|
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Good job! Put the old girl on Craigslist and buy a new one with a warranty. They are much better. easier on the wallet for repairs too.
|
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Hey Steve,
Glad the direction of this ordeal finally went to your favor, and I am sure you are too. Now drive that sucker for another 15 years, but don't paint it or touch it in any way other than normal maintenance. How many people do you know that tow their original unrestored survivor Firebird with their original unrestored survivor Suburban? LOL. Glad it worked out for ya. Dave |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: njsteve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The passenger side head was removed and head gasket was OK. The diesel tech said that the coolant was only coming out of the driver's side rear cylinder. So they are replacing both head gaskets, head bolts sets, water pump, (since it's the original one), etc., and reassembling everything. Might be back on the road next week. (Fingers crossed) </div></div>you're not redoing the heads or at least truing them up?
|
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
The shop is actually an authorized GM medium duty repair center and they have been working on 6.5s for several decades so I have been following their advice. They verified that the heads were flat and good to go. They were rather amazed at the condition of the heads and the inside of the engine in general. Their advice was essentially: yeah, you could spend several thousand on new heads but you won't see much of an improvement in performance or reliability so why spend the extra money. Especially since the engine wasn't run and overheated from the blown head gasket, it was shut down immediately.
In addition to the new head gaskets and new head bolts, we are putting on a new water pump, vacuum pump, 2-1/2" crossover exhaust manifold pipe, and one new valve cover. The valve covers have no gaskets and use only silicone sealer - if the flange is bent from prying it off, replace it, especially if it is on the turbo side because it is no fun to chase oil leaks under all that turbo hardware. All the parts being replaced are the original 1995 components so after 18 years they deserve a break. |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: [email protected]</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good job! Put the old girl on Craigslist and buy a new one with a warranty. They are much better. easier on the wallet for repairs too. </div></div>
I am happy to accept donations for a new $60K diesel truck in case you're offering. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] Since "Babe, the Big Blue Ox" is a member of the family we will keep her another 18 years or so. |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
She lives! I stopped by the diesel place this afternoon and they had already got her back together and they were test driving, and checking for any initial leaks, etc. Another day or two to verify everything is up to spec and then I get her back!
(after I pay the bill of course... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img] ) |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: njsteve</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: [email protected]</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good job! Put the old girl on Craigslist and buy a new one with a warranty. They are much better. easier on the wallet for repairs too. </div></div>
I am happy to accept donations for a new $60K diesel truck in case you're offering. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] Since "Babe, the Big Blue Ox" is a member of the family we will keep her another 18 years or so.</div></div> OK Steve. Good luck with the old girl. Hopefully no rust will creep up. |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Back in action.
Good stuff. Ryan |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Sounds like luck is with you Steve.
|
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
The jury is still out on that one until after I see the actual repair bill!
|
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
I was rummaging through the file I have on my truck and found my original window sticker from when I bought her new, back in '95. I ordered the truck with 3.73s but for some stupid reason the dealer changed it to 4.10s without my permission. The fuel mileage would have been a lot better with the 3.73s...
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...ow_sticker.jpg |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
When did they stop putting the Diesels in Suburbans...........That's what I wanted when I ordered my DuraMax pick-up in 2006.......the Salesman told me they didn't offer the Diesel option in Suburbans because the engines didn't make enough heat to keep the interior of the Suburban warm in the winter???
|
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
When the Suburban got remodeled in 2000 was when they dropped the diesel engine option. It had nothing to do with heat (that sounds like a typical salesman response, though [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] ) It was about the new Duramax 6.6 and Allison transmission not fitting the floorboard architecture of the new Suburbans.
The 6.5 Detroit Diesel in my truck used the 4L80E heavy duty 4 speed trans. |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
And how does it Run?
|
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Just got her back this afternoon. She runs great. Final bill was $3,400. Of that $1100 was for parts - head gaskets, 34 head bolts at $7 apiece, new waterpump (which was the most expensive part) and assorted hoses, serpentine belt, thermostat, gaskets, etc. Since this is a GM repair center all the parts were at list price. But if something goes bad, they cover the part and the labor to remove and reinstall. All in all, I got away reasonably cheaply considering a new engine would have added about $6400 more to that amount.
Before it could leave the dealer, the 80+ year-old owner had to test drive the truck. He has been running the dealership for the last 56 years and nothing leaves without him first approving the work. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] In case anyone needs some diesel work done, here is a link to their place: http://www.colonialmotorsofnj.com/Au...chburg-NJ.html |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Great to hear that it all worked out for you Steve! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]
|
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Sounds like a really good place to send business.
Glad it worked out without the additional 7K Ryan |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: njsteve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
In case anyone needs some diesel work done, here is a link to their place: http://www.colonialmotorsofnj.com/Au...chburg-NJ.html </div></div> Good to know they're trust worthy Steve. Thats not far from here. I've driven past that place many times. |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
I tried to buy a new truck from them in 07. Would not budge on the price snd not except a GM supplier discount coupon. Then would not trade the truck to the other dealer down the highway who would. Wound up buying a different truck from the 2 nd dealer. Maybe this is why they only fix and not sale new trucks.
|
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
They were probably part of gm bankruptcy restructuring
|
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: njsteve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When the Suburban got remodeled in 2000 was when they dropped the diesel engine option. It had nothing to do with heat (that sounds like a typical salesman response, though [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] ) It was about the new Duramax 6.6 and Allison transmission not fitting the floorboard architecture of the new Suburbans.
The 6.5 Detroit Diesel in my truck used the 4L80E heavy duty 4 speed trans. </div></div> The Dmax/Ally fits fine, it's the intercooler that is the issue...it's a popular swap among GM/Duramax enthusiasts, and most simply go with a 2 inch "reverse rake" body lift for the extra intercooler clearance or a few have gone with a custom shorter intercooler, but the engine/trans will clear, and everything bolts/wires up pretty straight forward [good thing about the GMs]...DuraBurb converts several a year, as do several guys over at Dieselplace. There's finally starting to be a few guys using the Dmax/4L85e combo out of the vans, which I always thought would be the way to go for a Suburban anyway...still plenty of hp/tq but better economy because of the more conservative tune and less hp robbing trans...the 8.1L/4l85e was a good combo in the Suburban minus the fuel mileage, but the Dmax would help that. |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Steve,
Glad to hear it was a lighter hit to the wallet than you originally thought. |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Steve,
This is awesome news. It sounds like you are happy you went with the shop that you did. Piece of mind means a lot. If you devide this head gasket "maintenance" up over the life of the truck you are doing great. I'm happy for you and ol blue, Jason |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Yeah, the repair cost was only 10% of the original sticker price of the truck (before the 10% website coupon discount they gave me).
[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Steve, had you already moved your PMD out from under the intake? I relocated mine to the top side of the intake with a heat sink to get a little more life from the PMD but they still don't last forever. Glad your back on the road again. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/burnout.gif[/img]
Tommy [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif[/img] |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Relocated it long ago. I actually have it mounted behind the front bumper, inside the air intake duct so it is getting cool air when the truck is moving.
|
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
BTW, anyone have a nice used rear bumper for a 1993-2000 Chevy/GMC truck? I just noticed mine has a rust hole starting near the tag light. A new GM piece is crazy expensive (PN 15025375) and everyone says the aftermarket ones are too thin and the mounting holes are wrong. A nice used one would be fine.
(I already ordered new floor mats as a Christmas present for the truck...) [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Aftermarkets are not to bad. i think the GM ones are around $350.00 but they fit real well.
|
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Now that the truck has been reincarnated with the new head gaskets, I have been showering it with gifts. She does drive so much nicer now and gets better mileage, too!
I replaced the set of Interstate batteries the day before our temps fell to -7 degrees here, last week. When you own something so long you lose track of time. Turns out that the two batteries lasted 7-1/2 years and were only rated for 6 years. They definitely make a difference on a diesel, where you have to have two batteries due to the 20 to 1 compression ratio. she sure spins over fast and starts on the first crank, now. I also upgraded to the 1997-2000 "K47" High Capacity air box which uses the giant tubular filter instead of the flat panel model air box on the earlier models. Since a diesel operates on an unmetered air supply, it needs all the air possible at all times. Only the fuel is metered. They also require cold air from the front end of the truck via the inner fender ducting, and no hot under-hood air. Here is the original, restrictive, flat panel filter box found on the 1993-96 6.5 diesels: https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2-p1010983.jpg I was able to find the correct K47 air box set up from a 1998 6.5 Diesel GMC 3500 dump truck in a local junkyard. The diesel K47 set up is a unique component and nothing interchanges with air boxes on the gas-engine trucks of that era. It cost me $40 which was a bargain since the air boxes normally trade in the $150 range. Here is what it looks like: https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...3-p1010979.jpg The crazy looking 2" tubing is just a noise reduction tube. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-p1010973.jpg The big problem I ran into was that the unique piece of ABS plastic tubing that inserts into the air filter and mounts into the turbo rubber bellows was mangled beyond repair. It seems that whoever bought the turbo off that 1998 dump truck removed it with an axe instead of simply unscrewing the hose clamp that retained it. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif[/img] https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-p1010976.jpg I did have to order the air box mounting bracket from GM. That piece cost me around $60. It is a rather unique piece and has two studs attached to it that lock into the two grommets that are in the bottom of the air box base (which BTW are discontinued from GM so I found two perfect replacement grommets for $2 in the hardware aisle at Lowes). Got the air box installed today. I had to improvise a bit and it actually worked out better than finding the correct GM duct piece. I went to the plumping aisle at my local Lowes and bought a 90 degree, 3" inner diameter, PVC elbow for $4. One end fit perfectly in the new air filter element. As for the turbo bellows end, in order to keep the positive battery cable bolt from rubbing on the "new" duct, I mounted one end of the elbow in a vice and used my heat gun to heat up. I was able to then squeeze one end into an oval to match the bellows and also clear the battery bolt. I imagine it also flows a helluva lot better than the original piece that necks down from a round 3" intake to an oval 2" wide exit. Here is the final result: https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...6-p1010992.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...47_airbox_.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-p1010993.jpg |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
BTW, for anyone looking for a "K47" High Capacity Air Box, I'll let you in on a secret... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img]
The only difference between the standard air box found on every 1997 to 2000 6.5 diesel and the extra cost, optional K47 was the paper element itself. All the plastic pieces were the same. If you paid the extra $50+ for the "K47" option back in the day, all you got was an extra-restrictive, air filter element with a foam outer cover recommended for hi-dust environments only. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Steve, why didn't you stick with interstate batteries?
|
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
That's what I was thinking. They served you so well!
Jason |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Didn't have a local guy anymore who dealt in them and I needed them in stock, ASAP.
|
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
I found a really nice used bumper on Craigslist for $120. It came off a 1996 Tahoe. I spent the week descaling the back of it and then painted the back side with POR15. Those things a really heavy! The mounting bracketry is welded to the bumper core. No wonder they are so expensive. After getting it all ready I then removed the original bumper off the Suburban. Planned obsolescence by GM created a nice area behind the licence plate mounting point that is unwashable and unreachable with a hose, so they just start rustng internally from day one.
I also spent last weekend replacing the tranmsission cooler lines, which, Iike the factory steel and rubber oil cooler lines, leak fluid at the crimp joints where the steel and rubber lines meet. BTW, Dorman makes better replacement trans and oil cooler lines than the AC/Delco lines, which leak after only a few months. They are also held in with those crazy little, wire C-clips. So now every steel line that was rusty or could rust in the near future has been replaced: brakes, fuel, oil cooler, and transmission cooler. Next week I install the last of the gifts: a new Diamond Eye high flow exhaust with a 3" turbo down pipe and 4 inch exhaust and muffler. This is the system that all the 6.5 guys use. Got it from Summit Racing with free shipping. According to the guys who have installed the system, it's good for an extra 1 mile per gallon. When your'e getting 14.5 mpg, every little bit helps. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] |
Re: My Truck's engine blew on the way to MCACN...
Installed the DiamondEye 4" exhaust with muffler today. Got it from Summit for $259.97 with free shipping. Went in surpisingly easy. Hardest part was getting the clamp ring on the turbo. That took 45 minutes of finagling with two of us groping around above and below the truck (on a lift, of course). Sounds great and feels a little bit peppier than it did with the factory installed, crimped 2-1/2" downpipe and a 3" muffler and tailpipe.
All the hanger clamps lined up correctly when we put the trimmed to fit, straight pipe ahead of the muffler instead of behind as pictured in the not-so-detailed diagram. Took around three hours to install. Finished just in time to drive home in yet another snow storm. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img] |
| All times are GMT. The time now is 05:51 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.