working turbo, and after fixing the turbo (no vacuum, and it is vacuum actuated) it hauled like a champ - with the exeption of overheating. By the time I was done with it, it blew at about 260,000 miles (cracked a head, fluids spewing everywhere) and still limped my buggy home. I don't know nearly as much about the 2001, but on the 95's a MUST with a load was upgrading the exhaust, and a better cooling system...

Hope that helps at least a bit!

Good resources: ssdieselsupply.com
dieselplace.com

gonecheenin
01-16-2012, 11:29 PM
97-up I think had the new cooling system setup, and I'm not sure, but I believe by that 2001 year they were even having the blocks cast in a new factory by International and had most of the bugs worked out.


Here's some more info

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/tech/chevy/1005dp_62_65_gm_diesel_engine_power_recipes/viewall.html

http://heathdiesel.com/learn/

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=391426

gonecheenin
01-16-2012, 11:35 PM
Also some info about crack prone blocks & such (most of which your 2001 probably is new enough to have avoided)

http://flashoffroad.com/Diesel/No8Cyl/CrackedBlock.htm

http://www.gm-diesel.com/vbull/engine-and-drivetrain/7248-help-with-6-5-identity.html

JeepGeneral
01-16-2012, 11:41 PM
Dieselplace.com is awesome, tons of good 6.5L info. The 2001s have two thermostats and a better cooling system. I hope to not use it to haul my Jeep but its nice to know it can if necessary. Overheating seems to be a common problem.

What do you use them for in the USAF? Every one I find online is an untitled government vehicle with unusually low mileage.

DMG
01-17-2012, 06:54 PM
I would take a gas motor over the 6.5. They seem to be unreliable and expensive to run.

gonecheenin
01-17-2012, 11:57 PM
I would take a gas motor over the 6.5. They seem to be unreliable and expensive to run.


All diesels are expensive to run compared to a Gasser IMHO.

DMG
01-18-2012, 11:09 AM
All diesels are expensive to run compared to a Gasser IMHO.

It wasnt always that way. 7.3 IDIs and all mechanical Cummins are very cheap to run.

JeepGeneral
01-18-2012, 11:15 AM
I've been looking for comparable box trucks w/ gas engines and SRW axles, they're tough to find with decent miles in my price range.

memmy411
04-07-2012, 11:15 PM
hey i have a 97 3500 diesel like the one at the top and just got smoke by this bmw and i can't find parts any where for this thing, can anyone please point me in the right direction? heres a pic of the damage
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m609/memmy411/IMG_4686.jpg

thanks a bunch!!

highlandercj-7
04-08-2012, 10:16 AM
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