and a good diesel will start right up and idle smoothly. now a 617 is a five cylinder and the engine will hop up and down a bit at idle but the firing will be smooth if the cylinders are all firing equally. it will smoke black a bit on heavy acceleration or pulling a hill. it should shift smoothly but firmly with no slipping.

engine tranny and body are the things to check.

good luck

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.