Generic Diesel question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

300TDBioBenz · #1 07-22-2007, 01:58 PM

I know, I know, this is not necessarily about MB diesels, but over the year I've come to respect the opinions on this forum, some of you guys are just damned smart when it comes to diesels - and possibly other things too.

I'm thinking of picking up an older vehicle with some towing capacity, and I'm looking for feedback on engines. Near the top of my list is 80's era Suburban, other than that I'm pretty open, though, I think 80 era or early 90's is the years most affordable. I don't want to spend a ton of money, and from what I've found on Criagslist and local papers, I won't need to.

So, my question is, are there reasons not to buy Cummins, International, Chevy, Ford, Dodge, diesels from that era?

I realize there are many variables, and OPINIONS, but feedback is appreciated.

Thanks

bustedbenz · #2 07-22-2007, 02:13 PM

As far as Ford pickups go, the first powerstroke came along in model year '94... if you can get one affordably, that one is reputed to be a really good engine. If you want to go back a little, you could get the 7.3l IDI diesel that immediately preceded the '94 7.3 powerstroke... I've heard some people say they're problematic but there's a lot of them still on the road and some people swear by them, others at them.

veg_svc · #3 07-22-2007, 02:39 PM

The only real problem with the IDI is the probability of cavitation. There are additives that control it though, provided the damage is not already done.

I have a '92 IDI and it is a strong motor and runs really well.

The powerstroke is stronger, I have a '94 and a '99. Parts for the powerstrokes are more expensive than the IDI and subsequently cost a little more to maintain, other than that they are great motors.

Also, from your name do i guess that biodiesel is part of the equation? My understanding from many of the diesel truck guys, maybe loyalty, is that ford is the way to go. I know that the fuel has been good to mine for the past two years and a friend of mine has run biodiesel in an expedition for four or five years with no ill effects.

Bio300TDTdriver · #4 07-22-2007, 03:07 PM

If you can find a Ford or GM with a Cummins that would be better, but they only come in the Dodge. There's a reason they call them PowerJokes. Get the Cummins, pre 1998 is better IMHO.

sixto · #5 07-22-2007, 03:20 PM

I'm gonna hear it from the GM forum but the guys who lose their 6.2s and 6.5s, granted this seems to occur well beyond 300K miles, ask what it takes to drop a Cummins where a 6.2 or 6.5 used to reside.

It surprises me that a Stanadyne pump has a life of 100-150K miles. Why can't GM design or source a pump like a Bosch with seemingly infinite life?

As you evaluate those attractive prices, consider how close the engine is to needing major $ervice like a new IP.

Sixto
87 300D
97 C2500 burb

#6 07-22-2007, 03:23 PM

1994-1998 Dodge Cummins,

The 6.2/6.5 GM diesels seem to eat pumps around 100-200k miles.

Bio300TDTdriver · #7 07-22-2007, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

1994-1998 Dodge Cummins,

The 6.2/6.5 GM diesels seem to eat pumps around 100-200k miles.

My '95 6.5 Chevy. ate its first pump at 12,000 miles and its second one at 55,000 miles.
My uncle dropped a Cummins into a 1 ton GM tow truck he had. He was sick and tired of working on the 6.5. I wish I had some pictures of that.

Chris

300TDBioBenz · #8 07-23-2007, 12:12 PM

Also, from your name do i guess that biodiesel is part of the equation? My understanding from many of the diesel truck guys, maybe loyalty, is that ford is the way to go. I know that the fuel has been good to mine for the past two years and a friend of mine has run biodiesel in an expedition for four or five years with no ill effects.[/QUOTE]

I hope to run biodiesel and to add a second tank for grease

Bio300TDTdriver · #9 07-23-2007, 09:06 PM

Yes, I run commercially produced B99 in both vehicles. I agree that Ford makes a better truck, but Cummins makes a better engine and you can only get it in a Dodge. Have you seen the new fire breathing 6.4 PowerJoke? The video has been out for a few months now. I think it was even posted on this site.

Chris

300TDBioBenz · #10 07-23-2007, 10:00 PM

Is there something I should look for in an older engine, red flags, etc?

300TDBioBenz · #11 07-23-2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veg_svc

The only real problem with the IDI is the probability of cavitation. .

What's cavitation?

#12 07-23-2007, 10:24 PM

The dodges started with the Cummins in 1989, but you should look for 92+ as they are intercooled.

Cummins also approves B20 biodiesel, in their later/new engines..

#13 07-23-2007, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300TDBioBenz

What's cavitation?

It's when the cylinder liner expands and contracts so rapidly that it expands air bubbles in the coolant and makes them implode. Each time they implode, they take away a little metal with them.