I have a 6.2 engine with a Banks sidewinder turbo, and I want to replace the 6.2 in my suburban with this engine. For two reasons-


First, this engine has GM goodwrench valve covers on, which might indicate it was a crate motor right? Where are the #'s I need to cross reference this engine located?


Second, the engine in the suburban right now has well over 250,000 miles on it, and is a total dog. I dont trust it very much, since I can be rolling down the road and the oil pressure fluctuates by 20 pounds.


The engine with the Banks turbo has a blown head gasket, which gaskets should I go with when replacing them??


Also, when I picked up this truck with the Banks engine, the guy said the only way to start it was to spray it with eather(spelling)? Once the truck starts, it runs great, so what should I look for when I replace the head gaskets? I already bought new glow plugs-since the eather probably popped the old ones. I'm waiting to install them until I replace the gaskets.


Am I way off track here?? Suggestions??

The goodwrench valve covers probably mean it is a replacement engine. There is a block number behind the driver's side head that will help in figuring out what it really is.

I would go with the 6.2L fel-pro head gaskets. Some people recommend the 6.5 gaskets on a turbo 6.2, but some 6.2 heads have an extra water passage that the 6.5 gaskets won't seal.

Cracked heads are common on 6.2 and 6.5 heads. The cracks most often occur between the valve seats, so when you pull the heads off the engine you should check it out. The repair isn't that expensive and a competent machinist will know how to do it.

Another thing to check for is cracked main webbing in the block. Another common 6.2 problem.

I would put your good engine on a stand, check out the heads and block, check the bearing clearances while you're at it, and definately replace the timing set, oil pump and rear main seal. If everything looks good then it's ready for your truck.

Also, the head bolts are torque to yield and should not be reused. Fel-pro also makes the bolts. The valve covers and the oil pan don't need a gasket, just RTV. You do need the rubber seal that seals the back of the oil pan, though.

If it's hard to start and needs ether then the glow plugs or glow plug controller is probably bad (but it could also be bad timing or slow cranking speed). I've had good luck using ac delco 60G plugs and a manual switch setup. If that's not your thing, then you can update to a newer controller and still use the 60G plugs.

Jeremy

I agree. squirting ether in the motor is about one of the worst things you can do. There are warnings against doing that very thing on every diesel I have seen. And are certainly clearly displayed on my aircleaner lid wich would be obviously missing with the Banks kit on it.

A crate engine could be a 6.5L. Check it out. GM would know.