Deisel Engine Question

[redcj3a]

Since I know many of you are serious sources of vehicle engine information, I have a question regarding a potential vehicle.

I just saw a 2002 C3500 with a 6.5 Litre Deisel engine and an automatic transmission for sale pretty reasonable. I am assuming this engine is not the current Duramax Deisel that so many GM owners speak so highly of since there was no Duramax emblem on the cab. It is a low mileage vehicle. Are there any concerns with this engine I should be aware of?

Thanks to all in advance.

John

[carwash]

Both motors found their way into the 2002 chevy trucks... the last of the 6.5's were getting used up and the duramax was there as well. the max is a 6.6.

the GM 6.5 Turbo Diesel is a pig. It is a converted gas engine that was plagued with problems from the get go. Seriously underpowered, Injection pump issues were endless. There were fixes for them, and by 2002 you would think that the motor in that truck would be good to go.

I had one, and it sucked the balls. I hung onto it for a total of 3 days before taking it back to the dealership and threatening to drive it thru the window if they didn't take it back for full refund.

Funny part is tho, i have heard people swear by the motor and love it to death. So, if it's a good deal, drive it. If it feels good, strong, etc, go for it. If you don't like it, resell.

[4RunnerAdam]

Guy I work with has one. Had a multiple injector pump problems. Replaced one and a few months later it went out again. Replaced it with a marine pump (SPENDY) and it works now.

[redcj3a]

Thanks guys. I knew I would get some straight forward comments here about the engine.

It is appreciated.

John

[JET455]

Originally Posted by carwash

the GM 6.5 Turbo Diesel is a pig. It is a converted gas engine that was plagued with problems from the get go.

Wrong...... the original 5.7 (1979-80) used was a converted gas motor but the 6.2 was designed and built by Detroit diesel. I have ran 6.2's and 6.5's non turbos for for years and they hold up fine. But once the turbos where added these motor did not fair to well. Later model 6.5's are ok but these motors never had the power that Dodge and Ford where putting out.

[JeffK5]

Originally Posted by JET455

Wrong...... the original 5.7 (1979-80) used was a converted gas motor but the 6.2 was designed and built by Detroit diesel. I have ran 6.2's and 6.5's non turbos for for years and they hold up fine. But once the turbos where added these motor did not fair to well. Later model 6.5's are ok but these motors never had the power that Dodge and Ford where putting out.

Correct^^^

[itbrokeagain]

Originally Posted by JET455

Wrong...... the original 5.7 (1979-80) used was a converted gas motor

BIGGEST turd in the world.

[eighty3bronco]

I drove one once on the highway and tried to pass another car and I felt that I couldn't even get out of my own way. I think that one was a '98. But don't quote me on that.

[carwash]

sorry, my facts weren't right... was all off the top of my head...

found this...

"Designed as a diesel engine from the ground up by the Detroit Diesel Division of General Motors, the original 6.2L diesel engine was introduced in the 1982 model year GMC and Chevy C/K pickup truck and full-size SUV lines. Taking this engine design to the next level in the 1992 model year, the new 6.5L diesel engine was an advancement in technology, and was designed for the application of a turbocharger. The 6.2L saw its final year of production in 1993. While the 6.5 was replaced by the Duramax 6600 beginning in the 2001 model year Chevy and GMC vehicle production, the 6.5L diesel engine continues to be manufactured and sold by AM General."

[redcj3a]

Well guys, once again thanks for the information and for Mike's follow-up on his original post. That's big of him. This request is in response to a C3500 dump that I saw with extremely low milage. I'm trying to figure out what type of endeavor I would like to get into in my retirement. This fits into the category of toys that boys would like to have, but it may still not be the best road for me to go down.

I value the real world experience of those who know engines and drivetrains. I don't really look forward to towing my Jeep and trailer up the cut in the hill on I-75 with my current half ton and it's 5.3 engine. A new truck is out of the question, but tied to some type of business supported income, I could swing this. The 3500 though, is still limited somewhat in payload. I can't think of being without a truck though.

Regardless of the direction I go, I appreciate all of the input.
I will be reading future posts that develop.

Thanks,

John

[blazerbrad]

The 6.5 turbo's were quite respectable power-wise when they were introduced, just keep in mind this was in the early days of the factory offered turbo-diesel engines and the average power rating from Dodge or Ford was a lot lower than it is now. My cousin bought a 6.5TD when they first came out which replaced an identical truck with the exception of the 454 TBI truck. He pulled a large gooseneck trailer with a backhoe for his job and farmed on the side (pulling grain wagons, etc..). It pulled the weight just as good as the 454 but got twice the fuel mileage. Empty the 454 felt slightly faster, and the 6.5TD would smoke a friends 7.3 with an aftermarket turbo and turned up pump (the truck was only a couple years old but was bought before Ford offered the TD Powerstroke) and an early Cummins.

There were some issues with the earlier 6.5's, but in general a decent portion of the bad reputation they have seems to come from previous generations of engines (non 6.5's...my point has already been made from a previous post above). Another large portion of the bad reputation comes from people simply not understanding the earlier diesel engines in either how to drive them (performance), required maintenance, or how to do simple repairs. I can't count the number of people who label the 6.2's and 6.5's junk engines because something stupid goes wrong with them....I've seen guys that have 100k on them with the original fuel filter (diesels really need the filters changed regularly) and of course they run like crap, then when they do change it and can't get it started because they bleed the system it's crap. Then it won't start because they never replaced the glow plugs, etc., etc, etc...But in any case I've seen lot's of 6.5 turbos go a long way with minimal maintenance. There are a few minor tips and tricks that take care of some of common failures that are easy to do.

Again, not saying they are the be-all, end-all engine or anything but they had respectable performance when introduced and have an unnecassarily bad reputation.

Until the duramax chevrolets diesels were sluggish, underpowered and unreliable. The duramax hasnt been great, but it is a improvement over the 6.2 and 6.5. Buy a cummins!