How are Chevy diesels? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MattBelliveau · #1 08-16-2006, 11:43 AM

I have a hook on a well priced, 1985 Suburban w/ a diesel. Anyone know anything about these? Nice shape, 140k. Thanks!

rrgrassi · #2 08-16-2006, 11:50 AM

As long as it's not the 5.7 liter diesel, it should be ok. Do a google search for known problems on the particular engine. IIRC the 6.2 liter of that vintage had injector and lift pump issues.

carwithfarts · #3 08-16-2006, 12:00 PM

i had an early 80's chevy deisel truck and its still running today. becareful the one you get isnt a converted engine as those seem to fail. back then to fight the gas crunch gm was converting gasser engines to diesel engines but the just didnt hold up as well because they wernt designed for the highstress the diesel combustion process puts on an engine.

jwhughes3 · #4 08-16-2006, 12:04 PM

The 6.2's seem to be OK as long as they are maintained (just like MB!) but longevity wise don't expect 500K miles like a 300D. At 140k if it was maintained should be good for another 100k easy. As the orhers said - stay away from the Olds 350ci diesels that were simply converted gassers, but I don't think it was ever used in a Suburban.

John

Endust · #5 08-16-2006, 12:06 PM

Does it have the 6.5 or the 6.2? Either way. 85 is a good year. After 84 they fixed the govenor problem with the IP and it also has a few of the important 700R4 upgrades like the 30 spline input shaft and more vanes on the pump. One thing to watch out for is the glow plugs. If it still has to originals then its likely that the heads are swollen and you wont be able to get them, out so be sire to take a peek at them to see if they look original. I happen to know those trucks real well so feel free to PM me if you have an specific questions.

OMEGAMAN · #6 08-16-2006, 12:13 PM

Did gm ever turbo the 6.2 litre engine. If not can you?

Endust · #7 08-16-2006, 12:24 PM

Yes, you can turbo a 6.2 but the cost really isnt worth the trouble. The injectors are different, the heads are different and the IP is set up different. Not to mention the exhaust manifold on the pass side and all the other plumbing. To do it right is more expensive than fidning a rusted out 6.5 and stealing the motor. The engines in that vintage truck were great, the bodies rusted if you even thought about salt while looking at the truck.

MattBelliveau · #8 08-16-2006, 01:43 PM

Anyone know how they hold up to vegi oil?

Endust · #9 08-16-2006, 02:25 PM

Not good. I would not run straight veggie in that Stanadyne pump. Its a rotary pump and does not handle thick fuel well at all. If you are going to attempt it, mafe sure you are heating the veggie thoroughly before you try it. Even heated, I would not try to push veggie thru the crappy lift pump and then have it squeeze thru that pump. VW and Mercedes are the way to go if you want to go veggie.

t walgamuth · #10 08-16-2006, 02:37 PM

the 6.2s are pretty reliable but not like a 616.

if running a 410 rear end gear they tended to break out main bearing webs. 373 or higher ratio is fine. assuming running a turbo 400 thee speed. with od it is another matter.

the od trannys tended to be a bit weak for towing. for that you want a 373 rear and the turbo 400 tranny.

i had three of them.

tom w

catmandoo62 · #11 08-16-2006, 07:16 PM

the only problem with turboing one is as said the right side exhaust manifold,banks makes one but i believe they are obsolete,i happen to have one but you can't have it.as for the pump they are real easy to turn up but you have to be EXTREMELY careful putting the top back on,if you get it wrong and start the engine it's gonna turn about 10 grand and you can't shut it off,unless you pinch the return hose shut.85 should have the 700 trans as long as it's a 1/2 ton,i have 2 6.2's one has 375,000 miles and the other about 280,000 they are actually pretty decent engines just don't beat the crap out of em.

Hit Man X · #12 08-16-2006, 08:35 PM

The 6.2/6.5s aren't too bad. They all have certain issues to look out for.

Check out some of the diesel truck boards, I'm about to buy a 6.9 Ford F250...

catmandoo62 · #13 08-16-2006, 09:38 PM

watch those 6.9 and early 7.3 idi engines,they suffer from cavitation of the cyl walls.

F18 · #14 08-16-2006, 09:55 PM

I had heard of some general fuel delivery problems and IP failures with the 6.2
The only real experience I have had is with the 6.5 TD I bought new in 1994 and sold last year to a local contractor with 373K miles......still running like new! That engine was the one GM used in the military HUMMER...its bullet proof if maintained.
It had a recall on the IP by Chevy/GM because of premature failures.....but what premature failure?....I had already 200K on it before mine went. It was the best American Made vehicle I have ever owned! Boy do I miss that tank!

#15 08-17-2006, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwhughes3

stay away from the Olds 350ci diesels that were simply converted gassers

Not true. The diesels had a unique block and other parts.
From Olds-Diesel.com:
"The 350 Diesel is a Converted 350 Oldsmobile Gas engine Right?
Wrong! The 350 Diesel Is not a converted Gas engine..it is a completly different block..It isn't a gas engine with different heads or a gas engine sleeved, etc etc..There was no gas Oldsmobile engine sharing the same block. The Diesel block is specific to the diesel, it is a heftier, more solid block with stronger mains and a port in the valley for the injection pump adapter. The block is cast with a high nickle content. The 350 Diesel is not a converted gas block but can however be converted into a gas engine."